Rebecca Run set for July 8

The fifth annual Esso Rebecca Run for SMA will be held in Newmarket Saturday, July 8. The event, named for 6-year-old Limehouse girl Rebecca van Fraassen who suffers from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a devastating neuromuscular disease, will be held at Fairy Lake in Newmarket and will feature a 1 km SMA Scamper beginning at 9 a.m., 3km Walk at 9:15 a.m. and 5 km Run at 9:45 a.m. Since the run's inception it has raised more than $400,000 for cure/treatment research for SMA. Organizers hope to top the $500,000 mark this year. "We are incredibly thankful for the success we've had to date," said Louise Smith, Race Director. "Raising this kind of money is quite rare with a small family-oriented event." Darren Bray, President of the Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy Canada (FSMAC) said money raised goes toward research being carried out in Canada. "This is a very exciting time for us in terms of progress with SMA research, and we have great hope for children affected by SMA," said Bray. "Today, numerous researchers in Canada and around the world are focused on different aspects of the disease, with a view to finding a treatment or cure." The 2006 run is dedicated to six-year-old Hayden MacIntrye, who has beat all odds with SMA. He was diagnosed with SMA at the age of eight months and wasn't expected to live until his second birthday. He has participated in every Rebecca Run to date. As in previous years, the day's activities will include a post-race barbecue for all participants and volunteers, kid's face painting and draw prizes. A silent auction will feature more than 150 items valued from $5 to $1,000. "It is the commitment from Esso, Running Room, and countless other sponsors and volunteers that has allowed the Rebecca Run to become such a successful event. Esso in particular has come on strong with something called the Esso Community Program that encourages local, independently owned dealerships to promote and assist with local community events," said Smith. For more information on the run visit www.rebeccarun.com.