Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Let 'Em Know 5k - Fragile X Syndrome


     I mentioned that I had registered for another 5k in July, this one is to raise awareness for Fragile X. It is a virtual 5k so I'll be walking/running it on my own during the month rather than en masse with everyone who is signed up to participate. 
     Much like Hip Dysplasia, I didn't know anything about Fragile X until recently. It was brought to my attention through social networking. A friend of mine from college has been posting about family members with Fragile X and was the one who alerted me to the 5k. I'm all about raising awareness; especially with the new understanding that without knowledge funding for early detection and treatment is almost impossible to find. 
     So the big question you're all asking is - What is Fragile X?
           "Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is a genetic condition that causes intellectual disability, behavioral and learning challenges and various physical characteristics. Though FXS occurs in both genders, males are more frequently affected than females, and generally with greater severity. (http://www.fragilex.org) The only way to identify Fragile X is to know what it is and push for testing. Without knowledge of the syndrome parents may not know to push for a better diagnosis than the one they may have been given instead.
     Please consider donating to our team and helping to raise awareness of something that affects people on a daily basis. Until you read this you probably had never heard of Fragile X Syndrome, but it is those causes that you knew little about that require the most help. If you want to check it out or donate you can do that here. http://www.crowdrise.com/Kathleen-NFXFLetEmKnow5k-kathl/fundraiser/michellemong

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