Run for Hope

Noah’s Hope, a local non-for-profit 501(c)(3), seeking to find a cure for children with a fatal and rare genetic disease, known as LINCL-Batten disease is pleased to announce “Run for Hope.”  The 5K race, “Run for Hope. Curing Batten Disease One Step at a Time,” is open to the public for registration and will be held on Sunday, May 20 at 8:30am in Downers Grove, Ill.   The race will start and end near The Downers Grove Swim and Racquet Club. 

“We are so grateful to the volunteers, Village of Downers Grove, The Downers Grove Swim and Racquet Club, the community, and so many others for making this race possible and helping us build awareness about Batten disease,” said Jennifer VanHoutan, mother or Noah and Laine.  “Our entire family will be there cheering on all the runners and walkers and thanking them for their support.”

Runners and walkers can register at www.signmeup.com/81924 or by visiting www.NoahsHope.com.  Registration costs $30 online and $35 on race day.  One hundred percent of the proceeds from the race will go towards finding a cure for this fatal disease that robs children of their lives. 

A complete map of the course is available at www.signmeup.com/81924. The race will be officially timed and t-shirts, goodie bags and refreshments will be provided.  Race packets can be picked up the morning of the race on Sunday, May 20th starting as early as 7am CST.  For more information, please visit: www.signmeup.com/81924.

In addition to the Run For Hope 5K, Noah’s Hope – Fun In the Sun will be held on Sunday, May 20 at the Downers Grove Swim & Racquet Club in Downers Grove, Ill. Fun In the Sun will feature The Jesse White Tumblers, magicians, balloon artists, train rides, a bouncy house, a petting zoo, face painting, swimming, the Downers Grove Fire Truck, and more! The fun begins at 11am CST.  The cost for entry for Fun In the Sun will be $10 per person, with children under 2 free. Food, beverages and game tickets will be additional. 

ABOUT NOAH’S HOPENoah’s Hope, a non-for-profit 501(c)(3) was established by Downers Grove parents, Jennifer and Tracy VanHoutan whose children Noah and Laine were diagnosed with the fatal disease in 2009.  Every day they work to find a cure for their children and others, impacted by the fatal disease.  LINCL-Batten disease affects fewer than 450 children in the United States.   Children with LINCL-Batten disease develop normally through their toddler years, giggling, talking, and running circles around their parents. By age three, they begin to have seizures and gradually lose the ability to walk, talk, and feed themselves. LINCL-Batten disease is ruthless. At this time it is fatal between the ages of eight and 12. For more information, about Noah’s Hope visit: www.NoahsHope.com.