WAYNE – An event that started as an idea from Our Savior Lutheran Church was recently showcased during a six-mile bike or walk/run one-mile or 5k which also raised awareness about muscular dystrophy.
The Northeast Nebraska Muscle walk, run and bike event took place this past Sunday supporting a great cause.
Dr. Karen Longe with KEL Physical Therapy accepted the call after some members of Our Savior reached out to her to lead the effort.
“I had a great committee through the church, and we just pushed forward with our goals,” said Longe. “Number one raising money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, number two raising awareness in regards to Muscular Dystrophy and then number three was to pull the community together.”
Zach Jorgensen also spoke to the group sharing information about the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).
Although Jorgensen has his challenges with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, he shared his achievements by earning a Graphic Art and Marketing degree from the University of Nebraska – Omaha.
“He talked a little bit about a few of his friends who have muscular dystrophy and what they’ve been able to achieve in their lives,” Longe added. “He was just really an inspiration for all of us. It’s just fantastic to be able to listen to Zach speak and hear what he’s been able to do with his challenges.”
From the over 100 participants, a six-mile route was available for the bikers while runners and walkers had an option to take part in the one mile or the 5k. Over $17,000 was raised for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. MDA covers a range of neuromuscular diseases as Jorgensen has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Everyone who finished the Nebraska Muscle Walk, Run and Bike event finished through a balloon arch.
Pre-event music was also provided by Sarah Wibben while Dalton Rath performed in the post-event celebration. Both are Wayne State College students.
Longe would like to thank all the sponsors as well as Fire Chief Phil Monahan for allowing the group to start the race at the Wayne Volunteer Fire Department along with the 4th Jug for the use of the basketball courts for the post-event celebration.
Longe mentioned there has been discussion of hosting this event again in the future.
“So, we’ll see if we turn this into an annual event,” Longe mentioned. “I think it’d be fantastic and based on the support that we received this year I think it could definitely happen in the future.”
For more information, you can call 703-946-3227 or to contact Zach Jorgensen, email him at zach@zjmotivation.com.
