Advocate's 5K to support Adult Down Syndrome Center
Hundreds of Chicagoland residents are expected to move in the name of health and wellness at the second annual Fitness, Fun for Everyone 5K Run/3K Walk, 8 to 11 a.m., Saturday, May 31, at the Advocate Medical Group Adult Down Syndrome Center, 1610 Luther Lane, Park Ridge.
The Advocate Lutheran General Hospital Fitness Center is organizing the event to raise awareness and funds for the ADSC.
"This is a fun event that promotes fitness and inclusion of people with and without Down syndrome," said Brian Chicoine, M.D., director of ADSC. "We hope to see you there."
The medical care and programs provided at the center are funded primarily through donations, which are critical to providing personalized care. For more than 20 years, ADSC has medically treated 5,500 patients with Down syndrome, both physically and mentally. It's the only one of its kind in the Midwest. The ADSC also has facilitated connections between its patients and much needed social agencies to promote health. An expansion in 2010 allowed the ADSC to bring more healthy lifestyles programs to its patients, enhancing its holistic approach.
The Fitness Center started a ZUMBA Fitness class, which quickly became popular among patients, last spring.
"The run/walk event seemed like a natural extension to further improve the mobility, health and wellness goals of the patients at the Adult Down Syndrome Center," said Sarah Childers, site coordinator of the Advocate Lutheran General Fitness Center.
Advocate hopes to nearly double the number of people who attend the 5K Run/3K Walk and raise twice as much in money compared to last year. As the Chicago area's largest health care provider, Advocate Health Care's Lutheran General will be mobilizing teams from within and at its sister sites: Good Samaritan Hospital (Downers Grove), Good Shepherd Hospital (Barrington) and Condell Medical Center (Libertyville). The Fitness Center also is engaging the surrounding Park Ridge community and families with a loved one with Down syndrome throughout the Chicago area.
"This is fitness, fun for everyone," Childers added. "We've had children as young as 5 years old and adults as old as 70 participate. We not only want to promote the Adult Down Syndrome Center and the Fitness Center, but also the overall importance of fitness and wellness for everyone."
The family-friendly event is open to runners, walkers and spectators alike. The cost is $30 per person. Families of four or more receive a 20 percent discount, and ADSC patients and nonpatients with Down syndrome can participate for free. Parking is available nearby for free.
Same-day registration and check-in will be available from 7:15 to 7:45 a.m. To register, visit www.advocatehealth.com/ADSCRun2014 or call (800) 3-Advocate.
A celebratory picnic featuring a live DJ and a ZUMBA demonstration will follow the 5K Run/3K Walk from 9 to 11 a.m. Participants are asked to bring their own refreshments.