Team KJ brought another part of its fight against Huntington's disease closer to home this year.
In the past, the group raised funds by .
There will still be a party, but this year it will be preceded by the Mickey Sullivan Duathlon to Fight Huntington's Disease, which begins 8 a.m. at Pearl River Middle School.
"This is our first year doing our own race," said Jennifer Dunne of Team KJ. "Not everybody could go to West Point. The work to do it is a challenge, but we wanted a more community-based race. It's coming together."
The duathlon was named for Mickey Sullivan, the father of two members of the Team KJ board who died from Huntington's Disease earlier this year. Participants can register online, find more information or make a separate donation at www.fighthd.org. Race-day registration begins at 6 a.m. with the duathlon starting at 8 a.m.
The race will begin with a two-mile run, followed by a 10-mile bike ride and concluded with another two-mile run. Follow the links to see the routes for each segment of the duathlon. The duathlon is sanctioned by the USTA.
"It goes through the woods," Dunne said. "I'm not a runner, but I think it is pretty nice."
Michael Bosco and Charlie Carroll are the race directors and Tom Doherty will be doing the announcing.
who is also battling Huntington's disease. Her father, retired New York City Firefighter Captain Denis P. Fleming, passed away from the disease, a degenerative brain disorder which is hereditary. More information about Huntington's Disease can be found on the Team KJ website here.
Team KJ has donated over $400,000 to research since 2005 and also supports families in the community dealing with Huntington's Disease. They work with the UC Davis Institute for Regenerative Cures, which was recently awarded a $19 million grant meant to help the institute prepare for the "first FDA-approved cellular therapy for HD patients."
