The 2021 North Carolina Walk-Run-N-Roll

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On October 11, 2006, Sarah Pritzker woke up and couldn’t feel her arms, legs, or anything from the chest down. This event was followed by a diagnosis of transverse myelitis and a two-month stay at an inpatient rehab hospital. Fifteen years later, Sarah volunteered with SRNA to hold the first North Carolina Walk-Run-N-Roll this October.

Friends and family of the SRNA community from all over North Carolina and beyond gathered at the Sandra & Leon Levine Jewish Community Center on October 17th. After enjoying some breakfast bites generously donated by Poppy’s Bagels, participants congregated in their bright orange event t-shirts to hear from speakers. Sarah gave everyone a warm welcome, outlined the events of the day, and thanked event sponsors for their support.

Sarah then shared her experience with transverse myelitis, followed by her mother Carole Pritzker. Carole described her experience as both a doctor and a parent of a person with a rare neuroimmune disorder. The final speaker was Carley Spisak, who shared her experience as someone with MOG antibody disease.

Then, it was time to walk in the sunshine! Adults and children took several laps around the track, some pushing strollers and others on scooters. After the walk, everyone had time to connect while decorating pumpkins donated by Harris Teeter.

We are so grateful for each person who came out or supported us from afar! Together, we raised nearly $5,000 to fund SRNA’s research, education, and support for those with rare neuroimmune diseases. Event sponsors included Alexion – AstraZeneca Rare Disease, Genentech, Horizon Therapeutics, and Brownlee Jewelers.

Gathering safely together was more special than ever after the past few years. Finding connection together is one of the things that makes the SRNA community unique. We are so grateful to Sarah and the other volunteers who worked tirelessly to make this first North Carolina Walk-Run-N-Roll a success, and we cannot wait to do it again next year!

If you would like to host a Walk-Run-N-Roll in your community, contact us at [email protected].