Fundraiser to benefit The Shepherd’s Gift

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BROOKINGS – The Shepherd’s Shuffle Charity 5K and one-mile run/walk starts at 7 a.m. Saturday at the SDSU Research Park, 2301 Research Park Way in Brookings.  

The event being held is in conjunction with the South Dakota Sheep Growers Annual Convention. All proceeds go to The Shepherd’s Gift: GM1 for HD, a charity whose mission is getting GM1 into clinical trials for the treatment of Huntington’s Disease (HD) and other neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. 

All are invited to join in for a quick loop around the research park for the one-mile fun run or add a trip through the McCrory Gardens Arboretum for the 5K. Relay teams of three enter to do the three-mile event. The first 150 participants will receive wool running socks donated by Farm to Feet, a T-shirt and goodie bag. The first-place male and female 5K finishers will receive a sock drawer makeover from Farm to Feet valued at more than $200. 

Aramark will provide breakfast after the event.  

Register at http://allsportcentral.com/EventInfo.cfm?EventID=65624 through Thursday. Cost of registration per individual is: 5K ($35), one mile ($30) and three-mile relay ($30 each). 

Families are welcome. Children, whose parent signs a waiver, can participate for free with a registered adult. 

Early packet pick-up and late registration is from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday at the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum, 925 11th St., Brookings. 

In conjunction with the South Dakota Sheep Growers Association Convention, all are welcome to stay for the “Night at the Museum” event. Cost is $15 payable that evening. Race day packet pick up and late registration is at the SDSU Research Park from 6-6:45 a.m.

The Shepherd’s Shuffle is dedicated to the memory of Robin Oss, who lost her battle with Huntington’s Disease on Aug. 13 at age 44.  

Oss received her degree in social work from Augustana University. She worked as a social worker with Siouxland Mental Health for only seven years before she was forced to retire due to her HD symptoms. She mainly worked with troubled children.

HD has been described as Parkinson’s, ALS and Alzheimer’s all rolled into one disease. 

 Researchers say GM1 ganglioside shows great promise for halting the progression of HD and possibly reversing symptoms. It is a natural molecule found in brain cells of all mammals which protects and regenerates neurons. HD, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s patients are deficient in GM1.  

A special genetic line of sheep, which have GM1 gangliosidosis, accumulate GM1 in levels 40 times normal and can be the replacement source of this essential protection needed for the brain cells of these patients. Help The Shepherd’s Gift raise money to get GM1 into clinical trials and to the families in need of a treatment. 

For more information visit www.shepherdsgift.org.