This October, we conducted the 4th annual global virtual fundraiser to support SDS research. The theme this year was 4 MILLION STEPS CLOSER TO #CURESDS.
When? October 1-7th, 2023
Where? Virtual! Run/Walk/Roll wherever you like! Plus local events hosted by community members.
What? Fun!!! Fundraise and Run/Walk/Roll in your community!
Why? To build community and raise funds for SDS research!
How? Register here - now closed. See you next year.
Event T-shirts were available in our Bonfire store, here! And we created CUSTOM TEAM T-SHIRTS by request.
Drumroll, please! Congratulations to John, Jaclyn, Team Nora & Kayla, and Team Declan! You each won in a category of the annual fundraiser for research - 4 million steps closer to #CureSDS. Your prizes will be in the mail, soon. Together, we took over 3 million steps and raised over $7,000! We had 10 fundraising teams, over 100 donors, and 50 people taking the steps challenge. Thank you to all who participated! You all stepped up to the plate to make SDS patients' future brighter. Can't wait for next fall to continue the tradition.
Winning team for the most fund raised
Winning Team for the steps count challenge
Winner of the individual steps count challenge (men)
Winner of the individual steps count challenge (women)
Now in its fourth year, this is the only global, annual fundraising event, dedicated to SDS research. In line with our mission to #CureSDS through our strategy & roadmap, we are raising funds to accelerate therapy and cure development for Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome, a rare genetic cancer predisposition disorder that affects hundreds to thousands of children and adults worldwide. Four million steps are too much for any single person. But together, the steps add up. Together, we can get there!
Favorite memories
Curious about how we did last year? Check out the 2022 recap, here.
The logistics
Join the SDS Alliance's 4th annual fun run challenge fundraiser! This is a virtual event and will take place October 1-7, 2023. Everyone is invited to turn hope into action and take steps to #CureSDS - you can walk, run, crawl, roll, swim, or lean back and support those who do by making a donation. The steps and run challenges - step counting, miles, and more - will be managed on the count.it app. We are currently evaluating whether to use their new or classic app, and will make it available mid September. Registered participants will receive detailed instructions on how to join and/or create teams via email prior to 10/1/2023. The main challenge will be step-counting during the week (October 1-7). Let us know if you would like to see additional types of fitness challenges! Invite your family, friends, and neighbors to participate! Registration is free! See the instructions below to learn how you can set up a fundraising page for your child, yourself, or a loved one, and easily invite others to join in your fundraising efforts! As always, 100% of funds raised from the community go to SDS research accelerating therapies, with no overhead! This year, we continue expanding the toolbox for SDS research and start to seed fund drug screens and development as part of our roadmap. Through fundraising and donations, you will play an integral part in driving progress! How to participate: Step 1. Register Register for the 4 Million Steps Closer to #CureSDS fun run by a) setting up a personal fundraising page (team), or b) supporting the fundraiser of your loved one! To set up a personal fundraising page (also known as a team), simply click "I Want To Fundraise For This" on this page, follow the instructions, and customize it with your own content! Everyone loves to see photos of your SDS hero! Pro tip: Add a link to your custom T-shirt campaign from step 2! To register by supporting the fundraiser of your loved one, simply make a donation in any amount to their team/fundraising page! You may have already received the direct link to their page from them. If not, you can find the teams on the main fundraising page. Step 2. T-shirts (optional) Order the event T-shirt to get into the team spirit. We have general event T-shirts, AND we can create custom T-shirts customized with your team name. If you are a team captain, contact us to get your custom T-shirts up and running. Order by 9/14 to receive them in time for the event, and allow extra time for shipping outside the USA. Step 3. Spread the word Share your fundraising page via social media and email and start raising funds for SDS research! Expand your reach by asking family and friends to set up their own fundraisers or promote yours! Increase Awareness! Post photos with your family/friends during the event and let us know who you are running for! Use hashtag #StepsToCureSDS on all social media platforms! Step 4. Walk/run/roll... During the week of October 1-7, hook up your favorite tracker to the count.it app (instructions will be emailed to you) and start taking steps (walk, jog, roll, dance,...) to #CureSDS. Most importantly, have fun! Step 5. Get Rewards Your fundraising efforts are so important and impactful toward accelerating research for therapies and cures, we want to thank you and reward you for your efforts. Raise funds on your personal fundraising page and will send you the following*: Raise $40: Get a canvas tote bag* Raise $400: Get a tote bag, plus an event mug with a delectable chocolate bomb* Challenge winners in each category will get bragging rights and both gifts* above! *Items are subject to change, and we will reach out to you first to confirm your shipping address, preferences, and size. ~~~~~~~~~ Questions? Email us at connect@SDSAlliance.org