The annual Race for Riley event recently celebrated its eighth year. Started by the family of Riley Peek, a young girl with a mitochondrial disorder, the race benefited the Joseph Sams School.
The 2012 race was held April 28 with runners, walkers and families crowding the streets of the Serenbe community. The event included a 1-mile fun run, a bike ride, Tot Trot, and a 5K race. Results are available at raceforriley.org.
“We raised about $78,000 with almost 1,000 participants,” said Riley’s mom, Waynette Peek. “The day was amazing.”
Riley attends the Joseph Sams School which serves children with disabilities. She was diagnosed with a mitochondrial disorder just after her second birthday. The disorder affects brain function, and causes muscle weakness and gastrointestinal problems.
Mitochondria are found in each cell of the body and are responsible for energy production. The Race for Riley first began as a fundraiser for the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, but in 2009 added the Joseph Sams School as the receiving charity.
At the Fayetteville school children with special needs receive important therapies. More information on the school may be found online at www.josephsamsschool.org .
