One professor on campus is taking “run for your life” to a whole new level.
Dr. Erik Heine, professor of music theory, will run a 24-hour race in October to raise money for the Special Friends Foundation.
The 24 the Hard Way race will begin at 9 a.m. Oct. 25 at Bluff Creek Park in Oklahoma City, and end at 9 a.m. Oct. 26. The Special Friends Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing information and resources for families with children diagnosed with Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome (RTS). Heine’s son, Stephen, was diagnosed with the condition in 2008.
RTS is a genetic condition characterized by cognitive and physical disability, short stature, and other health complications. It is a rare disorder, affecting only one in 100,000-250,000 newborns, according to the Genetics Reference Organization. RTS develops from a mutated gene. Some patients with RTS are missing a gene entirely.
The Special Friends Foundation offers families financial assistance for medical and therapeutic expenses associated with treatment of the disease.
The Heine family received a grant from the foundation to provide Stephen with a specialized tricycle. Heine said his goal is to give back to other families who need the help the foundation provides.
“RTS affects every kid in very different ways,” Heine said. “The Special Friends Foundation is really committed to giving families the support that they need to deal with different issues their children are facing.”
Heine said he was inspired to run the race after hearing about other RTS parents running for charity. “I figured, anyone can run a marathon,” he said. “I wanted to do something crazy.”
Heine chose this semester to race bezcause he is on sabbatical, working on a book.
“I decided that training for this run would be a great way to break up some of the monotony of writing and get some fresh ideas,” he said.
24 the Hard Way is a race which features only one runner, who runs in a .97 mile loop in Bluff Creek Park for 24 hours straight.
Heine and his family hope to set up a tent in the center of the course for supporters to visit in shifts. Heine has trained for the race six days a week, running at least 50 miles a week.
He is no stranger to long runs, having trained for a marathon while writing his doctoral thesis.
“I’ve always loved to run, but this is something completely different,” Heine said. “I’m really excited, but also terrified. I have no idea what will happen, but I’m ready.”
While Stephen is not able to run with him, Heine said his son will be there to cheer him on.
“This event is about all kids with RTS,” Heine said. “It’s to help families like ours. What helps the RTS community helps Stephen. I’m running this for him, and the other kids as well.”
Kate Robison, music/theater senior, donated to Heine’s cause.
“I felt inspired to donate because of the closeness of this cause,” Robison said. “All of the music students on campus know Dr. Heine, and know how passionate he is about this.
“It’s very special to donate to a cause where you can actually see the effect. It allows us all to come together as a campus community.”
Those interested in donating can visit Dr. Heine’s website at http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/erikheine/24thehardway. An anonymous donor has agreed to match donations dollar-to-dollar for up to $10,000 raised.
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