Oreland 5K Runs into Sixth Year

The East Oreland Neighborhood Association (EONA) will hold its sixth-annual 5K Run, April 13.

In addition to the 5K Run, the event also includes a 1-Mile Walk  the Loop (joggers and strollers welcomed) and a Kids’ Fun Run, for youth up to 12-years of age.

The event, which will take place at the EPI Center, located at 100 Wischman Ave, Oreland, was originally held to benefit the March of Dimes.

“The 5K was started by a few women in the organization that enjoyed running and wanted to make the run a fun, family event that benefited those that needed it,” Danielle Coyne, Oreland 5K committee member said in an e-mail.

Soon after, EONA took up another cause, and has dedicated the event to benefit the Histiocytosis Association, which is dedicated to raising awareness about histiocytic disorders. According to Coyne, the change occurred in honor of her son, Aiden, a Jarrettown Elementary student who was diagnosed at 17-months with Langerhan Cell Histiosytosis (LCH), a rare blood disease.

“Aiden had multisystem LCH, which affected his bones, skin, liver, eye,” Coyne said. “He received chemotherapy treatments at 17-months-old until he was 7-years old.”

According to the Oreland 5K website, because LCH is so rare, there is no government-supported funding and little research has been done to find the cuase and cure for the disease.

While Aiden’s chemo treatments and medications seemed to help keep the LCH symptoms under control, Coyne said that his liver contracted a secondary disease, affecting his liver.

“Aiden started to not thrive or grow, and was often sick and weak because of his failing liver,” Coyne said.

In 2010, it was decided that a liver transplant would be necessary.

“On March 1, 2011, Aiden received his new liver,” Coyne said. “This new liver gave Aiden a new life.”

According to Coyne, Aiden attended the Oreland 5K in 2011 as a walking participant. At last year’s event (a year after receiving the transplant), Aiden ran the Kids’ Fun Run portion, providing hope and further validation for all those who support the Oreland 5K.

“He ran the kids’ half-miler and came in fourth overall, and second among the boys,” Coyne said. “This year he is determined to run the whole 5k.”

Heading to the 2013 Orleand 5K?

• When: April 13

• Event start: 7:30 a.m.

• 5K Race Start: 9 a.m., registration fee is $20; if register three or more $15 a runner.

• Kid Races: 9:45 a.m., registration fee is $10

• Walk Start: 10:15 a.m., registration fee is $15

• Where: EPI Center, located at Twining and Wischman Road in Oreland.

• Registration: Fees May be picked up April 12, from 6-8 p.m. at the EPI Center.

For more information, or to register for this event, visit the Oreland 5k website.