Walk, run to benefit annual Matthew Dudgeon Memorial Fund

Chester — The sixth annual Matthew Dudgeon Memorial Walk and 7K Run will be held on Saturday, May 12. The walk and run will be held at the Chester Train Station. Registration for the run will begin at 7:45 a.m. and for the walk at 8:30, while the run itself will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the walk at 9:30. The fee is $17 for adults and $7 for children. Matty’s Story To honor the memory of their son Matthew, Gina and James Dudgeon established the Matthew Dudgeon Memorial Fund - to raise money for and increase awareness of a group of rare neuro-degenerative diseases. Matthew was seemingly normal until 16 months of age, when he was diagnosed with Leigh’s Disease. The rare mitochondrial disease is an inherited neuro-metabolic disorder that results in rapid, progressive degeneration of the central nervous system, similar to muscular dystrophy. Currently, diagnostic testing and treatment options are limited, prognosis is poor, and there is no known cure. Fifty percent of children diagnosed with Leigh’s disease don’t live past their third birthday. On May 12, 2000, after an 11-month battle, Matthew lost his fight with this terrible illness. He was 27 months old. Matthew’s parents established the memorial fund to raise funds to benefit all mitochondrial-related diseases that effect both adults and children. To date, the fund has collected and donated in excess of $100,000 to local families. The money has been used to cover mortgages, utilities, food, a much-needed piece of medical equipment, a handicap ramp and even expenses when families have to travel out of the area. A portion of the money raised this year will be donated to the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation. The rest will be dispensed to local families caring for terminally or chronically ill children. The Dudgeon family - Gina, James, Brian, and Stephanie - with the help of family and friends, have organized the yearly memorial walk.