Hopkins Friends Host ‘Dash for Down Syndrome’

Brie Heinlein, Amy Jackson, Andrea Johnston and Liz Meyer have been best friends since they were students in together. So when Jackson’s son, Cody, was born in February 2011 with Down syndrome, her three friends were there to offer her all the support she needed.

“Not knowing ahead of time, it was obviously a really big shock for them,” Meyer said.

A few months later, Johnston and Meyer were discussing how to help Jackson while on a plane returning from a girls weekend. All the friends except Heinlein are runners, and Jackson and Johnston ran cross country in high school. So they decided to host a 5K run and walk in Cody’s honor.

“She was very touched,” Meyer recalled.

“Cody’s Dash for Down Syndrome” is set to take place May 19 at . The run will raise money for GiGi’s Playhouse, an organization whose mission is to increase positive awareness of Down syndrome.

Jackson chose GiGi’s because she could have used the informational resources the organization provides after first learning that her son has Down syndrome.

Cody is a sociable boy everyone loves, Meyer said. But people don’t always know how to respond to a child with Down syndrome.

“It makes people a little bit uncomfortable,” she said.

GiGi’s aims to change that by working to build communities that embrace individuals with Down syndrome. The organization has locations throughout the United States and Mexico, but the closest one to Minnesota is in Iowa. Thanks to the work of the four friends, though, GiGi’s is coming to Hopkins.

“The audience is already there,” Meyer said.

The friends expect Cody’s Dash to raise $15,000 through activities that appeal to both runners and non-runners. There will be live music, face painting, balloon animals, games and food trucks.

The event will also provide educational opportunities. Signage will be posted along the course with facts about Down syndrome, and GiGi’s Playhouse will have a tent.

And naturally, there will be one very important guest enjoying the festivities.

Cody.

“He is the happiest little boy,” Meyer said. “He’s really a bright spot in anybody’s life.”

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If you go …

Date: Saturday, May 19

Place: Burnes Park

Schedule:

• 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.: Race registration
• 2 p.m.: 5K Run/Walk Start (click here for route)
• 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.: Family fun events, including various games for kids, live band, and food trucks.

Cost:

• Through May 1: Runners, $30; non-runners, suggested donation of $10 per person; kids 5 and younger, free
• After May 1: Runners, $40; non-runners, suggested donation of $10 per person; kids 5 and younger, free

Click here to register or make a donation.

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