By Danielle Sidi ’14, News Staff Writer
On December 2nd, Newark Academy hosted their 9th annual 5K run for FOP. FOP is a rare genetic disorder that causes muscles, tendons, ligaments and other connective tissues to turn to bone. Ian Cali, a Newark Academy alum who graduated in 2008, was diagnosed with FOP at a young age. Even though Ian graduated four years ago, the run still remains integral to the Newark Academy community. Christian Pinto ’13, a member of the Student Council, attests to this by saying “The outcome of the Run for FOP exceeded expectations showing the strength and the rigor of the Newark Academy community.”
The student council considered this year’s run a success. 101 participants signed up for the Run for FOP, exceeding their 100-person goal. The event raised over $15,500, and the money collected from the event was donated to the Ian Cali Fund at the University of Pennsylvania.
As always the Run fostered an environment of fun within the community. In addition to the usual 5K medals, awards such as Cutest Dog and Best Dressed were also given out. Even Newark Academy’s Men’s cross-country team came to the run in button down shirts and ties. Serena Gupta ’14, a volunteer at the run said, “Walking into the Great Hall that morning I could just feel the energy, everyone was really excited to be there.”
Yet, as Council Member Lauren Whelan ’14 said, “It is important to remember that although the Run for FOP is a great event, and a fun way to unite and support a cause, Ian Cali is facing the tough reality of a progressive disease.” This year, Ian Cali could not come to the event due to flare-ups in his legs that have prevented him from standing and walking comfortably.
So as the next, 10th annual, Run for FOP approaches, the student council and the Newark Academy Community plans to continue fundraising in order to find a cure.
Photographs courtesy of Georgia Bloom ’14. Click the thumbnails to enlarge.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.