Tuscola residents run for local boy, Vanishing White Matter research

TUSCOLA, Ill. (WCIA) — According to the National Institute of Health, Vanishing White Matter Disease impacts around 2 in every 100,000 people. This rare condition was found in Nash Foreman, a 10-year-old boy from Tuscola, but a run in his honor is being organized to keep fundraising efforts going.

According to the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Vanishing White Matter Disease happens when a person’s body does not produce enough white matter, which is the substance protecting nerves in the brain from damage. This can cause muscle stiffness, poor coordination and can worsen with a head injury.

That’s exactly what happened. Nash’s mom Hannah Foreman said he was progressing normally in his development until he hit his head on a camping trip. It led to a full seizure, and at the hospital he was diagnosed. Nash’s story isn’t over, thanks in part to Run for Nash, a 5K dedicated to raising money for him and his family.

“What that means to us is like we know that there’s hope for Nash,” Foreman said. “And so, Nash and I attended a Lucho Dystrophy Conference in Chicago, and we have learned that there is not only one clinical trial, but human trial also right now there is two, with a third slowly approaching.”

Last year the Foreman’s donated $10,000 from the race to VWM research. Organizer Sarah Taylor said this year’s goal is to raise $15,000.

You can sign up at any time, but Taylor said they will be running a promotion on Saturday. If you sign up then, race fees will be $20, and you will receive a guaranteed shirt. It’s Oct. 26th at 8:30 a.m.

You can sign up or donate at Run for Nash .

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