Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy Awards 15th Annual Mitchell's Run Thru Rockford

HACKENSACK, N.J., Aug. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) – the nation's leading voice for patients and families impacted by Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne) – awarded Mitchell's Run Thru Rockford and the Peterson family with a "Change It Champion" Award, honoring 15 years of commitment to the Duchenne community by hosting their yearly event in Rockford, Michigan.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100119/DC39975LOGO )

Mitchell's Run started in 1999, shortly after Mitchell Peterson was diagnosed with Duchenne, by his parents. Since its inception, organizers of Mitchell's Run have donated 100% of all proceeds from the event to PPMD to help fund Duchenne research. Over 1,500 runners are expected to participate. To date, Mitchell's Run has raised over $750,000.

PPMD's President and CEO, Pat Furlong, has known the Peterson family since Mitchell was diagnosed and is thrilled to acknowledge the longest-running event benefitting the organization: "The race to end Duchenne is not a sprint – it is a marathon. And this community has been so fortunate to have Steve and Sandy Peterson, their family, and the entire Mitchell's Run team supporting our mission for 15 years now. The awareness they have raised, the money they have raised, have had an immeasurable effect on the fight to end Duchenne and we are deeply grateful."

Mitchell's Run Thru Rockford begins ten miles north of Grand Rapids in downtown Rockford at the intersection of Courtland & Squires streets. All race events start and finish at the Rockford Pavilion. The 5K Run/Walk course starts on the Bridge Street Bridge, loops through downtown, then along Rouge River on White Pine Trail, finishing on historic Squires Street.

To learn more about Mitchell's Run Thru Rockford visit MitchellsRun.org. For more about Duchenne and Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, visit ParentProjectMD.org.

About Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy
Duchenne is a fatal genetic disorder that slowly robs young men of their muscle strength. Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) is the largest most comprehensive nonprofit organization in the United States focused on finding a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy—our mission is to end Duchenne.

We invest deeply in treatments for this generation of young men affected by Duchenne and in research that will benefit future generations. We advocate in Washington, DC, and have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in funding. We demand optimal care, and we strengthen, unite, and educate the global Duchenne community.

Everything we do—and everything we have done since our founding in 1994—helps boys with Duchenne live longer, stronger lives. We will not rest until every young man has a treatment to end Duchenne. Go to www.ParentProjectMD.org for more information or to learn how you can support our efforts and help families affected by Duchenne.

SOURCE Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy