Women’s Lacrosse Runs #Steps4Blairbear Virtual 5K
November 24, 2020 | Women's Lacrosse
BOSTON – Last Thursday, the Boston University women's lacrosse team participated in a virtual 5K for #Steps4Blairbear.
Blair is the two-and-a-half-year-old cousin of Emily Vervlied and was recently diagnosed with Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP). HSP is an extremely rare genetic disorder that primarily causes progressive weakness in the legs. Over Blair's first two years of life, she had trouble meeting her gross motor milestones, though no one could pinpoint the problems. After countless doctors, therapists, and tests, she was formally diagnosed with HSP.
Blair's condition is de novo due to a mutation in her genes, meaning she may never walk unassisted and will likely be confined to a wheelchair. Instances of her mutation have also resulted in the loss of upper body function and inability to speak. Currently, there is no cure or treatment for HSP. However, scientists are studying HSP and researching treatments and potential cures for this disease.
Wanting to help raise funds and awareness, Vervlied and the Terriers completed the 5K around campus in pods, and aided the #Steps4Blairbear campaign in raising over $35,000 for HSP research.
"It was so heartwarming having my entire team find a way to run or walk the 5K in support of my cousin," reflected Vervlied. "By raising awareness and funds for Spastic Paraplegia, we hope that in Blair's lifetime there are treatments to stop or reverse the progression of her disease that can allow her to have the same physical opportunities that we take for granted."
Blair is the two-and-a-half-year-old cousin of Emily Vervlied and was recently diagnosed with Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP). HSP is an extremely rare genetic disorder that primarily causes progressive weakness in the legs. Over Blair's first two years of life, she had trouble meeting her gross motor milestones, though no one could pinpoint the problems. After countless doctors, therapists, and tests, she was formally diagnosed with HSP.
Blair's condition is de novo due to a mutation in her genes, meaning she may never walk unassisted and will likely be confined to a wheelchair. Instances of her mutation have also resulted in the loss of upper body function and inability to speak. Currently, there is no cure or treatment for HSP. However, scientists are studying HSP and researching treatments and potential cures for this disease.
Wanting to help raise funds and awareness, Vervlied and the Terriers completed the 5K around campus in pods, and aided the #Steps4Blairbear campaign in raising over $35,000 for HSP research.
"It was so heartwarming having my entire team find a way to run or walk the 5K in support of my cousin," reflected Vervlied. "By raising awareness and funds for Spastic Paraplegia, we hope that in Blair's lifetime there are treatments to stop or reverse the progression of her disease that can allow her to have the same physical opportunities that we take for granted."
Players Mentioned
M
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