Starving For A Cure - Gastroparesis Oral Health 'Hybrid' 5K Run / Walk

The Starving for a Cure - Gastroparesis Oral Health 5K run / walk, is a hybrid "green out" event with the purpose of raising gastroparesis oral health awareness. Participants will be encouraged to wear green to show their support for Gastroparesis warriors. 

• Why hybrid? 
  • To allow flexibility and inclusivity in event participation. 
• How it works:
  • Virtual participants will have one week (September 17th -September 24th) to participate from the convenience of any location & with any physical ability. 
    • This unique online option allows flexibility for participants who cannot physically be present the day of the race, whether for geographic, scheduling, or health-related conflicts, to participate in some capacity while raising gastroparesis – oral health awareness.
      • Virtual participants with the ability to run/walk a 5K can participate from the convenience of their own neighborhood and on their own time.
      • The online event also provides to those who may not be able to physically run/walk, the unique opportunity to participate in a customized manner appropriate for their individual needs & abilities.   
        
        • Alternate participation examples include but are not limited to:  
          • Spend time in the great outdoors enjoying nature. 
          • Aerobic activities
          • Swimming
          • Committing to brush teeth 2X daily for a week. 
    • Virtual participants are all encouraged to upload a photo of themselves 'participating' in the event to the event website &/or social media page! 
  • In-person participants will join us live in Ann Arbor at the County Farm Park the morning of September 24th!!! 
    • Course Description - This 5K (3.1 miles) course consists of paved and unpaved trails. Participants will complete two loops. 

What is Gastroparesis?

• Gastroparesis is a debilitating gastric motility 'spectrum' disorder that results in some degree of stomach paralysis without obstruction.
  • Common symptoms include: pain, nausea, vomiting, reflux, feeling full quickly while eating, and bloating.
  • Causes: There are many causes and risk factors associated with the onset of gastroparesis, including diabetes, several autoimmune disorders, collagen diseases, organ transplants, viruses, and certain medications, only to name a few. However, the majority of individuals diagnosed are idiopathic (no known cause).
  • Treatment: There is currently no cure for gastroparesis and treatments options are very limited.  

Why are dental hygienists advocating for gastroparesis awareness?

• Digestion starts in the oral cavity, making it imperative for individuals with gastroparesis to maintain their oral function and health. 
• Dental hygienists are the leading oral-disease prevention specialists in health care.
• Dental hygienists recognize that many oral diseases/conditions are preventable (cavities, periodontal disease, gingivitis etc.), and are trained to provide evidence-based patient education and oral health therapies. 

*** Money raised by the event will go toward gastroparesis - oral health research which will largely be conducted by dental hygienists and dental hygiene students. 

* Registration by August 22nd guarantees an event t-shirt. T-shirts cannot be guaranteed for registrants after August 22nd.  

* Race fees are non-refundable.