2nd Annual Team Julia’s Wings At The Kent Pumpkin Run

The Julia’s Wings Foundation (JWF) is very excited to continue their fundraising efforts at The Pumpkin Run in Kent, CT on Sunday, October 26th.  JWF was founded by the Malsin Family following the loss of their daughter Julia, and big sister to Alyssa, after a year long battle against Aplastic Anemia, which is a rare bone marrow failure disease.  Julia was 13 years old.

“We were so thrilled to have 250 runners/walkers out of the 700 participants last year, however, we hope to increase that number this year! This year Julia’s Wings Foundation has the opportunity to partner with the Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation to create a named research fund.  They will match our fundraising dollars up to $60,000 and it will be called the Julia Malsin Research Fund” said Mike Malsin.  “This is so amazing, because there is such a need for research for Aplastic Anemia and an investment like this can really make a difference.”

Julia’s family created the JWF in loving memory and celebration of their daughter. JWF is a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to families of children with life threatening hematological diseases and to medical professionals for healthcare research. The foundation provides financial support to these families to cover costs of travel, lodging, and other living expenses for qualified participants. In addition, JWF seeks to promote the advancement of research for Aplastic Anemia through contributions to organizations and individuals dedicated to this endeavor.

“This event is important to us for many reasons. Julia was hospitalized for over a year, spending as much as 6-8 weeks at a time in the hospital.  While battling her illness, what upset her more than the pain and physical limitations she was experiencing, was seeing other young children, fighting for their lives, without a parent or family member by their side at all times” shared Heather Malsin, “The support from our friends and community made it possible for one of us to be with Julia.  JWF was founded to provide such assistance to families of children with life threatening hematological diseases and to medical professionals for healthcare research.”  To join Team Julia or read more about the Foundation and its history visit http://juliaswings.org/  Mrs. Malsin added, “This is our way to repay the generosity of others as we will be eternally grateful for the support that we received.”

Any additional money raised will go directly to assisting families, whose children are fighting for their lives. The Foundation’s hope is that with continued research and funding, one child’s life may be saved and one mother, father, sister, and family will not have to endure the pain and suffering that Aplastic Anemia brought into the Malsin’s lives.

For more information on the Pumpkin Run, which is a USATF certified course please visit: http://juliaswings.org/kent-pumpkin-run/