Racing against childhood disease
Jason Kahn (SMG’09) is organizing a 5K race to raise money for a type of brain tumor that affects children.
Jason Kahn (SMG’09), copresident of FightJPA at Boston University, is helping to organize the 5K race that will be the group’s flagship event, 5K for JPA. The race begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday, September 30.
The Boston University chapter of FightJPA, a nationwide group that raises money for research on juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma (JPA), a type of brain tumor in children, was founded last year by Eugene Mann (SMG’09). Kahn began working with Mann on the national Web site during the group’s planning stages last November. In January, they teamed up to organize events for the BU chapter, which now has about 60 members. “I’ve been focusing a lot on the logistics and promotions and the BU Web site,” Kahn says.
Online registration for 5K for JPA began in April 2006. Once registered, participants are given their own Web site, where friends and family can make online donations with a credit card. Kahn says the group has raised over $17,000 using this method.
Although online registration closes today, Kahn says those who want to participate in the 5K race may still register at the George Sherman Union Link for $25. Registration will also be available at 7:30 a.m. on the day of the race for $30. After the main event along the Esplanade, participants can enjoy a Finish Line Festival, with food, music, and prizes.
Kahn says that donations from race sponsors have been instrumental in contributing to the cause. “JPA is not a well-known disease,” he says. “It’s been underfunded and under-researched for many years now, so it’s a great cause to work on so it becomes more well known and funding can be created for research into it.”