Cross the Finish Line for Caroline 5K

Loeys-Dietz Syndrome Foundation and Sportspectrum

On Saturday, March 3, 2012, the Fun Run will begin at 8:00 a.m. and the 5K at 8:30 a.m. Participants in the Fun Run are encouraged to come early to decorate their bib number.

Race day registration is at Elm Grove Middle School,
4301 Panther Drive (formerly Parkway High School) in Bossier City, Louisiana, at 7:30 a.m.

Race will begin at Elm Grove Middle School, next to Sun City Elementary. Enjoy a flat, scenic course through the Savannah Place neighborhood.

Pre-registration is $20.00 through February 22, and $25.00 thereafter, including race day. You may register by mail or in person with CASH or CHECK at Sportspectrum, 6970 Fern Ave, Shreveport, LA. CREDIT CARD registration must be made online at www.sportspectrumusa.com.

Race packets may be picked up early at Sportspectrum Thursday, March 1, and Friday, March 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or beginning at 7:30 a.m. race day. Every pre-registered participant will receive an official "Cross the Finish Line for Caroline" 5K t-shirt, so pre-register early.

Stick around after the race for a great post party with snacks, drinks, and music. Enjoy great chicken from Chick-Fil-A while listening to a variety of music provided by Buckshotz.

Fantastic prizes will be awarded to the overall male and female winner, as well as the male and female winner of each age group. Be sure to check the website for an up-to-date list of prizes. Age groups are as follows: 19 years and under, 20- 29 years, 30-39 years, 40-49 years, 50-59 years, and 60 years and over.

Our daughter, Caroline, is two years old and is a very bright and vibrant little girl. She was diagnosed with Loeys-Dietz Syndrome (LDS) when she was five months old. This is a rare genetic disorder that affects only approximately 250 people worldwide. She has been through more illnesses and seen more doctors in the past two years than most individuals will experience in a lifetime.

She has undergone multiple surgeries due to intestinal malrotation, rupture of her spleen, a broken arm, ptosis (drooping eyelids), and hernias. She has a mild aortic aneurysm, which is monitored closely by her cardiologist. When this aneurysm enlarges to a very specific size, she will undergo open-heart surgery to replace a section of her aorta. As a result of not having a spleen, Caroline gets sick very easily and is often on "house arrest" to remain isolated from various germs, causing her to miss many experiences of the typical toddler. Caroline also has a seizure disorder, which is unknown at this time as to whether or not it is a symptom of LDS.

Although it may be on her own schedule, Caroline is achieving new developmental milestones every day. She took her first steps just days before her second birthday; and within the past few months, she has become quite the little chatterbox! Despite all the challenges and obstacles Caroline has had to face in these past two years, she is a very happy, outgoing two year old who doesn't let anything stand in her
way.

Loeys-Dietz Syndrome affects all the connective tissues in the body resulting in cardiovascular, skeletal, craniofacial, and gastrointestinal problems. Although new discoveries are made everyday, little is known about this condition, as it was discovered just six years ago. With research underway, we are hopeful that more and more information will make it easier to cope with all the symptoms of this disorder. Your participation and donations will make this dream a reality for many individuals, especially our daughter, Caroline.

Don't miss out on an opportunity to win prizes. Everyone attending the event will have a chance to enter a free drawing to win a Garmin Forerunner 110.

Our daughter, Caroline, is three years old and is a very bright and vibrant little girl. She was diagnosed with Loeys-Dietz Syndrome (LDS) when she was five months old. This is a rare genetic disorder with a growing number of diagnosed individuals worldwide. She has been through more illnesses and seen more doctors in the past three years than most people will experience in a lifetime.

She has undergone multiple surgeries due to intestinal mal-rotation, rupture of her spleen, a broken arm, ptosis (drooping eyelids), and hernias. She has a mild aortic aneurysm, which is monitored closely by her cardiologist. When this aneurysm enlarges to a very specific size, she will undergo open-heart surgery to replace a section of her aorta. Caroline also has a seizure disorder, which is unknown at this time as to whether or not it is a symptom of LDS.

Although it may be on her own schedule, Caroline is achieving new developmental milestones every day. She recently began preschool at Sun City Elementary; and within the past few months, has become quite the little ballerina! Despite all the challenges and obstacles Caroline has had to face in these past three years, she is a very happy, outgoing three-year-old who doesn't let anything stand in her way.

Loeys-Dietz Syndrome affects all the connective tissues in the body resulting in cardiovascular, skeletal, craniofacial, and gastrointestinal problems. Although new discoveries are made everyday, little is known about this condition, as it was discovered just seven years ago. With research underway, we are hopeful that more and more information will make it easier to cope with all the symptoms of this disorder. Your participation and donations will make this dream a reality for many individuals, especially our daughter, Caroline.

www.sportspectrumusa.com