St. Catherine’s Academy (SCA), an Anaheim-based all-boys’ Catholic school with a military tradition, will be running and jumping at the chance to fight Friedreich’s Ataxia disease and heart disease on Wednesday, May 31. The dual fundraiser will gather 170 cadets in grades Transitional Kindergarten to 8th grade to help raise awareness and important funds to fight these critical diseases.
Every year, SCA hosts the annual Jog-A-Thon that raises donations for research and programs of the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance. Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA) is an inherited gene disorder that damages and debilitates the nervous system and affects 1 in every 50,000 people in the United States.
SCA cadets will run in honor of Chelsea Lane, who lived with this disease since the age of 5. Chelsea lost her battle to this terrible disease at the age of 19 but remains in the hearts of her St. Catherine’s Academy family.
“Chelsea was a special friend at St. Catherine’s Academy, and we are proud to raise awareness and funds for this critical disease in honor of Chelsea,” said Coach Greg Jones, coordinator of SCA’s Jog-A-Thon/JRFH fundraiser, and Athletic Director at SCA.
SCA will also participate in the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart (JRFH) program for the third consecutive year. JRFH teaches cadets the importance of physical fitness and leading a heart-healthy life while raising funds for other kids with heart conditions. Now more than ever, it’s crucial to educate children about maintaining healthy habits and participating in physical activities. Heart disease is still the
nation’s No. 1 killer of Americans. Students will receive CPR demonstrations led by CPR instructor, Hope Hynes.
“Our cadets will participate in this fun activity while becoming passionate about raising money for those suffering with heart diseases,” said Coach Greg Jones, Athletic Director at SCA.
For more information about St. Catherine’s Academy or to make a donation for this year’s Jog-A-Thon/JRFH program, please visit stcatherinesacademy.org or call (714) 772-1363.