Thomas is running his first marathon, the 2019 ASB Christchurch Marathon, to help support and raise awareness of Williams Syndrome
Canterbury
This year I set myself the goal of running my first half marathon, but after bumping into a friend and hearing a good cause, an opportunity came up to 'Run For Williams Syndrome' and I decided it was time to push myself and run my very first full marathon to raise awareness for those with Williams Syndrome!
****What is Williams Syndrome****
Williams Syndrome is a genetic condition that is present at birth and can affect anyone. It is characterized by medical problems, including cardiovascular disease, developmental delays, and learning disabilities. These often occur side by side with striking verbal abilities, highly social personalities and an affinity for music.
Williams Syndrome affects 1 in 10,000 people worldwide – an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 people in the United States and 200 in New Zealand. Many babies may have life-threatening cardiovascular problems. As they grow, they struggle with things like spatial relations, numbers, and abstract reasoning, which can make daily tasks a challenge.
As adults, most people with Williams Syndrome will need support to live to their fullest potential. As people with Williams Syndrome mature, they often experience intense isolation which can lead to depression. They are extremely sociable and experience the normal need to connect with others; however people with Williams Syndrome often don’t process nuanced social cues and this makes it difficult to form lasting relationships.
****About Running For William Syndrome****
Funds raised through this event will go towards the expenses associated with running biannual Williams Syndrome camps. Every two years the NZ Williams Syndrome Associations (NZWSA) holds a national family camp. This is the primary ‘gathering’ for the group and is eagerly anticipated by the members of the association. The camps are usually attended by 120 – 180 people. These camps are greatly beneficial for people with Williams Syndrome, parents and siblings.
For more information about the condition, check out our website, like the facebook page or follow the Instagram page
williams-syndrome.org.nz || facebook.com/WilliamsSyndromeNZ/ || @williamssyndromenz
Each week a new post is make sharing a story of someone in New Zealand living with the condition.
Running my first full marathon to help raise funds to help out those with Williams Syndrome
Not Long New! 31 May 2019
Race is on Sunday! Ive found my shoes and strapped myself up. The tapering has been going well.
Its your last chance to donate, EVERYTHING MUST GO! Please like, subscribe, and share for the post run updates!
Big thanks to everyone who has supported so far, you're all stars
Peace peace
Runners and walkers are participating in the ASB Christchurch Marathon on the 2nd of June to raise awareness about Williams Syndrome
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