Raising Awareness for Williams Syndrome: Christchurch Half Marathon 2019

I was first made aware of Williams Syndrome in 2018 after meeting young Henry Stilwell, brother of my good friend George. The Stilwells are an inspiring family that give a lot to promoting and developing the Williams Syndrome NZ community to support people of all ages with the condition. After seeing all that they do and the impact it has on the WS community, I want to do a little to help too!

I am running the 2019 Christchurch Half Marathon to help raise funds for the Williams Syndrome Association NZ (see more about this and where the funds go below). George and I can often be found running laps around Hagley Park early in the morning - so, to keep up to date with trainings, check out George's Instagram: @runswithgeorge

About Williams Syndrome

Williams Syndrome is a genetic condition that is present at birth and can affect anyone. It is characterised 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.

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

W: www.williams-syndrome.org.nz

FB: www.facebook.com/WilliamsSyndromeNZ/

IG: @williamssyndromenz