Proceeds of Braveheart race to benefit local organization

This year’s proceeds of the sixth annual Braveheart charity race will benefit an early childhood development organization, The Up to 3 Early Intervention Program. The race will be hosted by a group of USU students. Up to 3 got involved with the race when they referred Baby Aadyn to Braveheart as a candidate for the fundraiser. Baby Aadyn had been diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy and unfortunately, passed away in February just before her first birthday. With the race scheduled for mid-April, the child’s family decided to donate all proceeds to the organization that helped them in honor of Aadyn.

“If she could help somebody else with her little life then that would be the best way to honor her,” said Brittany Rostron, Aadyn’s mother. “Giving back to the people that helped us in our time of need just seemed like the best decision and I hope that other families will be able to benefit from her run.”

This will be the first year the race has benefited an organization instead of a specific family in need.

“Because Braveheart was addressing the needs of a medically complicated child, I had talked with them about using the funds in the name of the child who passed away for other medically complicated children,” said Sue Olsen, the division director of Up to 3. Up to 3 has received twice as many referrals to the program this year, creating an increased need for funding that Braveheart donations will help with. “The funding from the race will help us provide services to the families in a timely manner,” said Marla Nef, the program coordinator of Up to 3.

The race will be held on Saturday, beginning at 9 a.m. near the Taggart Student Center and the LDS Institute Building on Utah State’s campus. Participants may choose to run a 5K or 10K. A fun run will also be available for children who wish to participate. Participants may register online, although same day registration will also be available. Donations are also welcomed through the Braveheart registration website.