Jason Boschan conquered all seven continents running marathons in honor of his papa. Saturday, he will conquer the 37th of 50 U.S. states raising money for Alzheimer’s and dementia research during the Garmin Kansas City Marathon.
“7 million people in the U.S. have Alzheimer’s and that number is going to jump to 13 million by 2050,” said Boschan. “It’s really important the work we’re trying to do and awareness we’re trying to create in each of the different areas we come to run in.”
His non-profit, Run4Papa, partners with Northwestern University and its Alzheimer’s and dementia research program. The organization has reached 88% of its $400,000 fundraising goal.
“100% of every dollar we raise goes to research. No one is flying me out here and putting me up. I am here because I want to raise this awareness.”
The clinical research through Northwestern University Medicine is to help slow the progression of the disease. It is also looking to find a cure. Boschan says the goal is to give families more time with their loved ones.