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MAKING PRECIOUS STRIDES, INC., A LOCAL NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION RAISES OVER $30,000 AND DRAWS 388 RUNNERS AND WALKERS FOR ITS FIRST ANNUAL ZACH’S RUN

ATLANTIC CITY – October 31, 2006 – On Saturday, September 30, Making Precious Strides, Inc. hosted the First Annual Zach’s Run, a 5K Run and 1 Mile Family Fun Walk. The event, held at New Hampshire Avenue and the Boardwalk in Atlantic City drew 388 runners and walkers and raised over $30,000- the majority of which will go to supporting medical research for Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) Type II, also known as Hunter Syndrome.

Children diagnosed with Hunter Syndrome lack the enzyme responsible for recycling mucopolysaccharides in the body. Without this enzyme, cellular waste products accumulate in tissues and organs, which then begin to malfunction leading to severe clinical complications and early mortality. At present, there is treatment for symptoms, but no cure for the disease.

The race’s namesake, Zachary Dearth, was diagnosed with Hunter Syndrome in the summer of 2005 at the age of 3. In May 2006, Making Precious Strides was incorporated in the state of New Jersey to raise awareness and contribute to national medical research initiatives for Hunter Syndrome. The organization was founded by Zachary’s parents, Chris and Cheryl Dearth, of Egg Harbor Township, NJ.

Donations to Zach’s Run can be made payable to Making Precious Strides, Inc. and sent to: Zach’s Run c/o Making Precious Strides, Inc. 3121-D Fire Road #321 Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234 info@ZachsRun.org or sponsors@ZachsRun.org email (856) 265-9417 phone / (609) 927-3780 fax.

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