Running with Wings 5k 5K4MJ.org

KANSAS CITY, Kan. - April 30, 2014 - PRLog -- Olathe, KS – May 1st, 2014 – 5K4MJ, a local, family-based non-profit organization, is working closely with the COPD Foundation to host a first annual 5K Walk/Run event.  All funds collected from the event will be donated to the COPD cause in hopes of finding a cure for the deadly disease. The 5K event will be held onJuly 12, 2014 at Shawnee Mission Park, Shawnee, KS.  The 5K Walk/Run begins at 8:00 am, followed by the Kids Fun Run, a COPD Honoree Walk and Raffle.

         5K4MJ’s mission is to host an annual community 5K Walk/Run event in support of individuals and families fighting COPD. 5K4MJ is determined to increase public awareness of this deadly disease, and with proactive education and fundraising efforts work together with to fight for the freedom to breathe. For those who are unfamiliar, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is an umbrella term used to describe progressive lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, refractory (non-reversible) asthma, and some forms of bronchiectasis. This disease is characterized by increasing breathlessness.

         There are currently very few non-profit organizations dedicated to the COPD cause.  5K4MJ is the first 5K event that benefits the COPD Foundation, and individuals are asked to help 5K4MJ fight for the freedom to breathe by participating as a walker, runner or volunteer.  Also, organizations are encouraged to sponsor the event through monetary or in-kind gifts, or by simply donating money.  Registration for the event is now open and interested participants are encouraged to register online atwww.enter2run.com.  For additional information on sponsorship opportunities, registration, and volunteer initiatives, please visit www.5k4mj.org or email cathy@hersinc.net

Symptoms of COPD include constant coughing (aka “smoker’s cough”), shortness of breath while doing activities individuals used to be able to do, not being able to take a deep breath, and wheezing, among others.  For additional information regarding COPD, including facts and figures, as well as other ways to get involved, please visit the COPD Foundation web site: www.copdfoundation.org.