Fundraiser for Rare Genetic Disorder

Alex Prizzi's relationship with the Rachel Carson Trail Challenge goes back to 1997, when his dad, John Prizzi, was one of the 27 finishers at the second annual Rachel Carson Trail Challenge. Fifteen years later, Prizzi decided to take on Challenge himself.  "I had never been on the course before the event," explained Prizzi. The only advice he'd received from his dad: "It's a little hilly."  The second half of the Challenge turned into a death march and he swore he'd never do it again. (Spoiler alert. He does it again!) 

  

Prizzi went on to tackle the Challenge in 2018 and 2023.  Last year's completion was a little different, in that he attempted to do the Challenge twice. He started at 4:00 p.m. on the Friday before the event, did the course in reverse overnight, and then joined the rest of the competitors at the starting line at 5:00 a.m. the following morning. He made it 63 miles and DNF'd after taking a big fall down the rocky, root covered hill that leads down into Emmerling Park.

  

Right now, Prizzi is using the Rachel Carson Trail to train for the Cocodona 250, which starts on May 6 and goes through May 11.  This grueling race is 250 miles and 40,000 feet of elevation gain.  (The Challenge times six!) 

  

In the interest of giving back to his community, Prizzi is raising money for the Barth Syndrome Foundation (BSF). Barth Syndrome is an exceptionally rare genetic disorder that impacts the musculoskeletal system. Those afflicted are prone to injury, infection and significant heart problems. Many children born with Barth don't survive. Those who do, typically have an expected lifespan of 35 to 45 years. There are currently ~140 documented cases in the United States. One of them happens to be Prizzi's neighbor, Wyatt. Wyatt is a sophomore in highschool and a great kid. "Always kind and cheerful. He's one of those 'ray of light' people who just brightens everyone's day," explains Prizzi. It's in his honor that Prizzi is raising money for the Barth Syndrome Foundation. 

  

To be clear, the fundraiser is completely separate from the Cocodona 250 event. Prizzi has paid his race entry; all donations go to the foundation. The race is simply a vehicle for drawing attention to a great cause. Prizzi has worked with Emily Madalinksi at the BSF to set up a Donation Page specifically for this effort. 

  

Anyone interested in following along with fundraising and training updates is welcome to join the Public Facebook Group: Cocodona 250 for Barth Syndrome Foundation.  So far, Prizzi has raised over $4,100 for the foundation. Any and all support is greatly appreciated.