Braveheart Race Benefits Hyde Park Infant with Wolf-Hirchhorn Syndrome
Students from the Utah State University Detachment 860th Cadet Wing will host the second annual Braveheart Race March 31 to help support the family of Aliya Haslam, a four-month old Hyde Park infant born with Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome.
The condition is rare, affecting about one in every 50,000 children and is caused when genetic material is missing from an individual’s fourth chromosome. Children with Wolf-Hirchhorn Syndrome experience delayed growth and intellectual development, often accompanied by seizures, according to the National Library of Medicine.
“I didn’t even know WHS existed, but now we are blessed with a beautiful daughter who has it,” said Tarasha Haslam, Aliya’s mother. “Many of the symptoms of WHS are variable. We will use the money to help supply the resources Aliya will need for her hearing, vision and overall development. We will do all we can to help her be the best she can be and live a long and fulfilling life.”
The Braveheart race was established in 2011 as a service project by USU cadets to support members of the Cache Valley community. Last year, all proceeds — more than $7,000 dollars — benefited the family of Mason Johnson, a baby born with a congenital heart disease requiring multiple surgeries and an eventual heart transplant. The aim of this year’s event is to raise awareness about Wolf-Hirchhorn Syndrome and establish a fund for the Haslam family to offset the costs of treating their daughter.
“We’re inviting community members to get together for a common good, to promote wellness and awareness about this type of condition,” said Mitcheal Cooksey, assistant professor of Aerospace Studies and the 860th Cadet Wing Advisor. “This race brings the community together to help a person in their community. It makes it more personal. We really are making a difference in someone’s life.”
The 5k/10k race will begin at the Nelson Field House located at Utah State University. The cost is $15 to participate. Organizers encourage everyone to “be brave and help raise awareness about Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome.”
Register for the Braveheart Race online, or before the start at 7 a.m. at the east door of the Nelson Field House located on the USU campus at the corner of 800 E., 700 North, Logan, Utah. The cost is $15 to participate. Contact Joann Wade at (435)797-8723 or at joann.wade@usu.edu for race information.
For further information from the Haslam family, contact Tom Broschinsky at 435-535-1396 or by e-mail at tom.broschinsky@gmail.com.
Contact: Tom Broschinsky at 435-535-1396, tom.broschinsky@gmail.com
The Haslam family with baby Aliya.
Proceeds from this year's Braveheart Race will provide support for Aliya Haslam’s needs.
The Braveheart race was established in 2011 as a service project by USU cadets to support members of the Cache Valley community.
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