Team Zoey, an organization named after Verona’s Zoey Penny dedicated to fighting Progeria, announced it will present the sixth annual “Miles of Hope” 5k Turkey Trot at Verona Park on Sat., Nov. 26.
“This is an event that we have come to look forward to every year,” said Laura Penny, Zoey’s mother. “During a time of gratitude, we have so much to be thankful for and appreciate the support we receive.”
The 5K race and one mile “fun run” have become an annual event in Verona to raise money to battle the fatal disease that prematurely ages kids many times faster than normal. Registration for this year’s Turkey Trot beginning at 9:30 a.m. is open to participants for either the 5K or fun run.
Zoey, 7, was diagnosed with the rapid aging disease when she was just 5 ½ months old. Team Zoey, which her father, John Marozzi, formed shortly after Zoey’s diagnosis, is doing what it can to raise awareness and funds for the Progeria Research foundation.
“We are constantly blown away and overwhelmed by the support of the town and friends who have come out the past six years to help us raise money and awareness for progeria,” said Laura Penny. Progeria affects approximately one in 20 million people and there are an estimated 350-400 children living with Progeria worldwide at any one time. Currently, there are no approved treatments to cure or slow down the progression of Progeria.
To learn more about Team Zoey, visit www.teamzoey.com.
The Progeria Research Foundation (PRF) was founded in 1999 in response to the complete lack of progress being made to help children with Progeria. Today, PRF continues to be the only organization in the world solely dedicated to the mission of discovering treatments and the cure for Progeria and its aging-related disorders, including heart disease. To learn more, visit https://www.progeriaresearch.org.