On Saturday, Sept. 14, the first annual Walk and Roll to Cure Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD) was hosted at Chesterfield Central Park. 

Approximately 75 participants walked or rolled in the event to raise money for a specific form of muscular dystrophy, FSHD. 

“It’s a really fun and good place to go because you can see a lot of different types of people. It shows that disability is not a one size fits all,” senior Grace Annunziata said. 

Grace and her mother, Jennifer, both have FSHD.

“I was diagnosed at three, so I’ve known [I have MD] for about 15 years. It was pretty obvious when I was little, and it has gotten more noticeable as I’ve gotten older,” Grace said. 

Grace and her family have adjusted to life with muscular dystrophy in many ways. 

“Our house is all wheelchair accessible and custom built with wider doorways and ramps. It’s all one floor,” Grace said.

Although Grace’s condition can be an obstacle at times, she doesn’t let it prevent her from doing every day activities. 

“I’m used to it, so to me, it’s normal, but it takes us longer to do things,” Grace said.“It takes a long time to get in and out of the car, so we have a special car with a wheelchair ramp in it.”

The Annunziatas formed a team of friends and family to participate in the walk and roll, and they are planning to do it again next year. 

Many other Lancers participated in the event through volunteer organizations such as Key Club. 

“We rang bells and blew bubbles to bring up the energy when they finished the race,” freshman volunteer Mira Walden said. “Seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces as they came around the corner was so heartwarming.”

Jennifer is on the committee that organized the walk and roll, and she is already excited to start planning next year’s event. 

“All of the funds that we raised will go to help the FSHD Society to find a cure or treatment by year 2025,” Jennifer said. 

Currently, $14,500 has been raised, and fundraising is open until Sept. 28.