For more information on the 2009 Inaugural Walk in memory of Randy Duprey, visit www.walkforrandy.blogspot.com.
For more information on the Duprey family story, visit www.thedupreyfamily.blogspot.com.
BEEKMANTOWN — The first walk/run in the North Country in support of the Scleroderma Foundation honors the memory of a local father.
Kate Duprey organized the walk in memory of her husband, Randy Duprey, who died from complications of the disease Jan. 6, 2009.
She said her husband talked about starting a walk in the North Country as he was receiving treatment at Duke University in January 2008.
"Randy knew his path but didn't want anyone else to have to suffer with this disease," Kate said. "He wanted to do anything he could to help others not go through this."
HELP OFFERED
The walk is one of 12 sponsored by the Tri-State chapter of the Scleroderma Foundation, which covers New York, Connecticut and New Jersey. That includes nine events in New York state.
Before this, the closest event was in Albany.
"Randy wanted to get one closer to our area," Kate said. "I feel he's kind of driving the mission."
She posted information on her blog to ask for help to plan the event. Kate said she would've been pleased if 10 people showed up, so she was thrilled when about 30 people turned out.
The Tri-State Scleroderma Chapter also jumped on board. It printed the posters, which are on display throughout the area, and donated T-shirts and reusable grocery bags that participants will receive.
SUNDAY STROLL
The event will take place at 10 a.m. Sunday on a one-mile nature trail at Beekmantown Town Hall, located on Spellman Road.
There is also a nice play area for children.
Registration starts at 9 a.m. and costs $20, but those who can't pay will be able to take part, Kate said.
People who bring in $250 worth of sponsorships will receive a pair of stainless-steel Scleroderma Foundation travel mugs.
Proceeds from the walk will go to the Scleroderma Foundation.
The event will also include a silent auction, 50-50 raffle and bake sale. Those proceeds will stay to assist local people who face the disease, Kate said.
The band Applejack Country, featuring Randy's father and grandfather, will play afterward, as will Shameless Strangers, which includes Randy's brother, Kevin Duprey.
Kate said all three played their guitars and sang together to honor one of Randy's last wishes as he was passing away.
"I haven't heard them sing together since then," she said. "It will be kind of neat to hear them all play music together."
SON TURNING 2
Randy and Kate's son, Alek, will be 2 years old in July. Kate said he still occasionally says, "Bye Da" as he plays around the house.
"I don't know where I'd be without him," she said.
At first, she was told there's no genetic link in scleroderma. In later talks with a doctor, she was told there's a 10 times greater chance Alek will develop the disease, which usually shows up in the late teens or early 20s.
While there is no known cause, some theories include an environmental catalyst that causes the immune system to attack itself.
"The saddest part is there's no answers to this disease," Kate said. "I don't think you can find a cure until you find a cause."
E-mail Dan Heath at: dheath@pressrepublican.com
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