FARMINGTON -- A Farmington youth is asking the public for financial and other support for a race that will benefit patients with a serious disease that afflicts one of his closest friends.
Matt Haws, 14, a student at Farmington Junior High and son of Marty and Lisa Haws, hopes many people will turn out for the 5K run/walk, a 10K run/walk and a 5K kid walk Saturday, May 20, at Barnes Park, which is west of I-15 off the Kaysville exit. Some events begin at 9 a.m., others at 9:30 and 10 a.m.
All proceeds will be donated to Primary Children's Medical Center for neurological research in the name of Haws' friend, Andy, 14, Kaysville. The youth is critically ill with viral encephalitis and is not expected to live long. His parents have asked that their last name not be used. Viral encephalitis is a rare disease that affects people of all ages.
"Two years ago, Andy and I played on the same Junior Jazz basketball team. Now Andy is in a wheelchair. He is blind, unable to speak (and) has to be fed through a stomach tube," said Haws, who is organizing the race as part of his Eagle Scout requirements.
Haws said he would appreciate any donation, either in money or services, for the Saturday event.
Those who wish to make a cash donation should send their contribution to Andy's Run, P.O. Box 252, Farmington, UT 84025, or any branch of First Security Bank. For more information, call the Haws residence, 801-447-3570.