This event was organized in 2002 in memory of Teri Valocchi, a Downingtown native, who lost her battle with the disease on February 21, 2002. She was 48 when she died and left behind a husband and daughter, who was five years old at the time. When Teri was first diagnosed with the disease we did not know anything about it. Upon research we learned that nearly 350,000 people in the United States are affected by this disease. There is neither a cure nor an effective treatment to halt its progress. Our goal, with this event, is to educate people about the disease and to raise funds which go directly to the National Scleroderma Foundation and earmarked for research. Teri and everyone battling Scleroderma are why we run and walk Teri's Run every year. Even after her life, she continues to bring us together as a community to have fun, run, walk and raise awareness to help others. 

This event has not only become a family event in Downingtown, but it also draws people from our surrounding communities. The run is a fast, flat course, so therefore draws the elite runners from all areas. The walk course is through neighborhoods and draws many families who enjoy the evening stroll. In addition, we have kids runs prior to the run/walk event for ages 2 through 11.

*All proceeds are donated to the Delaware Valley chapter of the Scleroderma Foundation and the Scleroderma Research Foundation. Our donation is earmarked for research.