Mangini begins 1,000 mile run for Parkinson’s awareness
May 9, 2012
CHARLESTON, SC – May 9, 2012 – James Mangini began his 1,000 mile trek today to New York raising funds and awareness for Parkinson’s disease. Prior to that, about 50 supporters, including North Charleston Mayor Summey, attended a send off press conference for Mangini outside North Charleston City Hall.
Mangini’s father and several prior generations have suffered with Parkinson’s. The 32-year-old Mangini was shocked last Christmas when his father’s health had deteriorated since he had seen him only a few months earlier. He knew what he had to do. He contacted the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and a partnership was formed. Since that time, he has involved other supporters in the Charleston area, including AT&T and Home Telecom.
After a welcome from Mayor Summey, Mangini thanked those in attendance: “It means so much that everyone is supporting me in this way and also supporting the Parkinson’s community… What’s going to carry me is all the people who are in need; not only my father but the 5 to 7 million people globally who suffer from Parkinson’s and are hoping for a cure. I feel privileged and honored to run these 1,000 miles for that community and the Michael J. Fox Foundation.”
Jack Mitchell is regional director of external & public affairs at AT&T which is sponsoring Mingini by providing free WIFI all the way to New York City. Also, all the AT&T retail stores along the way will be there to greet Mangini and help raise money for the cause.
“At AT&T our motto is Rethink Possible, and we think James emboldens that philosophy very well,” said Mitchell.
David Baggs, director of advancement at Charleston Southern, stated, “CSU is very proud of James. He is one of our students in the College of Adult and Professional Studies and is a Board of Visitors member at CSU. I hope you will continue to keep James in your prayers over the next month.”
Before the send off, Mayor Summey stood before Mangini: “Heroes are not born,” he said. “Heroes are people who decide to take on things they have in their hearts; they move forward to make life better for other people. That’s what heroes are all about. James is a hero to the over 7 million people who suffer with Parkinson’s in this country.” Summey then committed to making a $2,500 donation.
To donate or to buy a mile, go to www.1000milemarathon.org
Pictured: Charleston Southern University James Mangini speaks to the media at North Charleston city hall as Mayor, and CSU alumnus, Keith Summey looks on.
