Naperville Half-Marathon Takes On Special Meaning For Oswego Family
(CBS) -- An Oswego couple is gearing up for their first half marathon in Naperville this weekend.
As WBBM's Lisa Fielding reports, they're running in honor of their son who has a unique genetic disorder.
Kevin and Julie Peters learned their son Colin has a genetic disorder called Fragile X when he was 4 years old.
"Fragile X Syndrome is a genetic disorder. It has caused autism in my son, and he has a host of other issues," says Kevin Peters, a WBBM Associate Producer.
Fragile X also causes a range of developmental problems, including learning disabilities and cognitive impairment.
When they learned more about Colin's condition, Peters says the more they wanted to raise money and awareness. So, this weekend they'll be running in their first half-marathon.
"Neither one of us is a runner," he says. "Families are beleaguered when you have a special-needs child. It is exhausting and we soon realized we weren't alone. Once we decided to participate and come together for a cause, it really rejuvenates you."
The Peters family has already raised more than $3,000 for the cause.
"The science has figured out where this comes from. We believe we'll see a cure in our lifetime, at least in Colin's lifetime," Kevin Peters says.
The Greater Chicago Fragile X Support Group will receive a portion of the proceeds for educational opportunities, outreach, and support for families dealing with Fragile X.
More than 4,600 runners are expected to take part in this weekend's Naperville Healthy Drive Marathon & Half Marathon.
The race begins near the Naperville city center along Eagle Street, alongside the campus of Naperville Central High School and across the street from Naperville Cemetery and Sportsman Park. From there, the course heads first south and east, to Pioneer Park and over the first of two bridge crossings over the DuPage River.
