On a brisk March morning, more than 200 registered participants gathered for the 10th annual Super Eliza 5K—the largest turnout in the event’s history.
Co-hosted by the Pediatric Pharmacy Association student chapter at the USC College of Pharmacy since 2014, the community fundraiser has raised more than $132,000 to support research into a rare disease affecting children.
“Imagine Alzheimer’s and dementia, but in children. In a nutshell, that’s what every family of children with Sanfilippo syndrome faces,” according to the Cure Sanfilippo Foundation website.
Sanfilippo syndrome is a terminal, neurodegenerative disease with no FDA-approved treatments or cure. Glenn and Cara O’Neill, parents from South Carolina, founded the Cure Sanfilippo Foundation in 2013 after their daughter, Eliza, was diagnosed at age 3. Their mission: to turn hope into action.
Cara O’Neill, a pediatrician and now chief science officer for the Cure Sanfilipo Foundation, connected with PPA through faculty advisor Christina Cox.
“Each year, we do a presentation for the current students on the latest progress that Cure Sanfilippo is making in research, clinical trials, and family support,” says Glenn O’Neill. “We offer real-world examples of the drug development process—and the opportunities and challenges that exist—and hopefully spark their interest in pediatric rare diseases.”
It gives us the opportunity to step outside the classroom and do something tangible, something human, for a family that has trusted us with their story ... It’s a legacy of hope that we’re honored to be part of.
More than 25 student pharmacists volunteered this year to secure donations and sponsorships, spread awareness, and serve as course markers, face painters, check-in table attendants and sign makers, while dozens more participated in the race.
“There is a tremendous amount of work that happens behind the scenes over the course of several months,” said Logan Miller, student pharmacist and PPA chapter president. “Seeing it all come together on race day—and knowing the impact it will have—is incredibly rewarding for everyone involved.”
Glenn O’Neill echoed the impact of student support.
“We are so thankful for the volunteer efforts from the PPA over the years,” he said. “We could not pull this event off without them.”
More than just a service opportunity, the Super Eliza 5K is a deeply personal and professional reminder for students of the human impact behind pharmacy practice.
“It gives us the opportunity to step outside the classroom and do something tangible, something human, for a family that has trusted us with their story,” Miller said. “I know that years from now, when we see the research funded by this foundation published or hear about a new treatment, we’ll feel proud to know we played even a small role. It’s a legacy of hope that we’re honored to be part of.”
Topics: Pharm.D. Program, Student Organizations