I am writing to thank all of the participants and volunteers who made the third-annual Ponseti Races on Oct. 1 such a resounding success.

 

A record total of 603 people took part in the 5K and 10K races, including 89 youngsters ranging in age from 1 to 13 in the children’s race. The race are results are available online at www.uiortho.com/races.

 

The event recalls the legacy of Ignacio Ponseti, the creator of a nonsurgical treatment for clubfoot that has become the gold standard for treating this disorder.

 

This year’s event also honored the memory of Caroline Found, a 17-year-old West High student who lost her life in a traffic accident, and her mother, Ellyn Found, who lost her battle with pancreatic cancer following a brave and determined struggle. Ernest Found, father to Caroline and husband to Ellyn, was a friend and colleague to Ponseti for many years. Caroline’s West High volleyball teammates helped with a release of doves in the memory of Caroline and her mother, which touched everyone present. We thank all of them for being on hand.

 

We also thank University of Iowa football coach Kirk Ferentz for serving as the official starter for the 5K and 10K races on the team’s bye week. Thanks also to Chris Nepola, a student-athlete at Regina High School, who was the starter for the children’s race. Nepola received treatment for clubfoot from Ponseti.

 

Most of all, we are grateful to our sponsors, volunteers, organizing committee, runners and each of our supporters for all they do to help us run, so that in the future, all children will be able to overcome clubfoot deformities and run joyfully and carefree, as children should.

 

Paul Etre