Miles for Drew -

Coast 2 Coast

Throughout the year of 2023, Drew’s Dad, on behalf of “Miles for Drew”, will be walking approximately 2,800 miles which is the distance between Manhattan NY and Las Angeles CA. Why walking? Why this route? Walking is symbolic because our children with DMD typically lose their ability to walk early in life, typically by their early teenage years. This route is symbolic because it’s the same route traveled often by Drew for experimental treatments which he underwent in Los Angeles and Manhattan. While Steve must stay close to home to assist Drew, he will be walking the !equivalent distance both locally near home in Central PA and during any traveling the family completes. He will be updating his virtual progress along the way and sharing some fun photos, stories, and detours of the family’s actual travels across the country over the past couple of years. At Wishes for Drew, we hope to raise money to fight DMD and of course awareness of DMD through this campaign. Please follow this link to contribute to the cause…and don’t forget to follow along with Steve’s floating head which will update his monthly miles completed and where he would be on the actual cross-country route.

2022 Harrisurg Marathon

On November 13th, 20 runners which is five full teams of four runners each, took part in the Harrisburg Marathon Relay. The “Miles for Drew” team ran over 130 combined miles in cold temperatures in order to raise awareness of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and much needed financial support to allow Drew to continue receiving treatments. Through cold and blustery conditions, these runners gave all out effort with smiles on their faces and shared many laughs under the team canopy, the “team house” for two of the relay leg groups, and at the after-party. We can’t wait to return for next year’s race with an even larger group of runners!!

Drew’s Beach Bash

Drew’s Beach Bash happened at the Harrisburg Beach Club on City Island, Harrisburg PA. The weather cooperated, the live music acts sounded great, the food truck was kept busy, and the drinks and good times were flowing. So many people came out to support us and we all had a great time listening to music, enjoying the views, and trying our luck at the 50/50 and raffles. Wishes For Drew Jewelry Co. also had their stand set up selling handmade jewelry to benefit Drew and his medical needs. This was a great time had by all and we can’t wait to revisit it next year!

Meeting Monsters In South Dakota

Not technically a fundraising event, but rather an event to celebrate many individuals who risked a lot to raise funds which benefitted Wishes for Drew and other children battling DMD! Mile Monsters who took on the Hoka Hey challenge which started and ended in Hot Springs South Dakota and which took place over 10k miles, all on motorcycle through tricky back roads. Drew met his friends Turbo and Gaven and hung out with a lot of Monsters!!

2nd Annual Paddle Against DMD

Our 2nd Annual Paddle Against DMD took place on June 25, 2022. This year it featured two kayakers taking on 50+ miles of the mighty (but shallow) Susquehanna River. Starting in Shamokin Dam and ending on City Island in Harrisburg, this event is designed to be symbolic in the physical challenge aspect (which children with DMD cannot do), as well as raise awareness and monetary support. We had a successful “Stack the Yak campaign” featuring stickers from many companies, bikers, and even some fun stickers from family and friends. 90+ degrees meant we had to work for it this year but it was a great success, nearly doubling last year’s fundraising efforts! Next year will be way way more fun and open to the community!

Pint Nights

These are non-ticketed events where we pack a local brewery to show support for their business and in return a portion of sales from that event goes to Wishes for Drew. These local events are great fun for an evening out, with drinks, food, and live music. Wishes for Drew also sets up a merch table with hand-made jewelry, support bands, shirts, and more.

Paddle Against DMD

We did our inaugural paddling event in May of 2021. A full 60 miles down the entire length of the Swatara Creek on a very cold and rainy day! We raised funds to fight DMD and had the sore muscles to prove it!