Sammy's Run Provides Inspirational Platform

SARASOTA – As she watched several special needs children and their families cross the finish line to a chorus of cheers, Susan Lomas was once again reminded of how just much of an impact her family has made.

Sammy Lomas, 17, was the eighth person in the world and the first in utero to be diagnosed with 22q13 depletion syndrome. Now referred to as Phelan-McDermid Syndrome, the genetic condition is found in approximately one percent of the people with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

"It’s not something that somebody wishes for, but it is what it is," Susan Lomas said. "He has changed our lives for the absolute better."

For the last 34 years, Dick Hoyt has pushed his wheelchair-bound son, Rick, in road races, marathons and triathlons throughout the country. Susan’s husband, Rich, is a runner who was inspired by the Hoyts.

Rich’s desire to run with Sammy was the genesis of Sammy’s Run. Members of the faculty at Sammy’s school, Oak Park School, and the Manasota Track Club also joined the cause to make the event, which promotes awareness of Phelan-McDermid Syndrome and helps raises for Oak Park’s Parent-Teacher Organization and the Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation, a reality.

Runners of all ages and abilities took to Oak Park School and the surrounding area for the third annual Sammy’s Run on Saturday morning. Susan Lomas estimated that at least 800 competed in the USA Track & Field-certified 5K race and 150 more participated in the 1-mile fun run.

In addition to the competitors and spectators, 100 volunteers and various corporate sponsors helped Saturday’s event raise somewhere in the neighborhood of $30,000.  No matter how much Sammy’s Run brings in, what it provides is invaluable.

A series of short dashes designed for special needs children followed the conclusions of the 5K and the 1-mile fun run. Whether they ran, used assistance or had to be pushed by family members, they all had a much-deserved moment.

"I think the people that came out should be inspired by the kids and the (Oak Park School) staff," Susan Lomas said. "The kids should inspire everyone. I know that they’ve inspired me. I hope they’ve inspired you. That is true for all the kids. They’re just inspiring because all they’ve had to go through."

More information on the Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation can be found here.

Click here for results from the third annual Sammy’s Run.