Local dad’s backyard obstacle course raises funds for rare disease foundation

What started with one Chester Springs dad running for his son has become a 17-year family tradition, raising nearly $50,000 this year alone and close to half a million dollars over the years for the CdLS Foundation.

After the pandemic shut down in-person events in 2020, Mike Feehan created his own backyard obstacle course for friends and family so his son Connor could also participate. Connor has Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS), a rare genetic spectrum disorder that can affect growth, development, communication, behavior, and multiple organ systems. This year's event was special because it marked the first time that Connor participated as an adult since he turned 18 in December.

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"Transitioning into adulthood for children with special needs can be a difficult process. The CdLS Foundation has helped provide assistance and direction as we manage through the transition," Mike said.

The impact reaches far beyond one backyard: those dollars help the CdLS Foundation support families like Mike's, with resources and expertise, and advance research for people living with CdLS across the U.S. and beyond. In addition to being a parent, Mike is also a longtime member of the CdLS Foundation's board of directors.

The Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) Foundation's mission is to be a family support organization that exists to ensure early and accurate diagnosis of the syndrome and help people with a diagnosis of CdLS, and other similar characteristics, make informed decisions throughout their lives. https://www.cdlsusa.org