Cystinosis fundraiser eclipses $40,000
Exhausted Sandpoint runner Chuy Fragoso sits at the finish line after running 120 miles in 24 hours, flanked by Cycling for Cystinosis event organizer Tricia Sturgis, left, and Cystinosis Research Foundation founder Nancy Stack, right. Fragoso raised a remarkable $8,172 dollars for 24 Hours for Hank, a non-profit organization raising money for Cystinosis. (Courtesy photo)
SANDPOINT — Every mile was worth $68, every hour was worth $340 and every minute was worth $5.67 as Sandpoint’s Chuy Fragoso ran a whopping 120 miles at the 24 hour Cycling for Cystinosis fundraiser in September in the Selle Valley.
Race organizer Tricia Sturgis said the donations have finally stopped coming in from the fundraiser for 24 Hours for Hank, which thanks to more than 90 cyclists, one runner and host of support and donations from the community, raised more than $41,000 dollars to help find a cure for the disease, which afflicts Sandpoint’s Hank Sturgis.
The lone runner at the event, Fragoso was responsible for nearly a quarter of that sum, raising more than $8,100 by pounding the pavement for 24 straight hours and more than four and a half marathons.
“That is the highest participant fundraiser the foundation has ever had,” said Tricia Sturgis, who called Fragoso’s feat amazing. “He ran for 24 hours, changing his socks and shoes every marathon. He put out a huge effort in obtaining pledges and we are very grateful for his support, dedication and courage to take on this challenge.”
Money for the event kept trickling in and the last pledge was counted last week. Jacob Styer cycled the most laps, cranking out 361 miles over the 24 hour race.
“I am so grateful and thankful for our many friends, our family and local community followers of our foundation, who have made huge sacrifices for Hank and Cystinosis,” said Sturgis. “We really appreciate everyone’s efforts to help find better medicine and ultimately a cure for Henry and all kids and young adults who suffer from this terrible disease.”
The organization will continue to accept donations at “www.24hoursforhank.org.” The ski event, 24 Hours of Schweitzer, will be held April 1-2, 2011. Registration will begin on Feb. 1.