Pound the Pavement for Peter is a Family 5K Fun Run that was started in 2009 in honor of Peter Hopkins, who, suffering from a Peroxisomal Disorder (PBD), lived his life with many disabilities, and eventually lost his life at age 3. This event is held to raise awareness and funds to help families and children with disabilities and debilitating diseases.

Based upon the success of this race in past years, we are overjoyed to announce that we are sharing the proceeds this year to fund 3 critical aspects to realizing the potential and hope for these families – Research, Medical Care and Inclusion in Education. We cannot think of a better way to honor Peter’s memory and other children like Peter than these charities who will enhance the lives of children and families living with severe disabilities.

The specific charities we will support this year are the Global Foundation for Peroxisomal Disorders (www.thegfpd.org), the Adaptive Learning Center(www.adaptivelearningcenter.org), and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (www.choa.org).

The Global Foundation for Peroxisomal Disorders (GFPD) was started by parents of children with Peroxisomal Disorders (PBDs) with the mission to assist families in enhancing the lives of children and to support research for the disease that took Peter’s life. The organization supports research specific to this disease, and it also supports families struggling with the difficult realities of this disease.

The Adaptive Learning Center is the only organization in Georgia that fully integrates children with special needs into typical preschools – with individualized support from special education teachers – they give children with disabilities the opportunity to be educated alongside their peers. The ALC utilizes a holistic approach to assisting infants and children with developmental disabilities and their families. Last year, they were able to impact the lives of over 500 individuals through partnership with several preschools in the Atlanta area.

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is an amazing organization that is so critical to children in Atlanta and the Southeast region. The money last year went to support the Pediatric Palliative Care Program, which is specialized medical care for children with serious illnesses. It focused on providing relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of serious illness - whatever the diagnosis. Not only does the intervention of palliative care slow the progression of disease and help relieve patient suffering, but they also may have a positive impact on patient outcomes. The Palliative Care program team collaborates with medical teams, child life and chaplaincy to provide holistic, interdisciplinary care for the child and family.

These are exceptional charities whose missions are to help children like Peter to realize their potential in life, as well as enhance and ease the journey for the child and the family.

Last year, more than 500 people participated in this lively 5K family fun run around Capital City Club - Brookhaven. We were all overjoyed funds that the event raised and by the support that the community has shown for this worthy cause. This year’s event is sure to attract a similar crowd and is guaranteed to be an inspiring fun filled morning.

In October of 2010, Peter lost his four-year battle with a peroxisomal disorder. During his short time on earth, he touched the lives of every person he came in contact with and will be remembered by all for his beautiful smile and his joyful presence. Children and families struggling with the reality of disabilities and medical fragilities hold a special place in all of our hearts. We are honored to see his life continue to make a difference for families with children with this disease as well as other disabilities through this race.