Race for the Cure By Joshua Nishimoto | Photo Curtesy of Schweitzer

Calling all racers! Mark your calendars for 2,400 Feet of Schweitzer, the longest Giant Slalom in the United States. This year, 24 Hours for Hank once again presents this fundraising event to help raise money to cure Cystinosis. Teams of skiers, boarders and telemarkers will ride for prizes, bragging rights, an online auction and, most importantly, fundraising for Hank’s future, providing financial support for vital research for the cure to Cystinosis.

Cystinosis is a rare disease that affects a small population. In November 2007, Henry (Hank) Sturgis was diagnosed with Cystinosis, a rare genetic disease that affects 500 people in the United States (mostly children), and roughly 2,000 people worldwide. In 2008, Hank’s parents formed the organization 24 Hours for Hank, and soon after created partnership with the Cystinosis Research Foundation (CRF) to find a cure. To date, the foundation has raised over $1.25 million for Cystinosis research.

Thanks to the research performed by the CRF, in 2013, the FDA developed a slow-release formula of the powerful drug that helps children affected by Cystinosis that changed Hank’s daily dosage from six times a day to only twice a day.

Although 24 Hours for Hank has put on different events in the past, including Dinner with Ben Stein and Cycling for Cystinosis in 2012, currently you can sign up to race in the 2,400 Feet of Schweitzer Giant Slalom event on March 26, 2022 (online registration closes at noon on March 25), with all proceeds going to support 24 Hours for Hank and Cystinosis research. You can also visit 24HoursforHank.org/how-to-help for details on how you can become a 24 Hours for Hank Sustainer of Hope with a single one-time donation or set up a monthly donation, or donate by shopping on Amazon.com with Amazon Smile.