This Sunday, the fourth annual Iggy’s Doughboy Dash will be held to benefit those living with Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) and bring awareness for the disease. The event will honor event coordinator Cathy Martin’s son Andrew, 16, and Zach McMillan, 10. Andrew and Zach, both of Warwick, have suffered from A-T for most of their lives.

Andrew was diagnosed with A-T at the age of four, but he has refused to give into the disease. He loves school, and he loves to watch sports, and even A-T could never deprive him of cheering for his favorite team, the Patriots.

Despite the difficulties the disease brings to him, Cathy says, “Andrew is doing very well. He was diagnosed with diabetes earlier this year, but it is being managed well and it is just another step in the disease process. He loves school, he has had an incredible time at Vets and the community there has been so helpful. He’s now excited to be going to Pilgrim next year.”

A-T, which affects approximately one in 40,000 children, is a rare genetic disease. It causes extreme fatigue, body tremors and enlarged blood vessels, amongst other symptoms. It has also been linked to diabetes and a 30 percent increased risk of cancer, specifically lymphoma and leukemia. Most sufferers will loose their battle by their early 20s, either to cancer or respiratory failure. There is no known cure for A-T, but each present symptom is approached separately to try to help enhance a patient’s living standard.

The goal of the run is to finish with the fastest possible time while eating six mini doughboys throughout the course of the race. This year the dash will introduce its new timed 5K-run/walk format, with the mini doughboy challenge being spread throughout the track, instead of all at once on a two-mile track. The challenge is not mandatory for participation, and all ages are welcome. There will also be raffles and other events taking place at the race.

“The new 5K route we have planned out is absolutely beautiful. It has a beautiful view along the shoreline. We have a great group of people here and we want everyone to just have fun,” Cathy said.

Proceeds of the race go to the A-T Children’s Project (ATCP). ATCP uses the funds raised in events like this to raise awareness, continue the search for a cure, and directly benefit those suffering from A-T and their families. ATCP gives families and patients free access to an A-T clinical center at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Maryland, as well as unique opportunities for clinical research studies. A-T research also aids in the research for connected diseases such as diabetes, immunodeficiency, and various cancers. Andrew recently participated in one such clinical research study. He, and others with A-T and similar cerebral diseases, took part in the first ever study of emotions and the learning process of people suffering from cerebral diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital. The goal of the study was to help inform teachers and educators of ways to help kids like Andrew to succeed in a learning environment. Although it may be too late to directly benefit Andrew, it may help younger kids like Zach have an easier time in school.

The Martin and McMillan families recognize the dedication Iggy’s has given them from the very beginning.

Cathy said, “Iggy’s and Dave have gone so above in beyond to help us, they give much more than the Iggy’s name to our event. It’s not possible for them to care anymore or go any farther than they already have.”

Dave Gravino, owner of Iggy’s and family friend of the Martins, said in an interview published on March 21, 2013 that “Andrew is a very special kid, and myself, Iggy’s and my wife will do anything to help. I think this event really fits into Iggy’s, Iggy’s is all about family.”

The families also thank the Paul Masse Family of Dealerships for their co-sponsoring of the race.

Racers may help raise additional money for the Dash by signing up sponsors. The top fundraiser, with a minimum of $400 raised, will win a GoPro Hero 4 Silver edition.

The Dash is going to be held at Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowder House at 889 Oakland Beach Ave, in Warwick. The cost on race day is $35 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. Registration will start at 8 a.m., with the race starting at 9:30. It is asked that racers pre-register if possible at www.atcp.org/doughboydash. Pre-registered adults will only be charged $30. A T-shirt is guaranteed to the first 500 to register.