We Promised, YOU Delivered!
NEW Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease…YOU made this happen!
Northwestern CNADC Advisory Board
Jason F. Boschan becomes youngest EVER advisory board member at Northwestern University
I am honored and humbled to be the youngest person EVER to be appointed to the Advisory Board of the Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease Center at Northwestern University! #ProudPapa
2012 Northwestern CNADC PPA Conference
One Voice: Caring for EVERYONE with PPA
The 2012 CNADC PPA Caregiver Conference was an important day for those of us with loved one’s battling PPA. We had the sharpest minds in the field educating us on how to help those we love the most. As the morning kicked off, my vending booth was prominently located and positioned side-by-side CNADC’s to help promote the Run4Papa campaign. My booth had 3 main exhibits: 1. A personal letter of endorsement from Dr. Marsel Mesulam 2. A computer with Run4Papa.com pulled up for attendees to view and learn more about THE CAUSE 3. The newly launched Running Shirt – an opportunity for EVERYONE battling PPA to have their loved one’s name on the back of my shirt for the Great Wall of China Marathon – a BIG HIT!
The conference exposure was heart-warming because I had the pleasure of meeting caregivers whose loved one’s were diagnosed with PPA. While there were plenty of new names and faces, there were plenty of people attending that were following THE CAUSE online through social media like Facebook and Twitter. On top of all that, the most emotional conversations (if I am allowed to be biased) took place when speaking with patients battling PPA, all of whom were enthusiastically encouraging the efforts of the Run4Papa campaign.
With 324 attendees, the conference was tailored to family caregivers as well as health care professionals. Dr. Marsel Mesulam, Director of the CNADC and the man who first identified PPA, graciously welcomed everyone to the conference. Following his introduction, a lecture on the state of PPA research and treatment by Northwestern physician and assistant professor of geriatrics was delivered by Dr. Diana Kerwin. Our keynote address on “Behaviors, Language and Communication” was presented by Dr. Geri Hall (from Banner Alzheimer’s Institute in Phoenix), who has lectured and published widely on behavioral interventions and communication strategies in dementia, specifically PPA. The morning session ended with an interactive Q & A session from a panel of doctors and PPA caregivers. This opportunity provided audience members the ability to ask questions ranging from medical opinions, to family member reactions about PPA as well as expectations down the line for caregivers. When all the questions had been asked and answered, we broke for lunch and gave attendees more time to mingle amongst the vendors at the conference.
During the afternoon, the CNADC team organized 12 different breakout sessions for members to attend. Here were some of the choices:
a) Newly Diagnosed, Now What? b) Understanding Genetics in PPA c) Responding to Behavior and Personality Changes in PPA d) When is it Time? Identifying Options and Making Transitions for Care.
My parents split the meetings above while I attended the Support for Family Caregivers and Exploring Creative Art Therapies sessions. The caregiver session was unbelievably emotional because everyone shared their unique personal story. In the same respect, it was extremely helpful listening to everyone and learning how each person/family copes and adjusts to an ever-changing lifestyle of caregiving. Even though this was my first caregiver group experience, I could see the instant impact our dialogue was having on the faces around the table. One caregiver whose wife was diagnosed with PPA within the past couple years said, “I didn’t think I needed to come here before, because to be frank, I was in denial about my wife. This year, I realized that was a mistake. I will continue to come every year moving forward and attend the support groups for help and advice in the future.”
Similarly, the creative art therapy session was equally informative yet surprisingly entertaining. Through hands-on classroom activities, we learned how art, music and movement therapy help people diagnosed with PPA by maintaining their sensory and motor skills. The behaviors included expressing our inner thoughts by drawing pictures on paper, using hand gestures to communicate our emotions, and singing along to improvised songs instructing us to repeat specific lyrics.
As the breakout sessions finished, everyone headed back to the lecture hall for the conclusion of the conference. My What would you do for THE CAUSE? video was being shown and looped for roughly 15 mins on the big screen as everyone took their seats. Dr. Jennifer Medina concluded the day with her speech on “Stress and Caregiving: Mindfulness as a Coping Tool.”
I was so proud to share this day with my parents, family caregivers, patients, experts in the field-and of course-the CNADC team. The conference is an excellent resource for families and people fighting against PPA who want to be a part of a special team dedicated to finding treatment and a cure for this brutal disease.
If you couldn’t make it this year for whatever the reasons, please don’t miss it 364 days from now.
National PPA Conference
An Average Person Doing Extraordinary Things
2012 Annual PPA Conference – Saturday, March 24th
Thorne Auditorium, Rubloff Building
375 E. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
Come out this weekend and help Support the Journey to raise awareness for all those battling PPA everyday!
Click on Event Itinerary
Jason Boschan has partnered with the CNADC to raise funds in support of primary progressive aphasia (PPA) research. Jason’s grandfather, Dr. Louis “Papa” Heyman, a pediatrician for 50+ years, was diagnosed with PPA, a dementia that makes a person progressively lose the ability to communicate and comprehend language, in 2009.
Jason is running the Great Wall of China Marathon in May 2012 to honor his grandfather and EVERYONE battling PPA. The marathon is very exclusive and includes steep inclines that total over 5,000 steps. It is the equivalent of running up and down the Hancock Building & Willis Tower, and then taking a round trip between the Chicago and Evanston campuses of Northwestern University.
Jason has trained and run races in 9 states to prepare for the Great Wall of China Marathon. This campaign has helped bring awareness to PPA research and there have been over 360 individuals who have donated to the cause.
Dr. Marsel Mesulam endorsement
Dr. Marsel Mesulam who first identified PPA supports Run4Papa
Dr. Marsel Mesulam, Director of the Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease Center at Northwestern University proudly lends his support to the Run4Papa campaign.
Major ALS Breakthrough at Northwestern University
Researchers discover common cause of all forms of ALS
I have partnered with Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine to help create awareness for PPA research. A couple days ago, this department had a MAJOR breakthrough in the researching and testing of the brutal disease ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The relentless persistence of a quarter century has finally paid of for senior author Teepu Siddique, M.D., Professor of the Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurosciences at Northwestern’s Feinberg School and a neurologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
He said he was initially drawn to it because, “It was one of the most difficult problems in neurology and the most devastating, a disease without any treatment or known cause.”
The underlying disease process of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS and Lou Gehrig’s disease), a fatal neurodegenerative disease that paralyzes its victims, has long eluded scientists and prevented development of effective therapies. Scientists weren’t even sure all its forms actually converged into a common disease process.
But a new Northwestern Medicine study for the first time has identified a common cause of all forms of ALS.
Testimonials
Have a good story to share about Dr. Louis “Papa” Heyman?
Want to say something directly to “Papa”?
Please feel free to share any thoughts, feelings or memories that come to mind by writing: [email protected]
“CONGRATULATIONS again! This video montage is so powerful it took my breath away! Your vision, preparedness, and follow-through were remarkable and so inspirational. You are truly an amazing person (and talented at fundraising!), and you and your family should be so proud of your hard work and devotion to this cause and resulting major accomplishment. It’s clear that so many people grew in many ways from all of your efforts, and of course P.P.A. is so lucky to have such a dedicated champion. Kudos, and we can’t wait to see what’s next!” – Margot Shapiro, Newport Beach, CA
“GREAT video, Jason. Congrats to you for your ambitious “Journey” and reaching your goal, both in the funds raised and the completion of the Great Wall Marathon. You make me proud!” -Dr. Jay Staub, Dallas, TX
“Having walked a portion of The Great Wall, we can appreciate the degree of difficulty negotiating those steep inclines. Congratulations on your successful marathon, but it was even more than just running a great distance, rather a test of commitment to a worthy and noble cause.Thanks for the wonderful video of your journey because it’s a journey we all accompanied you on in spirit. Your Papa is a very fortunate man to have a grandson as dedicated as you, who through his unfortunate illness have been able to focus the light on a horrible disease requiring more money for research to find a cure. Unfortunately, it may not come in his life time, but you, through the support you’ve been able to garner have helped to shorten that time. Once again, congratulations on a job well done.” -Rose and Harry Sultz, Ontario, Toronto
“Watching the video. OMG Jason. I laughed, I cried but mostly I kept thinking about your accomplishments. You are amazing. I am speechless.” -Carolyn Lanyi, Commerce Township, MI
“It has been a pleasure to meet and work with you. Who ever knew how far this would go when you started out? I have been happy to be a part of this journey and think you are a fantastic person. You had the energy to keep things going and your tremendous work ethic has paid off. This is an unbelievable accomplishment. Who is crazy enough to go out and say they will raise $50k for a dementia that 99% of people have never heard off. I can probably say that no one in the world has done so much to bring awareness to PPA research as you have done in the last 5 months. Your grandfather must be incredibly proud. It brings a smile to my face and make me think of my grandfather who I had an incredible relationship with. Thanks again for taking us on this journey with you.” -Kevin Connolly, Chicago, IL
“Your race was a gift to others; incredibly tough which must make it so much more meaningful. You ran GREAT!” 4-time NYC and Boston Marathon Winner Bill Rodgers, Boston, MA
“I finally had down time to watch the incredible videos!!! I’ve watched them 3 times. Just wonderful. What an accomplishment. SOOOOOOOOOOO GLAD we were there with you. May this be one of many remarkable journeys that you will navigate in your future as you clearly have all the potential in the world! I am beyond proud, as that race was beyond brutal. The money you raised for PPA beyond remarkable! All good things to follow. You have earned it and well deserve it. Love you so much and can’t wait to share the next adventure. You keep me young! All my love always…Mom” -Shelley Boschan, Bloomfield Hills, MI (#1 supporter)
“I once read in a magazine that the average number of strides that it takes to complete a marathon is between 52,800 and 55,000! Think about it, at just over 90 cents a stride that is one hell of a lot of work! You should feel very proud as most of the people you will know during your lifetime will never put themselves out for a worthy cause the way that you have already demonstrated that you are willing to! What an outstanding accomplishment!!!” -Maury Feuerman, West Bloomfield, MI
“Your video is AMAZING Jason! It almost felt like we were there with you! Such an incredible journey, and I truly appreciate your sharing it with me. Loved your background music! Who would think Drowning Pool and the Great Wall of China would ever meet each other? Keep up the great work!” -Sandi Constantino-Thompson, Charlotte, NC
Way to go Jason…you conquered an unbelievable challenge! When I went to China many years ago, I climbed a small portion of the Great Wall; I remember how uneven and difficult it was just to WALK those steps. You should be very proud for what you’ve done in your Papa’s honor, and I applaud you! -Joy Gorback, San Diego, CA
“Congratulations Jason! That is truly an incredible accomplishment in honor of Papa. I am full of pride right now!” Jonathan Boschan, Los Angeles, CA
“”LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!! So happy for you, proud of you, and inspired by you! You got me choked up! The video was daunting enough just looking at those steps- I cannot imagine doing it! We should put a team together and do a local half marathon/marathon that we can direct contributions to your cause sometime this year or next!” -Christy Churchill Magas, Charlotte, NC
“SO PROUD OF YOU! You set out to do something most people only dream about and you made it a reality. You put so much hard work and dedication Into this and I am truly amazed by you! SO, SO proud! Now take a rest, you deserve it!” Wendy Moss, West Bloomfield, MI
“I felt chills, butterflies, the same adrenaline from that day, tears started coming down…amazing video!!! You did it!! We did it!! Soooo proud of you and all that you’ve done for this cause, for your PAPA! You are awesome! Can’t wait to see what’s next!” -Lyssette Barbosa, San Diego, CA, Great Wall of China Marathoner 2012
“Mazel Tov on this amazing accomplishment! I’m speechless and truly impressed with your determination, devotion and emotional fortitude! There are so few people who can move mountains and change the landscape – you are one of those remarkable human beings who have taught us all what it means to rise to the occasion. Thank you for your many gifts! Please tell Papa we will all continue the fight and work hard to make sure that PPA, FTD and Alzheimer’s disease are conditions of the past! With deep appreciation and admiration…” -Melissa Kahn, Chicago, Illinois
“Congrats congrats congrats congrats! I read your incredible story over lunch today. I’m so proud of you and wanted to drop you a quick line to say how inspiring you are! What a fantastic cause sand o well executed. Your story is extremely well written and evokes visualizations so well that I feel as though I were there with you. You should write a book on this journey if you have not started already and be on all the talk show circuits!” -Kristin Lusn, Royal Oak, Michigan
“I don’t know how you did it, but the whole thing is just an amazing accomplishment. Couldn’t be more grateful for what you’ve done for this worthy cause and for your grandfather. You seem to have a gift for this kind of thing. It is wonderful that someone with your talent and determination is trying not just to help Papa, but the elderly in general. Thank you for having such a big heart.” -Rex Lanyi, Commerce Township, MI
“All I can say is WOW!! Loved looking at all the pics and reading your commentary. You are truly amazing, inspirational, and a fighter! I can’t even imagine doing that, despite the cramps, exhaustion, and dehydration…crazy tale about the soap! That is amazing footage! I felt like I was there! I am chuckling at the “lots of beer” at the end! You are seriously amazing! What a go-getter! I know your Grandfather is beaming:)” -Dorothy Campbell, Tega Cay, South Carolina
“You are an inspiration to many, including myself. Mazel tov on your amazing accomplishments – both by accomplishing a personal goal of conquering the Great Wall and raising funds to support important research. May this be the start of many great things for you!” -Brent Pliskow, Berkley, Michigan
“Well done Jason, a masterclass in what can be achieved when you put your mind and body into doing something! Your papa must be so proud.” -Nicola Comerford, Wellington, New Zealand
“Just got the wonderful news and had to congratulate you on your amazing efforts. What you have done is truly remarkable and inspiring! I want to wish you the best in your journey to China and the race and expect to hear about your experience when you return. As a board member of CNADC I want to thank you for all you’ve done to help us and so many families impacted by PPA.” -Melissa Kahn, Chicago, IL
“Jason, you have done an amazing job of raising awareness of PPA to countless individuals around the country! Now you can relax and enjoy the run!” -Barbara Monroe, Chicago, IL
“Congratulations, and THANK YOU from those of us who are working towards helping those affected by PPA. Your work matters in a big way, and is inspiring on so many levels. Good luck running the marathon. We’ll be sending you good vibes and lots of energy!” Dr. Jennifer Medina, Chicago, IL
“Jason, you are truly a man of your convictions and the voice for our hopes and dreams to one day find a cure for PPA. BRAVO!” – Linda Hensel,
“Congratulations! Wow! I can’t even imagine how tough this must have been – sounds utterly grueling. So proud to have been a very small part of your “team” with my donation. Only 570 finishers? Amazing. Great job, inspiring story. I only wish I had found your website sooner! So… what’s next?;)” -Karen Fog, London, UK
Your fundraising efforts are amazing. It’s great you’ve reached the $50K mark. That is incredible -Maureen Mizwicki, Chicago, IL
“Mazel Tov! on your marathon and the entire Run4Papa campaign over the last year. It’s been very inspiring to watch you decide to do something big and go out and make it happen.” -Caryn Noveck, Manhattan, New York
“Huge accomplishment! I think you’ve inspired a lot of people with your efforts. You should be very proud of yourself as you know tons if people are proud of you.” -Ryan McCarihan, Charlotte, North Carolina
“Congratulations on your run and your amazing achievement. I know how hard it is to raise money no matter how good the cause and what you did was truly a feat. I’m really proud of you. It’s exciting to watch how passionate you are about the cause and how determined you’ve been. I know good will come from your efforts.” -Laura Noveck, Bloomfield Hills, MI
“Have a safe and enjoyable adventure in China. What an accomplishment! What a tribute! Run Jason Run…” -Rob Pliskow, Huntington Woods, MI
“You are really wonderful and incredible Jason. I have been slowly spreading the word about your website, in hopes of educating others and in raising funds. I took my mom out for dinner last night, and told her the story of what you are doing, including the marathon, which she was very touched by. Then I told her about the t-shirt, and she just smiled soooo big and was beyond touched and thrilled. Now we’re joking that she’ll be in the marathon on the Great Wall. She had been an avid world traveler, so that’s especially meaningful to her. And she loved that you sent your very best to her. Thank you so much for doing something so important and helpful! What great fundraising work you’re doing and the difference it’s apparently making.” -Helen Kasic, Chicago, IL
“It is with much admiration that I send my congratulations and support to you!!! Your remarkable dedication to this cause must make your whole family very proud and I know how deeply grateful everyone at the CNADC is for your tremendous support of PPA research.vI hope that you have an amazing time in China and the experience (one of many!) of a lifetime! With much gratitude…” -Darby Morhardt, Chicago, IL
“If we could only eradicate at least ONE degenerative disease in our lifetime it would be a milestone! But I certainly wish you luck and safe travels/runs on your Papa’s behalf. I’ll be thinking of you week after next!” – Suzanne Tilghman, Waxhaw, NC
“Not only am I very impressed with how you have grown Run4Papa but the actual miles you have run! It’s inspiring to watch someone have a vision and actually execute. Good luck with everything and I look forward to watching Run4Papa continue to grow and succeed.” -Noah Stern, Manhattan, NY
“I think what you’re doing on behalf of “Papa Louie” is amazing and remarkable! I know what you’re doing must be making “Papa Louie” so proud as well! You’ve shown yourself, and everyone else, just a little of what you’re capable of! Good luck with your financial goal, and have fun running the actual marathon!” -Suzy Boschan, West Bloomfield, MI
“I support Jason in his quest to find a cure! Run4papa, Jason!” -Judith Leff, Rossmoor, CA
“Wishing you all the very best for your run Jason. This has been a massive undertaking and you have accomplished so much, I am
confident you will meet your goal. You know I will always have great respect for your grandfather, he is a wonderful man.” -Joan McGirr, Charlotte, NC
“Jason, I am so proud of what you are doing! Keep it up and give your Papa a hug for me:)” -Holly Martinez, San Diego, CA
“Yesterday, this touching video crossed my radar and it reminded me of the ability of a single person with passion to DO SOMETHING life changing. I showed this to the boys and Max shared it with is class. He said he was surprised how it affected them and prompted a lot of conversation. I can only hope that someday my kids will follow in Jason’s footsteps and make a difference.” -Kristin Mapstone, Corrales, New Mexico
“I stumbled across your website and I think what you’re doing is amazing-it’s such a blessing to still have a grandparent in your life! I took care of my Grandmother for about 4 years as she suffered from dementia and pancreatic cancer. It really was an eye opening experience for me and since her passing I’ve been really inspired to learn more about the disease and connect with others who have been affected by dementia/PPA/Alzheimer’s. I’ve been telling my soon to be kindergarteners about Run4Papa and showing them pics of your trip. They think what you’re doing is really cool and one kid said ‘you’re probably super fast and could go to the Olympics!’ It’s important to show people, especially kids, that you can absolutely make a difference int the world. Keep those pics coming.. 🙂 -Holly Minter, Charlotte, North Carolina.” -Holly Minter, Charlotte, North Carolina
“Your papa reminded me of my grandfather and how special a bond we had. Your grandfather is very lucky to have such a great grandson. Also just wanted to let you know at the Aphasia Group we went to on Saturday, they played your video and it helped educate over 75 people about PPA.” -Karen Kelly on behalf of Joanne Coggins, Justice for Aphasia, Boston, Massachusetts
“It is touching to see how you care for your family member. Good luck on the Hancock run and even more for the great wall of China. I would like to address you all my best wishes and encouragement for this big endaeavor and both you and your “papa” keep hope that things will get better and we (as researchers) are keeping people like you, stories like you, in our minds daily to remember.” -Pacale Lacor, Chicago, IL
“Jason, I love what you are doing to honor your ‘Papa’ and to bring awareness of and raise money for the research of PPA. It is a terrible disease, robbing my young at heart Mother of so much of her wonderful, social personality. I pray that a cure (or at least treatment) is found soon!” -Musicmama23, Youtube
“Thanks for what you are doing! Greater Awareness for PPA is Key!..my dear wife of 50 years has suffered with it for at least 7 years now. Before my very eyes during this period I have watched an accomplished English Teacher, whose world was words gradually become a virtual mute. “Yes” and “No” comprise the only words she can bring up on her own. The disease affects writing, reading, keyboarding, everything associated with speech… she is down now to just being able to write her name! No meds, no treatment protocol! Really at this point little or no hope. To say it is heartbreaking is an understatement, but maybe the best description we have.” -Larry Entwistle, Colorado Springs, CO
“One man will embark on a mission equivocal to climbing Willis Tower, jogging to the Hancock Building, walking to the top, and then running the 24 miles roundtrip to the University’s Evanston campus, all to support research at Northwestern for primary progressive aphasia, a form of dementia that has stricken his grandfather.” -Northwestern Medicine Newletter, Chicago, IL
“Jason- you are an inspiration! I took a look at your website and thought it was very well done and very moving. Best wishes for blessings and success on your quest.” -Lisa King, Senior VP of Marketing at Raymour and Flanigan, Manhattan, NY
“I watched your video and I am so moved. Not only will I be donating but I would like to ask EVERYONE to pass this on. If we can get it to go viral it will bring SO much attention to this illness. The love really shows – you and your grandfather are so fortunate to have each other!” -Jill Schlan Sider, Chicago, Illinois
“We are very excited about this upcoming event. It is for such a great cause that so many people work hard for every day at Northwestern University. If you don’t know about PPA, this is your chance to learn why it deserves your attention!! Thanks to Jason for all of his efforts in raising awareness and money for this important cause. See you on Feb 24th!” -Jamie E, Chicago, Illinois, Yelp
“It is so amazing what you are doing to help so many people in need. We are honored to be friends with such a caring person who could organize something like this. We are happy to see how much Run4Papa has already raised, and we hope that number increases everyday. Your grandpa should be proud of what an amazing person you are! We have truly enjoyed learning about PPA, and we hope, with the effort of you and others like you, that there will one day be a cure for this disease. Much love and respect!” -Derek and Shana Staub, Dallas, TX
“This site was emailed to my mother just recently from Northwestern in Chicago. My dad, Phil T., age 63, just passed away in early Dec. 2011 from PPA. The person emailing my mother asked her permission to add our dad’s name to your shirt in the Great Wall of China run. She said ok. I read the email, a few tears fell, I watched your “What Would You Do For the Cause” video, & shared it on my fb page along with the “Hustle Up the Hancock” info. Thank you, is all I can say! You will touch so many people by doing this & having this site. I’m positive my dad’s spirit will be there that day in China with you (even though you have no idea who he was), cheering you on, as he loved the outdoors & sports! Good luck to you & may you be watched over from above!” -Noelle Thouvein
“What a wonderful thing to do to support finding a way to preveit is so amazing what you are doing! I know your grandpa is proud and all those who will be helped with your efforts to find a cure PPA. It is a horrible disease, and equally as horrible is that so little is known about it. My mother, a wonderful, loving, caring, talented, educated woman is suffering from this disease…no longer able to speak, write, read and care for herself. Thank you for helping make a difference for your Papa, all PPA patients and those of us who love and care for them. Have a great run!” -Flyingtrikes, YouTube
“I just found your video, website and facebook page. My dad passed away this past Dec. 5th of PPA. He was 63. He was diagnosed in the beginning of 2005 but had symptoms before that. He was a patient at Northwestern, living just over an hour from downtown Chicago. We were just asked if his name could be put on the shirt you’ll be wearing in China and my mom said we would be honored. I am so thankful for what you are doing and am looking forward to following you on facebook.” -Renee Chernick, Bloomington, IL
“What a wonderful thing you are doing for your grandfather. My dear sweet brother in law has PPA and is so young at heart. I cry when I think of what this disease has done to him. He has the biggest heart like I am sure your grandfather has. Thank you for doing what you are doing for all those suffering with PPA.” -Lorigapinski, YouTube
“Your film really was moving! You have the best of both parents in you and I know how proud they (and we all) are of you. We will keep following this journey and cannot wait to see the films from China.” -Sandy and Sheldon Borkin, Boston, Massachusetts
“Proud to support Run4Papa and the great cause. Go get’ em!” -Jordan Sherman, Manhattan, New York
“It is our pleasure to support you on this wonderful adventure!” -Jared Boschan and Shira Goldberg – Manhattan, New York
“Congratulations on this wonderful idea and your dedication towards accomplishing it. We will be following your “journey” and you can count on us to root you on.” -Terry and Howard Tenebaum, West Bloomfield, MI
“I just got you to a even $25,000!!! Hope that helps.” -Logan Abrams, Charlotte, NC
“Happy to help, it’s a most worthy cause. Hope you reach your goal!” -Otto Kern, West Blomfield, MI
“What a beautiful thing to do for your Papa – very moving. Your efforts will hopefully lead to a cure one day. He has such a kind and gentle expression:)” -FrenchAmGirlies, YouTube
“Congrats on your accomplishments! Keep up the great work…you’ve found your own way to leave a positive “carbon copy” in this world. I admire and respect your ambition to help make a difference for those directly and indirectly affected by PPA. You are awesome! Best of luck in your endeavors in China! We’ll be thinking of you and wishing you well. Love your friends in San Diego” -Wendie Zepedia, Barbara Paterna, Holly Martinez, Kendra Zamora, Enedina Rangel, San Diego, CA
“WOW! Amazing. Kol haKavod” -Rabbi Paul Yedwab, MI
“I am so impressed by your efforts… your Grandpa is a lovely, lovely man! Hopefully, many others will now get on board to raise money for research!” -Ednasaltz, YouTube
“I have known many afflicted with this illness. Love to help!” -Rabbi Harold S. Loss, MI
“It was really our pleasure to contribute to Jason’s cause” -Shelley and Neil Perl, San Diego, CA
“Much success to find in your run to find a cure for PPA” -Richard and Marilyn Moss, West Bloomfield, MI
“I was thrilled to see the article in the Livonia Observer this past week about Dr. Heyman. You are a very lucky young man, as I know you are aware, to call this darling man your grandfather! I first met Dr. Heyman in 1994 when I was in search of a pediatrician for my soon to be born baby. I had interviewed a couple of other doctors, without feeling a connection or even any sort of great confidence, and then I met him. I was so impressed with Dr. Heyman’s ability to make me comfortable as a new mom, his willingness to sit down and just talk to me and not make me feel hurried or pressured. I was immediately at ease and confident and comfortable with him and I knew he was the one to take care of my baby. And take care he did with both of my babies. He could walk into the room and tell you what was wrong with your child before he even examined them; he would examine them, but he already knew what was wrong! And he would explain to me what needed to be done. Calmly, patiently making sure that I understood. I followed Dr. Heyman from Metro Peds to Brentwood, and then he retired. I miss him and his gentle ways. I don’t know if there has ever been, or will be again, another doctor like Dr. Heyman. Thank you so much for letting me know how he is doing, what he needs in return for all the care that he gave my children, and for that warm fuzzy feeling of knowing that he is so loved by his family. I wish you a very successful campaign to raise awareness of PPA and a safe trip. Next time you see him, give him a big hug and tell him thank you for me.” -Karen Greenwood, MI
“We are honored to contribute to contribute to this worthy cause” -Steve and Lisa Kaplan, MI
“I just want to write and say your video is amazing! Our center and families affected by PPA are so grateful for all of your work and dedication to the cause.” -Mary O’hara, social worker at the CNADC, Chicago, IL
“Dr. Heyman was my children’s pediatrician. He was always so patient and kind with them. When they were older he told me that he had retaken his pediatric boards and was pleased he passed with flying colors. I will always have a warm spot in my heart for Dr. Heyman.” -Patricia Barnum, Redford, MI
“I loved Jason’s video…heartfelt and touching…we’re rooting for him!” -Enid and Gary Goodman, MI
“This is an awesome journey and quite a tribute to a wonderful, wonderful man!” -Ilene Citrin, Chevy Chase, MD
“Your mission is admirable and inspiring” -Michele Lewis, MI
“Good luck in your venture!” -Cindy and David Pinto, TX
“Best wishes for you in your bid to run the Great Wall of China Marathon! I had a grandparent on each side with Alzheimer’s Disease and my father-in-law. I admire your ambition.” -Ellen Woodward Potts, Tuscaloosa, AL
“We were moved by your love for your grandfather, your family, and by your dedication to the cause of PPA research” -Joseph and Linda LoDuca, Bloomfield Hills, MI
“I really admire what you are doing. There isn’t anything in the world I wouldn’t do for my dad. As a nurse, I know a lot of research is being done around the clock. Good luck with the race, I will be following you!” -Tracey Maken, Fountain Valley, CA
“What a wonderful thing you are doing for your grandfather and for his disease. As my mother would have said….”you’re such a mensch!” -Debbie Ostrow, San Diego, CA
“I have wonderful memories of your Grandfather’s sweet smile whenever I visited their Livonia office. What a special guy he is! I am thrilled to donate and look forward to following Jason’s adventure. I think the world of Lou and wish him well.” -Linda Blondy-Glass, West Bloomfield, MI
“Very excited about this inititive. I wish you all the luck and success in your fundraising!” -ilana Gorback, Denver, CO
“Jason I am so proud of what you are doing for my uncle, your grandfather. You are such an awesome grandson. My father would be so proud of what you are doing for his brother. I am happy to be a part of Run4Papa and I support you all the way!” -Faith Golden, Encinco, CA
“I weep in appreciation of your strength and fortitude in honor of your Papa” -Jo Strausz Rosen, West Bloomfield, MI
“I am sorry to know PPA has happened to your Papa. My memories of him are vivid as an man devoted to his work and his family” -Michele Lewis, Larchmont, NY
“I just read the article in the Farmington Observer about Dr. Heyman. He was my pediatrician for all six of our children. I started with him when he was with Dr. F. Goudie on Seven Mile, then Dr. Blondy, Dr. Schnaar, Dr. Wagenberg. Our children range from 56 to 31…..and now eight grandchildren. They are all well and got a good start in life, thanks to Dr. Heyman…..a real blessing.” -Susan and Richard Latimer, Farmington Hills, MI
“How wonderful is it that you are devoting this time in honor of your grandfather. It reflects a wonderful soul passed down from generation to generation. Wishing him wellness and serenity. Kol Hakavod Jason. Simply amazing.” -Marcy Borofsky, West Bloomfield, MI
“I suffer from PPA and want to increase awareness of the disability in the UK, where it’s little known. The research will not help me but I hope it will help sufferers in the future. Good luck to your initiative!” -Rita Harris, Oxford, UK
“Many of you know the story of my birth: that I arrived too early, weighed less than 2 lbs and dropped to 21 oz before rallying (stubborn even then, I guess!). The Lord saved me — but he used the hands, brains and hearts of Dr. Heyman and of his partner, Dr. Blondy to do it. Dr. Heyman has touched SO many lives! Now there’s a chance to reach out to him and his family. I can never repay him for saving me, but here’s a way to support him and his family when they need it most.” Mary-Therese Courtade, Paw Paw, MI
My Journey Begins
Hello, my name is Jason F. Boschan and I am embarking on a journey to create awareness and raise funds for PPA research locally, nationally and internationally by running the 2012 GREAT WALL OF CHINA MARATHON on behalf of my grandfather and others battling this disease.
I have partnered with the Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease Center at Northwestern University to raise a minimum of $20,000. My grandfather, Dr. Louis “Papa” Heyman, 86 years young, recently stopped practicing as a pediatrician after 50+ years due to his diagnosis of PPA. This has been a very difficult adjustment for him as well as for all of our family.
Please help support my journey to bring global awareness and help find a cure for PPA.