By Joshua Cole
Molly Widoff, 9, and Ethan Widoff, 13, kick off Derek's Dash, Aug. 29 at Village Greens Park.
GREENWOOD VILLAGE — An eighth grader at Campus Middle School and his fourth grade sister at Belleview Elementary raised $30,000 in the second annual Derek’s Dash, a benchmark that will launch an epilepsy study in honor of their cousin.
Ethan Widoff, 13, and Molly Widoff, 9, organized the 5K walk/run and silent auction, held Aug. 29 at Village Greens Park, in Greenwood Village. About 170 racers and 60 volunteers participated.
“I feel proud, and I feel like if we keep up doing this maybe we can find a cure,” Molly said.
The money raised from this event goes to IDEA (International Dravet Syndrome Epilepsy Action) League, idea-league.org, a volunteer-based nonprofit organization, founded by parents to try to find a cure for Dravet Syndrome and related epilepsies.
Derek Rudawsky (center), the Widoffs' 15-year-old cousin and inspiration for Derek's Dash. Photos courtesy Edie Widoff
“It’s pretty cool that the kids can do this without too much help from the parents,” Molly said.
The event is in honor of Derek Rudawsky, the Widoffs’ cousin, a 15-year-old who has suffered from epilepsy since he was 6 months old. His parents have tried numerous treatments, but his seizures remain uncontrolled. Derek is now developmentally delayed, and the stress on his family is tremendous, according to the Widoffs.
“Although Derek faces challenges every day, he inspires me because of his positive attitude,” Ethan said. “Derek never complains or whines. The only time he is not happy is when he is having seizures and not feeling well. He has taught me what is truly important in life.”
The $30,000 benchmark goes toward Funds of Hope, in which the IDEA League will name a two-year research study in honor of Derek. The Widoffs were the first group to raise money to fund a study, according to their mother, Edie.
“We truly feel so lucky to be surrounded by so many friends, family and community members who are willing to help us in this fight,” Edie said.
Among those supporters in attendance at the fundraiser were Greenwood Village City Council members and Greenwood Village Mayor Nancy Sharpe.
“Ethan and Molly are truly outstanding young people,” Sharpe said. “Ethan, from a young age, knew the importance of giving back to the community and helping people who are in need.”
For more, go to dereksdash.org or e-mail dereksdash@comcast.net.
