Sleep Walk DC 2015: A Celebration with Sun and Smiles
This year’s Sleep Walk Washington, DC took place on April 26th and it was a lovely Sunday morning of raising awareness, celebrating sleep, and, of course, walking.
With a stroke of luck, the rain stopped earlier than forecasted and the clouds cleared as relieved participants met at the Lincoln Memorial. Holding colorful signs with impressive drawings and messages such as “Sleep Matters” and “Sleep first, ask questions later,” the 25 participants strolled around the National Mall. After walking, posing for pictures, playing games and socializing, the group was already making plans to reunite for next year’s Sleep Walk!
The group this year consisted largely of children and adults living with sleep disorders and their loved ones who support them. Christina Stewart of Alexandria, Virginia attended the event with her husband who has narcolepsy. “I’ve witnessed discrimination towards him because of his narcolepsy and I believe it is my job to learn what I can about it, inform others, and continue being an advocate for him, as well as the narcolepsy community,” said Christina. “We just welcomed our first child on May 14th and I want to set an example to our daughter on acceptance and understanding of others and to also be an advocate for her Daddy.” (Congratulations to the Stewart family!)
Another participant, Saraiah, appreciated being able to meet children with sleep disorders like narcolepsy and their parents. “I particularly enjoy talking to the parents who have stubbornly insisted to doctor after doctor that their children are not psychiatrically ill, lazy, or irresponsible, and that something is wrong, until finally succeeding in getting a diagnosis for their children’s persistent sleepiness and other mystifying symptoms,” she said. “Those parents do not realize their own unusual courage. They are my heroes.”
Project Sleep would like to thank the event’s incredible host, Carrie Hess-Bollino! We’re so happy that the success of the event has gotten people (including us) already looking forward to Sleep Walk DC 2016.
Sleep Walk Washington, DC is part of Project Sleep’s signature Sleep Walk event series. To learn more, or to apply to host a Sleep Walk in your city, click here.
2 Comments. Leave new
I see all these walks,runs and other events for Narcolepsy pretty much all over but have not seen anything for the Boston/Cape Cod area. My son was diagnosed at the age of 13 (just last year) and we would love to be part an event,raise awareness and money to help with research projects. If you know of anything in our area please let us know. We live in Plymouth Mass. Thank you
I was surprised to see there was a Sleep Walk in DC this year. Our family attended a previous event and I periodically checked to see if there was a planned event for 2015. Is there a contact I can reach out to for Sleep Walk information in the DC area? I don’t want to miss the next event! Thank You.