Dash N' Smash: Virtual Run/Walk for Gastroparesis

The Dash N’ Smash is a virtual run/walk hosted by the Gastroparesis Pie Face Challenge. The purpose of this event is to inspire hope, raise awareness, and fundraise for those battling Gastroparesis.

Participants are invited to run or walk at their own convenience, choosing when, where, and how far they want to go. After completing their distance, participants are encouraged to take on the #GPPieFaceChallenge as a fun way to “cool down.”

There is no registration fee to participate. However, we kindly ask that you consider making a donation to G-PACT, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports individuals living with Gastroparesis and other digestive tract paralysis conditions. Participants are encouraged to donate based on their distance goal (for example, $20 per mile).

What is Gastroparesis?

Gastroparesis is a digestive motility disorder that causes the stomach muscles to function improperly, leaving individuals unable to properly eat, digest, or absorb nutrients. Despite affecting millions of people worldwide, there is currently no known cure, and public awareness of the condition remains limited.

To help change that, the Gastroparesis Pie Face Challenge was created in 2016. As part of the awareness campaign, participants smash a whipped cream pie in their face, challenge three others to do the same, and donate $1 to G-PACT, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting those living with Gastroparesis. Since its creation, pies have been thrown across the globe by professional athletes, celebrities, media personalities, and GP Warriors—all helping spread awareness of this often-overlooked disease.

To continue the mission of the GP Pie Face Challenge, the campaign traditionally hosts a fundraising event leading up to National Gastroparesis Awareness Month in August. Last year’s Dash N’ Smash brought together more than 60 participants, who collectively raised over $2,500. With it being the challenge’s 10th anniversary, I’m hoping to double that impact!

Although we may not be together physically, people across the country will be walking and running for one common cause: Gastroparesis awareness and finding a cure. No matter where, when, or how far you go, Dash N’ Smash promises to be a day filled with hope, inspiration, and fun.

Together, we’ll stay connected through photos and videos, proudly wear our green and Gastroparesis gear, and take on the #GPPieFaceChallenge to celebrate our accomplishments and spread awareness.

Because it’s time to bring Gastroparesis into the light and make it known:

We want a cure—NOW.

Together, we can smash GP, bit pie bit!

 

 

 

 

About The Event

Q: What is the Dash & Smash Run/Walk? 

The Dash N’ Smash is a virtual run/walk that is put on by the Gastroparesis Pie Face Challenge. The purpose of the event is to inspire hope, raise awareness and fundraise for those battling Gastroparesis. Participants are invited to run/walk on August 23th-24th at their convenience as participants can choose when, where, and how far to run/walk. Afterwords, participants are invited to take on the #GPPieFaceChallenge as a way to “cool down”.

Q: What is a virtual run/walk?

A virtual run/walk is a relatively new trend. A virtual run/walk allows participants to register for an online run/walk and receive the same benefits they would during an in person event such as bibs. Best of all, the run/walk can be completed at the participant’s convenience as they choose where and when to complete their run/walk.

Q: How far is the run/walk?

This is up to you! You can run/walk as little or as far you want. We understand that many GP Warriors may not be able to run/walk long distances so, that is why the distance goal is completely up to you.

Q: What is Gastroparesis? 

Gastroparesis is a motility disorder that causes the stomach muscles to improperly function. As a result, it leaves individuals unable to eat, digest or absorb nutrients. GP effects each individual differently but, the main symptoms are nausea, vomiting, severe weigh fluctuations, abdominal pain, malnutrition, and bloating. Despite the condition effecting millions, there is no known cure, little awareness, and few effective treatments for the condition. For more information on Gastroparesis, please visit: https://www.g-pact.org/gastroparesis

Q: How much does it cost to register and where do those funds go too?

There is no fee to “register” for the Dash N’ Smash  Run/Walk. However, in lieu of a registration fee, we ask that you kindly consider making  a donation to G-PACT, a 503 (c)(3) non-profit that for Gastroparesis. We suggest a $10 per each mile you choose to run/walk. G-PACT is a small non-profit that works to provide resources for those with Gastroparesis and other digestive tract paralysis (DTP) conditions. To donate, you may do so by donating on the race page or by visiting G-PACT’s website https://www.g-pact.org/. Additionally, you may purchase a t-shirt through Bonfire which will also benefit G-PACT as well.

Q: Where do I complete the virtual run/walk?

This is a great question and the answer is completely up to you! You can participate in the run/walk wherever you’d like. You can do it from the confines of your home on a treadmill, around your neighborhood, in a park, beach, wherever.

Q: Is there a certain time I should do the run/walk at?

Nope! It is totally up to you when you’d like to complete your run/walk. You can be an early bird and do it first thing in the morning or sleep-in, and complete it later in the day. There will be people taking part all across the globe so, It is totally up to you! Just make sure to complete your run/walk on August 23rd or 24th.

Q: Is there any event swag that I will receive? 

Yes! Every participant will receive a virtual race bib that they have the option to download and print. You may access and download your bib by accessing from your RunSignup profile by clicking the View Pre-Race Bib link under  your upcoming events.

 

Day Of Event Information

Q: When is the event?

The Dash N’ Smash will take place on August 23rd and 24th.

Q: Is there a certain time or place the Dash N’ Smash will take place?

Nope! Since this is a virtual event, it is totally up to you! You can participate in the event at 1am or 11pm, or anywhere in between! You can complete the run/walk from the confines of your home on a treadmill, around your neighborhood, along the beach, or anywhere else.

Q: What should I wear on the day of the event?

Again, this is another question that is totally dependent on what is most comfortable for you. If it is hot, wear lightweight clothes, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and bring some water. . If it is cool out, make sure to wear a light sweatshirt. We encourage all participants to wear items that are green or Gastroparesis related. Additionally, we encourage you to download, print out, and attach your virtual bib to your shirt via safety pins. By doing this, it helps make others aware of why you are running/walking and perhaps, spark a conversation about Gastroparesis!

Q: Should I document my walk/run?

You don’t have to document your walk/run. However, you do have the option of doing so. You can submit your time via a text option that will be sent out to the phone number you provided during registration if you opted to receive text message notifications. For more information please reference this article https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/articles/17000087349-submit-and-manage-virtual-results#:~:text=You%20can%20go%20to%20your,Timezone%2C%20and%20Save%20Contact%20Info.

Q: What do I do after I complete the run/walk?

After completing your run/walk, we encourage all participants to participate in the Gastroparesis Pie Face Challenge as a way to cool down. To do this, you will need some whipped cream, a paper plate, and a recording device. Once you have the supplies, make a video in which you smash a whipped cream “pie” in your face, or someone else’s while nominating 3 other people. After filming your video, make sure to share it on social media using the hashtag #GPPieFaceChallenge or #SmashGP.

Q: Should I take videos/pictures?

Yes! We strongly encourage photos and videos to be taken and shared on social media. You can upload your pictures/videos on your own social media accounts as well as sending them to the pie challenge accounts found below.

What is Gastroparesis?

As defined by the Mayo Clinic, Gastroparesis is a “condition that affects the normal spontaneous movement of the muscles (motility) in your stomach”. In essence, Gastroparesis is the paralyzation of the stomach leaving one unable to eat, absorb, or digest nutrients.

What are the symptoms of Gastroparesis?

• Vomiting

•Nausea

• A feeling of fullness after eating just a few bites

• Vomiting undigested food eaten a few hours earlier

• Acid reflux

• Abdominal bloating

• Abdominal pain

• Weight loss and malnutrition

How is one diagnosed with Gastroparesis?

Gastroparesis is very difficult to diagnose. According to Mayo Clinic, most people are diagnosed with Gastroparesis after undergoing either a gastric emptying study, upper GI endoscopy, or an upper GI series. The majority of patients are diagnosed with Gastroparesis after undergoing a gastric emptying study. This study involves eating a light meal, such as eggs and toast, that contains a small amount of radioactive material. A scanner that detects the movement of the radioactive material is placed over your abdomen to monitor the rate at which food leaves your stomach.

What causes Gastroparesis?

The exact cause of Gastroparesis is unfortunately not known at this time. Some people develop Gastroparesis out of the blue (idiopathic) while others develop it as a result of diabetes.

How many people have Gastroparesis?

Since Gastroparesis is difficult to diagnose, there isn’t an exact number of patients who are known to suffer with Gastroparesis. According to G-PACT, five million Americans are currently battling Gastroparesis. However, G-PACT believes that there are even more people who have Gastroparesis that don't even know it. According to Mayo clinic, there are less than 200,000 cases per year.

How is Gastroparesis treated?

There are several treatments options available for patients who are diagnosed with Gastroparesis. Since maintaining adequate nutrition is the most important goal in the treatment of Gastroparesis, one should monitor/change their dietary intake. In addition, there are various medications that can stimulate stomach muscles (Reglan & Erythromycin)  and control nausea/vomiting (Zofran). Some people with Gastroparesis may be unable to tolerate any food or liquids. In these situations, doctors may recommend a feeding tube (jejunostomy tube) in order to gain nutrients. Lastly, a gastric stimulator may be an option for some patients as well. A gastric stimulator is basically a pacemaker for your stomach that provides electrical stimulation to stimulate stomach muscles to move food more efficiently. Unfortunately, the success rates of the stimulator vary from patient to patient.

Is there a cure for Gastroparesis?

At this time, there is unfortunately no cure for Gastroparesis.

 

                                                                                               Sources: Mayo Clinic & G-PACT

In July of 2016, the Gastroparesis Pie Face Challenge was launched. The challenge’s creator, Andrew Belliveau, was motivated to start the challenge to celebrate the National Health Observances calendar officially recognizing August as national Gastroparesis awareness month. Growing up in Lynn, MA Belliveau had a firsthand account as to what a viral trend could do thanks to the accomplishments of the Frates family for ALS in nearby Beverly, MA. By combining the enjoyment of Hasbro’s game Pie Face and the symbolism of a pie to the face in relation to GP, the challenge was born.

At first, it proved to be very difficult for Belliveau to get others involved. Determined, Belliveau knew his idea would catch on eventually. After reaching out to various celebrities and athletes alike, the challenge quickly caught fire once former MLB pitcher David Price generously accepted Belliveau’s nomination.

Flash forward to present day, the challenge is still actively furthering awareness for Gastroparesis. Belliveau’s campaign has even caught the attention of more professional athletes, celebrities, media personalities and petty of GP warriors. Additionally, the challenge has made waves across the country as it has been featured on national outlets like ESPN, People, Inside Edition, Sports Illustrated, Bleacher Report and Daily Mail. Since its creation, over $16,000 has been raised for G-PACT, a non-profit for Gastroparesis. As pies continued to be smashed, one thing is fore sure: a cure will be found.

Media Stories:

ESPN: https://vimeo.com/220976337 (enter SCEU as password)
People: http://people.com/health/andrew-belliveau-gastroparesis-pie-face-challenge/
Inside Edition: http://www.insideedition.com/20-year-old-suffering-rare-stomach-condition-starts-pie-face-challenge-raise-awareness-39096
Sports Illustrated: https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/video/2018/05/04/andrew-belliveau-gastroparesis-pie-face-challenge
Daily Mail: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-5134179/Red-Sox-players-accept-Pie-Face-Challenge.html
Bleacher Report: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2737057-red-sox-players-take-a-pie-to-face-to-raise-awareness-for-gastroparesis?src=rss
ABC7NY: http://abc7ny.com/amp/health/what-is-the-pie-face-challenge/2618702/
Boston Globe Article: https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/2017/02/13/red-sox-players-take-pie-face-fight-rare-stomach-condition/fSu6zwsUGQFclG7Zway0hN/story.html
NESN: https://vimeo.com/262615713
NESN.com: https://www.facebook.com/NESN/videos/1775608085824856/
NowThis: https://www.facebook.com/NowThisSports/videos/726953460808322/
FOX5NY: http://www.fox5ny.com/news/gastroparesis-pie-face-challenge
Horford Happy Hour Podcast: http://horford.libsyn.com (episode 16)
WBZ-CBS Boston story: http://boston.cbslocal.com/2017/02/17/lynn-man-gastroparesis-pie-face-challenge-tom-brady/
7news Boston article: http://whdh.com/news/lynn-teen-starts-gastroparesis-pie-face-challenge-to-raise-money-and-awareness/
WLTX Texas: http://www.wltx.com/article/news/health/pie-face-challenge-brings-awareness-to-gastroparesis/101-509314607
Western Mass News story: http://www.westernmassnews.com/story/35145020/pie-in-the-face-challenge-raises-money-and-awareness-for-rare-stomach-disease
Western Mass News Follow Up Story:
http://www.westernmassnews.com/story/37535491/elms-student-makes-national-headlines-by-raising-awareness-for-rare-condition
Metro Boston: https://www.metro.us/news/local-news/boston/pie-face-challenge-started-mass-native-raises-awareness-gastroparesis
WTNH Channel 8 News: http://wtnh.com/2017/10/13/mass-student-starts-pie-face-challenge/
Lynn Item article: http://www.itemlive.com/tag/gastroparesis-pie-face-challenge/
Somerville Times Article: http://www.thesomervilletimes.com/archives/73192