Running for Love
Jackie McMahon and her daughter Esa McMahon. Motivated by the love for her daughter, Jackie will be running a 260+ mile relay race in March to support the National Down Syndrome Society.
Mackenzie Dysinger - CRR Staff
Jackie McMahan, a local of Gakona, has spent her winter preparing to run in a 260+ mile relay race, “Run for 3.21.” While many would agree that finding motivation to train for such a long endurance event would be difficult, Jackie draws from a motivation near and dear to her heart– her sweet four-year-old daughter Esa McMahan.
The three-day relay put on by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) will begin on Saturday, March 19 in New York City and will end in Washington, D.C., on March 21, World Down Syndrome Day. The 260+ miles will be split between 24 participants and Jackie hopes to run roughly 30 miles of it.
Jackie stated that part of what keeps her motivated during training is picturing the finish line where her husband, Bryan McMahan, and her four children, including Esa, will be waiting. Jackie stated, “Having them there makes it so special for me. The last 3.21 miles the entire race team will run to- gether, and we will finish at the steps of the Capitol on 3/21- World Down Syndrome Day!”
This is not the first time Esa has participated in an NDSS event. Last September, Esa was chosen to be featured in the annual National Down Syndrome Society Times Square Video presentation. The hour-long video featured 500 photos of individuals with Down Syndrome from all 50 states in hopes of promoting the acceptance and inclusion of those with Down Syndrome. At the age of four, Esa has lived most of her life in rural Alaska, and according to her mother, “has always been fully accepted and fully loved in our communities, which is exactly how it should be and I hope continues to be.”
The Copper River Basin communities have loved and cared for Esa, and in turn Esa has given those around her a chance to better understand the depths of joy and love. Jackie McMahan says that Esa has helped show that Down Syndrome is a normal part of life and “is not something to be scared of or sorry for. Her life is beautiful and fun, full of work and joy. Maybe more joy than usual.” Jackie’s hope is that “being around Esa and talking to our family will help people to see Down Syndrome and all special needs in a fuller light with less preconceived ideas and to not underestimate people just because they may look, act, or speak differently.”
There are 24 athletes in total participating in the event. Many are caregivers, parents, or siblings of those with Down Syndrome. One athlete in particular Jackie knows well - her brother Jon Rother, who is running to support both his sister and niece, Esa. Each participant is requested to raise $3,500 with a team goal of $100,000.
While Jackie says that the fundraising is intimidating,“the work NDSS does in DC in regards to public policy is so invaluable and one of the main reasons I am excited to support them.” The National Down Syndrome Society seeks to celebrate individuals with Down Syndrome and advocate for them in government and legislative bodies. “I am thankful,” Jackie stated, “that there is someone working on Esa’s behalf to change outdated and unjust laws and provide webinars for information in a field of knowledge that is new to many of us parents.”
“Run for 3.21” provides the opportunity for people all around the world to help raise awareness and acceptance for individuals with Down Syndrome. A virtual event is hosted by NDSS for those who wish to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by signing up to run, walk, bike, or even ski 3.21 miles on March 21. More information about the event can be found on the NDSS website along with a link to fundraising for Jackie Mc- Mahan and her team.
