‘Jingle’ 5K in Hernando will make joyful noise for special-needs children therapy

Nov. 27--The sights and sounds associated with benefiting a worthy cause will be in the air Saturday during the Jingle All the Way 5K and Pancake Breakfast in Hernando.

The event will aid Through the Roof Pediatric Therapy, a nonprofit organization that's nearing the fundraising finish line to launch a range of services to special-needs children and help to their families.

Race time is 8 a.m. Registration opens at 6:30 a.m. for the run that starts at Longview Pointe Baptist Church, 1105 Byhalia Road at the corner of Byhalia and McIngvale roads.

Preregistration is available on the Web at racesonline.com.

"Our pancake breakfast starts at 9 a.m., with door prizes and a few words from the moms of some of our special-needs kids," said therapist Donna Sularin, founder and director of Through the Roof.

The tentative official opening date is July 1, 2014, for the agency, she said.

"We want to come alongside families and help them navigate the medical and educational systems and life with a special-needs child," Sularin said. "We've been on a nearly three-year journey to raise funds so that we can make this vision a reality, and we're nearly there."

The nonprofit will offer physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and special instruction to children ages birth through school age struggling with developmental delays, said Sularin. And due to its nonprofit status, she added, "all services were be offered at no charge, regardless of a family's insurance coverage or insurer approval."

Lauren Guynes, mother of a special-needs child, son Lucas, said he's already benefited from Through the Roof therapy help and she hopes to see the agency and its facilities fully functioning next year.

"Starting services as soon as possible has played a tremendous role in Lucas' progress, which is what most families need," said Guynes. "Donna has pushed him to meet and even exceed his goals and milestones in development."

Sularin hopes for a good turnout at the 5K.

"Come out and run or eat pancakes or both," she said. "All proceeds will go directly to funding services for these children."

For more information on Through the Roof, to volunteer or make a donation, call 901-568-2240 or go online at throughtheroofpt.com.

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