The Second Annual Ducky Dash

Author: NF Network

Published On: 6/05/2025

A sea of sparkling  and bopping yellow heads descended on Herrick Lake on the early morning of Saturday May 17th, for a race around the shimmering water, to raise awareness and create connection among our community of NF supporters. Alongside our ducky-dashers even the real ducks came out in support with their little ones it seemed, as they basked on the banks while the runners and walkers whisked past in their beautiful bright yellow bird costumes, bringing a grin to all they passed by. This is our way of saying we will never give up and we continue to rise up and champion each person and their individual efforts. Each year this 5k Ducky Dash allows you to run off whatever it is that has challenged you or you have had to face  - and say - I am brave, I am loved and I am doing the absolute best I can in the face of adversity - and this is the proof that I am thriving! We witnessed shining faces of achievement as people completed their goals. There were so many runners - especially the young children who displayed such grit and fortitude. A testament to what the human spirit is capable of and deeply inspiring to all of us taking part. 

Another huge inspiration was the Big Brother Brock Team who came out for the first time and walked away with the trophy for best costume - bringing out 19 people in their group.  Truly a wonderful moment. Brock and his sister Lindsey Nelson  have NF2-SWN and Lindsey was out repping and torch bearing the whole way. What an amazing and substantial contribution they are making to the community of our NF family by being present and out there for all our participants in-person and virtual.

Lindsey also was successfully connected to our shining light and leader of the Ducky Dash, Tim Gross, who has been running and taking part in these type of races for years now. Along with his wonderful wife they tour the country raising awareness and giving support wherever they can. These connections are the lifeblood of our events and bring energy and incentive to those who participate. Tim took up running after losing his hearing completely as a result of NF2, but it allowed him to develop his health and fitness so he did not feel limited in any way. We encourage more of our members or community who may be suffering alone or in isolation to come out next year for this event and also get a feel for the positivity and encouragement we have when we join together in this way with everyone.. The connections we make are profound and it is not just a place to run and raise money but to also get more information on the latest developments we are forging towards in finding successful ways of dealing with NF, and also to hopefully one day, find a cure.

Last but not least, a big thank you goes out to our wonderful sponsors Alexion, SpringWorks and Dick's Pond Athletic, for helping to make these events happen, and without whom the amazing strides in dealing with this potentially debilitating disease is lessened tenfold. We look forward to seeing you all next year and growing this amazing family of supporters! Until then stay strong and stay well!

Check out the start of the race on Facebook: Watch them goooooooo!