Race to find a cure for local child’s life-threatening condition

COLONIAL HEIGHTS – Watching wrestling and whizzing by at high speeds during 5K and 10K races are two of 10-year-old Casey Wray’s favorite activities. So when his parents Belinda and Chris Wray asked what he wanted to do for his birthday next month, Casey said that he wanted to race in another 5K.

But the race is not just a gift for Casey; proceeds from the PHF Virginia 2013 5K will benefit the Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation. The race is on Oct. 12, two days after Casey’s birthday, and starts at 7:30 a.m.

The cause is near to the hearts of his family because Casey suffers from hydrocephalus, or “water on the brain.” The condition causes the brain to swell because of the buildup of fluid in the brain’s ventricles. The only treatment for the condition is brain surgery to insert a shunt to drain the fluid. But these shunts only last a couple of years so many people have as many as 14 of these major surgeries in a lifetime.

Casey has had two shunts so far. The shunts have side effects as well, such as causing him to develop low muscle tone. Casey also suffers from a low-grade migraine daily, but his pain is controlled by medication. Pressure changes in the weather and congestion from colds and allergies can also cause shunt failure.

“Every time he has a headache we say is it a headache or is the shunt failing,” Chris Wray said.

But that doesn’t stop Casey from doing a lot of the things boys his age enjoy. In April, he and his family received an all-expense paid trip to WWE’s WrestleMania from the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Over 86,000 people were in attendance with over 30 Make-A-Wish families. To be eligible to participate in the Make-A-Wish program, children must have life-threatening illnesses.

Racing is another chance for Casey to have fun.

A company called Inclusive Racing makes his participation possible. The nonprofit gives those with disabilities race strollers that can be pushed by runners making up a race team. Casey’s first race was the Shamrock 5K in March. He was also in the Monument Avenue 10K in April where the team’s official time was 30 minutes.

“He has developed a love of racing. His favorite thing to say is ‘go faster,'” Belinda Wray said.

The family is receiving help from United Athletics to make the October race a reality. United Athletics pairs athletes with individuals who need assistance participating in sporting events. Local businesses have also stepped up with donations.

His 12-year-old sister is also working to promote awareness of his condition.

She is creating a disability awareness day where vendors representing nonprofits and other organizations supporting those with disabilities can reach out to the community.

Belinda Wray said that the race was a great opportunity for Colonial Heights residents to do something new and include those with disabilities. As of last week, three assisted teams signed up for the race.

“It’s something Colonial Heights hasn’t seen before,” she said. “It will help disabled people know that there are things to do even if they have to do them differently.”