Support The Journey

Have a good story to share about Dr. Louis “Papa” Heyman?

Want to say something directly to “Papa”?

Please feel free to share any thoughts, feelings or memories that come to mind by writing: jason@run4papa.com

Have a safe and enjoyable adventure in China. What an accomplishment! What a tribute! Run Jason Run…… -Rob Pliskow, Huntington Woods, MI

If we could only eradicate at least ONE degenerative disease in our lifetime it would be a milestone! But I certainly wish you luck and safe travels/runs on your Papa’s behalf. I’ll be thinking of you week after next! – Suzanne Tilghman, Waxhaw, NC

Not only am I very impressed with how you have grown Run4Papa but the actual miles you have run! It’s inspiring to watch someone have a vision and actually execute. Good luck with everything and I look forward to watching Run4Papa continue to grow and succeed. -Noah Stern, Manhattan, NY

I think what you’re doing on behalf of “Papa Louie” is amazing and remarkable! I know what you’re doing must be making “Papa Louie” so proud as well! You’ve shown yourself, and everyone else, just a little of what you’re capable of! Good luck with your financial goal, and have fun running the actual marathon! -Suzy Boschan, West Bloomfield, MI

I support Jason in his quest to find a cure! Run4papa, Jason!-Judith Leff, Rossmoor, CA

Wishing you all the very best for your run Jason. This has been a massive undertaking and you have accomplished so much, I am
confident you will meet your goal. You know I will always have great respect for your grandfather, he is a wonderful man. -Joan McGirr, Charlotte, NC

Jason, I am so proud of what you are doing! Keep it up and give your Papa a hug for me:) -Holly Martinez, San Diego, CA

My mom’s name is Jasmine Kasic and is battling PPA, and I’m her daughter Helen. I took my mom out for dinner last night, and told her the story of what you are doing, including the marathon, which she was very touched by.  Then I told her about the t-shirt, and she just smiled soooo big and was beyond touched and thrilled.  Now we’re joking that she’ll be in the marathon on the Great Wall.  She had been an avid world traveler, so that’s especially meaningful to her.  And she loved that you sent your very best to her. Thank you so much for doing something so important and helpful! -Helen Kasic, Chicago, IL

Yesterday, this touching video crossed my radar and it reminded me of the ability of a single person with passion to DO SOMETHING life changing. I showed this to the boys and Max shared it with is class. He said he was surprised how it affected them and prompted a lot of conversation. I can only hope that someday my kids will follow in Jason’s footsteps and make a difference. -Kristin Mapstone, Corrales, New Mexico

I stumbled across your website and I think what you’re doing is amazing-it’s such a blessing to still have a grandparent in your life! I took care of my Grandmother for about 4 years as she suffered from dementia and pancreatic cancer. It really was an eye opening experience for me and since her passing I’ve been really inspired to learn more about the disease and connect with others who have been affected by dementia/PPA/Alzheimer’s. – Holly Minter, Charlotte, North Carolina

Your papa reminded me of my grandfather and how special a bond we had.  Your grandfather is very lucky to have such a great grandson.  Also just wanted to let you know at the Aphasia Group we went to on Saturday, they played your video and it helped educate over 75 people about PPA. -Karen Kelly on behalf of Joanne Coggins, Justice for Aphasia, Boston, Massachusetts

It is touching to see how you care for your family member. Good luck on the Hancock run and even more for the great wall of China. I would like to address you all my best wishes and encouragement for this big endaeavor and both you and your “papa” keep hope that things will get better and we (as researchers) are keeping people like you, stories like you, in our minds daily to remember. Pacale Lacor, Chicago, IL

Jason, I love what you are doing to honor your ‘Papa’ and to bring awareness of and raise money for the research of PPA. It is a terrible disease, robbing my young at heart Mother of so much of her wonderful, social personality. I pray that a cure (or at least treatment) is found soon! Musicmama23, Youtube

Thanks for what you are doing! Greater Awareness for PPA is Key!..my dear wife of 50 years has suffered with it for at least 7 years now.  Before my very eyes during this period I have watched an accomplished English Teacher, whose world was words gradually become a virtual mute.  ”Yes” and “No” comprise the only words she can bring up on her own.  The disease affects writing, reading, keyboarding, everything associated with speech… she is down now to just being able to write her name!  No meds, no treatment protocol!  Really at this point little or no hope.  To say it is heartbreaking is an understatement, but maybe the best description we have.- Larry Entwistle, Colorado Springs, CO

One man will embark on a mission equivocal to climbing Willis Tower, jogging to the Hancock Building, walking to the top, and then running the 24 miles roundtrip to the University’s Evanston campus, all to support research at Northwestern for primary progressive aphasia, a form of dementia that has stricken his grandfather. Northwestern Medicine Newletter, Chicago, IL

Jason- you are an inspiration! I took a look at your website and thought it was very well done and very moving. Best wishes for blessings and success on your quest. – Lisa King, Senior VP of Marketing at Raymour and Flanigan, Manhattan, NY

I watched your video and I am so moved. Not only will I be donating but I would like to ask EVERYONE to pass this on. If we can get it to go viral it will bring SO much attention to this illness. The love really shows – you and your grandfather are so fortunate to have each other! – Jill Schlan Sider, Chicago, Illinois

We are very excited about this upcoming event. It is for such a great cause that so many people work hard for every day at Northwestern University. If you don’t know about PPA, this is your chance to learn why it deserves your attention!! Thanks to Jason for all of his efforts in raising awareness and money for this important cause.  See you on Feb 24th!!!! Jamie E, Chicago, Illinois, Yelp

It is so amazing what you are doing to help so many people in need.  We are honored to be friends with such a caring person who could organize something like this.  We are happy to see how much Run4Papa has already raised, and we hope that number increases everyday.  Your grandpa should be proud of what an amazing person you are!  We have truly enjoyed learning about PPA, and we hope, with the effort of you and others like you, that there will one day be a cure for this disease.  Much love and respect! - Derek and Shana Staub, Dallas, TX

This site was emailed to my mother just recently from Northwestern in Chicago. My dad, Phil T., age 63, just passed away in early Dec. 2011 from PPA. The person emailing my mother asked her permission to add our dad’s name to your shirt in the Great Wall of China run. She said ok. I read the email, a few tears fell, I watched your “What Would You Do For the Cause” video, & shared it on my fb page along with the “Hustle Up the Hancock” info. Thank you, is all I can say! You will touch so many people by doing this & having this site. I’m positive my dad’s spirit will be there that day in China with you (even though you have no idea who he was), cheering you on, as he loved the outdoors & sports! Good luck to you & may you be watched over from above! – Noelle Thouvein

What a wonderful thing to do to support finding a way to preveit is so amazing what you are doing!!  i know your grandpa is proud and all those who will be helped with your efforts”nt and cure PPA. It is a horrible disease, and equally as horrible is that so little is known about it. My mother, a wonderful, loving, caring, talented, educated woman is suffering from this disease…no longer able to speak, write, read and care for herself. Thank you for helping make a difference for your Papa, all PPA patients and those of us who love and care for them. Have a great run! – Flyingtrikes, YouTube

I just found your video, website and facebook page. My dad passed away this past Dec. 5th of PPA. He was 63. He was diagnosed in the beginning of 2005 but had symptoms before that. He was a patient at Northwestern, living just over an hour from downtown Chicago. We were just asked if his name could be put on the shirt you’ll be wearing in China and my mom said we would be honored. I am so thankful for what you are doing and am looking forward to following you on facebook. – Renee Chernick, Bloomington, IL

What a wonderful thing you are doing for your grandfather. My dear sweet brother in law has PPA and is so young at heart. I cry when I think of what this disease has done to him. He has the biggest heart like I am sure your grandfather has. Thank you for doing what you are doing for all those suffering with PPA. – Lorigapinski, YouTube

Your film really was moving!  You have the best of both parents in you and I know how proud they (and we all) are of you. We will keep following this journey and cannot wait to see the films from China. – Sandy and Sheldon Borkin, Boston, Massachusetts

I can probably say that no one in the world has done so much to bring awareness to PPA research as you have done in the last 5 months. – Kevin Connolly, Chicago, Illinois

Proud to support Run4Papa and the great cause. Go get’ em! – Jordan Sherman, Manhattan, New York

It is our pleasure to support you on this wonderful adventure! – Jared Boschan and Shira Goldberg – Manhattan, New York

Congratulations on this wonderful idea and your dedication towards accomplishing it. We will be following your “journey” and you can count on us to root you on. – Terry and Howard Tenebaum, West Bloomfield, MI

I just got you to a even $25,000!!! Hope that helps. – Logan Abrams, Charlotte, NC

Happy to help, it’s a most worthy cause. Hope you reach your goal!  – Otto Kern, West Blomfield, MI

What a beautiful thing to do for your Papa – very moving. Your efforts will hopefully lead to a cure one day. He has such a kind and gentle expression:) – FrenchAmGirlies, YouTube

Congrats on your accomplishments! Keep up the great work…you’ve found your own way to leave a positive “carbon copy” in this world. I admire and respect your ambition to help make a difference for those directly and indirectly affected by PPA. You are awesome! Best of luck in your endeavors in China!  We’ll be thinking of you and wishing you well.  Love your friends in San Diego – Wendie Zepedia, Barbara Paterna, Holly Martinez, Kendra Zamora, Enedina Rangel – San Diego, CA

WOW! Amazing. Kol haKavod – Rabbi Paul Yedwab, MI

I am so impressed by your efforts… your Grandpa is a lovely, lovely man! Hopefully, many others will now get on board to raise money for research! – Ednasaltz, YouTube

I have known many afflicted with this illness. Love to help! – Rabbi Harold S. Loss, MI

It was really our pleasure to contribute to Jason’s cause – Shelley and Neil Perl, San Diego, CA

Much success to find in your run to find a cure for PPA – Richard and Marilyn Moss, West Bloomfield, MI

I was thrilled to see the article in the Livonia Observer this past week about Dr. Heyman. You are a very lucky young man, as I know you are aware, to call this darling man your grandfather!  I first met Dr. Heyman in 1994 when I was in search of a pediatrician for my soon to be born baby. I had interviewed a couple of other doctors, without feeling a connection or even any sort of great confidence, and then I met him.  I was so impressed with Dr. Heyman’s ability to make me comfortable as a new mom, his willingness to sit down and just talk to me and not make me feel hurried or pressured. I was immediately at ease and confident and comfortable with him and I knew he was the one to take care of my baby. And take care he did with both of my babies.  He could walk into the room and tell you what was wrong with your child before he even examined them; he would examine them, but he already knew what was wrong! And he would explain to me what needed to be done. Calmly, patiently making sure that I understood. I followed Dr. Heyman from Metro Peds to Brentwood, and then he retired. I miss him and his gentle ways. I don’t know if there has ever been, or will be again, another doctor like Dr. Heyman. Thank you so much for letting me know how he is doing, what he needs in return for all the care that he gave my children, and for that warm fuzzy feeling of knowing that he is so loved by his family.  I wish you a very successful campaign to raise awareness of PPA and a safe trip. Next time you see him, give him a big hug and tell him thank you for me. – Karen Greenwood, MI

We are honored to contribute to contribute to this worthy cause – Steve and Lisa Kaplan, MI

I just want to write and say your video is amazing! Our center and families affected by PPA are so grateful for all of your work and dedication to the cause. – Mary O’hara, social worker at the CNADC, Chicago, IL

Dr. Heyman was my children’s pediatrician. He was always so patient and kind with them. When they were older he told me that he had retaken his pediatric boards and was pleased he passed with flying colors. I will always have a warm spot in my heart for Dr. Heyman. – Patricia Barnum, Redford, MI

I loved Jason’ s video…heartfelt and touching…we’re rooting for him! – Enid and Gary Goodman, MI

This is an awesome journey and quite a tribute to a wonderful, wonderful man! – Ilene Citrin, Chevy Chase, MD

Your mission is admirable and inspiring – Michele Lewis, MI

Good luck in your venture! – Cindy and David Pinto, TX

Best wishes for you in your bid to run the Great Wall of China Marathon! I had a grandparent on each side with Alzheimer’s Disease and my father-in-law. I admire your ambition – Ellen Woodward Potts, Tuscaloosa, AL

We were moved by your love for your grandfather, your family, and by your dedication to the cause of PPA research – Joseph and Linda LoDuca, Bloomfield Hills, MI

I really admire what you are doing. There isn’t anything in the world I wouldn’t do for my dad. As a nurse, I know a lot of research is being done around the clock. Good luck with the race, I will be following you! – Tracey Maken, Fountain Valley, CA

What a wonderful thing you are doing for your grandfather and for his disease.  As my mother would have said….”you’re such a mensch!” - Debbie Ostrow, San Diego, CA

I have wonderful memories of your Grandfather’s sweet smile whenever I visited their Livonia office.  What a special guy he is! I am thrilled to donate and look forward to following Jason’s adventure. I think the world of Lou and wish him well. – Linda Blondy-Glass, West Bloomfield, MI

Very excited about this inititive. I wish you all the luck and success in your fundraising! – ilana Gorback, Denver, CO

 Jason I am so proud of what you are doing for my uncle, your grandfather. You are such an awesome grandson. My father would be so proud of what you are doing for his brother. I am happy to be a part of Run4Papa and I support you all the way! – Faith Golden, Encinco, CA

I weep in appreciation of your strength and fortitude in honor of your Papa – Jo Strausz Rosen, West Bloomfield, MI

I am sorry to know PPA has happened to your Papa. My memories of him are vivid as an man devoted to his work and his family – Michele Lewis, Larchmont, NY