KANSAS CITY, Missouri – Jason Boschan conquered all seven continents by running a marathon in honor of his dad. On Saturday, he will finish 37th out of 50 states raising money for Alzheimer’s and dementia research at the Garmin Kansas City Marathon.

Jason Boschan

“7 million people in the U.S. have Alzheimer’s and that number will increase to 13 million by 2050,” Boschan said. “It’s really important what work we’re trying to do and the awareness we’re trying to create in each of the different areas we work in.”

His nonprofit organization, Run4Papa, works with Northwestern University and its Alzheimer’s and dementia research program. The organization has reached 88% of its fundraising goal of $400,000.

“100% of every dollar we raise goes toward research. Nobody flies me here and puts me up. I’m here because I want to raise that awareness.”

Jake Weller/KSHB

Clinical research at Northwestern University Medicine aims to help slow the progression of the disease. A cure is also being sought. The aim is to give families more time with their loved ones, says Boschan.

“My grandfather was pretty physically fit right from the start. At age 80, he began practicing medicine, treating low-income patients at home and climbing stairs. It was difficult to see him trapped in his own head,” Boschan explained.

Jason Boschan/KSHB

Alzheimer’s disease was the fifth leading cause of death in people aged 55 and over in 2021. Healthcare and long-term costs for people with dementia are expected to reach $360 billion in 2024 and nearly $1 trillion in 2050.

Boschan is running 50 half marathons in 50 states, raising awareness. He wears a custom shirt tailored to the city he’s running in to encourage runners and spectators to ask questions about the cause.

Jason Boschan

“Maybe I’m not the front runner,” explains Boschan. “I have enough people behind me if it gives them a bit of laughter and joy. I think it helps create a positive mood that I want to create throughout the race.”

The Garmin Kansas City Marathon begins at 7 a.m. Saturday.

More information about donating to Run4Papa can be found here.

KSHB 41 reporter Ryan Gamboa covers Miami County, Kansas and Cass County, Missouri. Share your story idea with Ryan.

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