About the "Walk for Shea"

The first "Walk for Shea" took place in Centreville, Virginia in April 1998. That first year there were 45 participants and the "walk" was actually incorporated with the "Rabbit Run" a 5K race that also benefited another local charity, "Our Neighbor's Child."

Since that first walk the participants have grown from 45 to over 600 adults, children (and dogs!) Shea's school, Virginia Run Elementary School, has a number of children that participate in the walk. There are also a number of Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops that participate; as well as a number of children who volunteer to hand out flyers prior to the race and help on the day of the race. To date the walk has raised over $150,000.00 -- all of which has gone to to helping raise awareness of SMA and to help fund research.

Donations can be sent and made payable to:

The Shea Megale Fund Corporation
c/o 6302 Rockbridge Place
Centreville, VA 20120

The following poem was written by Shea's mom, Megan, after the 2003 "Walk for Shea"

Twas the night before the walk, and all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The wheelchair was charging by the front door with care,
In hope all our friends, soon would be there.

Shea was nestled, all snug in her bed,
With visions of walking, dancing all round her head.
The moon on the breast of something like snow,
Gave the luster of mid day, to objects below.

Then in a twinkling, Shea dreamt in her sleep,
That efforts of many, the benefits it'd reap.
Not Christmas, or Easter, not even St. Nick,
Compared with the dream SMA they might lick.

I could ice skate, or run, or play tag with the gang,
The whistle went off, Shea awake to the bang.
When what to her wondering eyes did appear,
Hundreds of friends, some strangers, some dear.

With a heart full of love, for that Shea did know,
She knew in a moment, it had to be MO!
More rapid than eagles the volunteers came,
The walkers, the people, Mo called them by name.
Shea spoke not a word, and went straight to her work,
And shot through the streets, then stopped with a jerk.
She thought to herself, should I go at top speed?
But if I do that, I'm the only one in the lead!

So how can we thank you for all that you do,
To be embraced by so many, if we only knew.
We feel as if Christmas, we live every day.
The gifts we've been given, our hope, still at bay.

So thank you to all that came out to walk.
Now maybe a cure will be more than talk.
And I heard her exclaim, as she wheeled out of sight,
Love to you all, now to all a good night

Home Page | Mission Statement | About the Walk for Shea | Shea & Mercer | Community Service Hours | How You Can Be Involved |  News from Shea & Family | In The News  | Understanding SMA | Registration Form  | Sponsors  | Photo Album

If you 'd like more information on the "Walk for Shea," please contact the Walk director, Mo Nieves.

Question or comments on website:

Please contact Walk for Shea webmaster

Phyllis Manning

Please note, this site has been optimized for use with Microsoft Internet Explorer

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