For the past decade, Jamie and her family have poured their hearts into the Sweat it Out 5k in Columbia, SC. It began as one mother’s determination to raise awareness for her son’s rare condition. Now, it’s grown into a beloved community event built on hope, connection and perseverance—one that has raised over $43,000 for the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias.
This year marks the final Sweat It Out 5K, and it’s an event we celebrate. The race has brought hundreds of people from across the nation together to support individuals affected by ectodermal dysplasias, including her son, Nicholas.
Over 10 years ago, Nicholas was diagnosed with x-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (XLHED). Like many parents, Jamie dove headfirst into learning everything she could. But it was a quiet moment at home that gave her the deepest understanding.
She had just returned from a run. Nicholas, still so little, asked her why her skin was wet. He couldn’t sweat but he didn’t yet know what that might mean for him. At that moment, Jamie did.
She turned that realization into action.
The very first Sweat It Out race was a true leap of love. Jamie started with just an idea and a deep desire to do something meaningful for her son. Like many family fundraisers, it grew step by step with the support of her neighbors, a few generous sponsors, and a community that showed up in more ways than she ever imagined.
Jamie had moments of doubt, but always came back to her “why”. This was for Nicholas. And that clarity made all the difference.
Ten years later, that same heart and determination still fuel her passion to host the race.
Sweat It Out 5K is more than just a race. It’s a labor of love.
“It’s an invitation for our community to step into Nick’s world, a world without sweating. It’s about love, empathy, and coming together with a purpose. We run, we sweat, we stand together for Nick.”
As Jamie reflected on their final race, one thing is clear. This event is about more than just running. It’s about building a community, one step at a time.
In a recent Instagram Live interview with the NFED, Jamie didn’t hesitate in naming the most rewarding part of this event.
“It’s the community we’ve built here in Columbia,” Jamie said. “Just looking out and seeing all of these runners, walkers, spectators, volunteers, people who want to learn, who want to meet Nicholas, who are curious. There’s just nothing like it.”
And truly, there isn’t. Jamie’s story is what NFED family fundraisers are all about. It’s not just about supporting a cause you believe in, though we’re deeply grateful for that. It’s about creating something bigger than yourself. A way to connect. A reason to come together in a day and age where it’s all too easy to feel isolated.
The 5k is a USA Track and Field Certified course, and includes annual awards for the top three Male/Female Winners, as well as age group winners.
At the NFED, we work every day to build and nurture that kind of community through events, resources, connections, and support. But Jamie? Jamie is a master in what it means to create community from the ground up, right where you are.
As Jamie and her family prepares for their final Sweat It Out race, we celebrate their decade of impact. We honor their labor of love. And we thank them for running this race, literally and figuratively, with all of us.
Race Day: June 7
Location: Old Woodlands Park, Columbia, SC
Register Here
Let’s make this final Sweat It Out 5K a celebration to remember. See you at the finish line!
Did Jamie and her family inspire you to host your own NFED fundraiser? Check out these resources to get started!
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