A family facing immeasurable loss due to a fatal disease that primarily affects premature infants has organized a community run in Davis to raise awareness and research funds. Yolo County parents Jennifer and Noah Canvasser launched the NEC Society—the world’s leading nonprofit advancing for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) research, education, and advocacy—after tragically losing their son Micah to the disease. NEC is a life-threatening intestinal disease that affects medically fragile infants during their first weeks and months of life. Locally, the UC Davis Children’s Hospital is where families go for lifesaving care for babies at risk of NEC. This month, the @nec.society and UC Davis Neonatal Intensive Care Unit team up host the first YOLO Run for a World Without NEC, coinciding with Necrotizing Enterocolitis Awareness Day on May 17. The run starts at 8a and has options for 2k, 5k, 10k or virtual participation. Supporters may also donate online. Most people have never heard of necrotizing enterocolitis. Jennifer and Noah Canvasser had never heard of NEC until Micah was diagnosed. Micah and his twin brother Zachary were born prematurely at 27-weeks, weighing 2-pounds each. Jenn and Noah did everything they could to help their twins thrive in the neonatal intensive care unit. The twins grew stronger, and by the time they were six weeks old, it seemed Micah and Zachary would be home in a matter of days. “But everything changed when Micah was diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis. He became critically ill and needed emergency surgery to remove necrotic bowel,” Jennifer explained. “Zachary was discharged from the NICU, but Micah’s complications from NEC continued.” Tap the link to read more of the Canvassers’ story and to register for or donate to the cause. 🔗: https://thedirt.online/nec-society-yolo-run/ Promo code for The Dirt readers: YoloDirt