Running for Brain Health · Jr. Olympics 2026
Help Shawn Run Toward a Future Without Dementia
The United States dementia rates are rising rapidly in the country, and the disease quietly takes root decades before anyone notices, often starting in midlife. This means awareness it is a lifespan concern. In the era of AI, we all need strong health brains. Prevention starts in childhood!
This August, Shawn is lacing up for the Jr. Olympics to change that story before it starts for his generation. He can’t cross this finish line alone. We’re asking you to help us reach our goal, and every meter he runs means nothing without people like you running beside him.
Lyrics ‘N Leadership™ Institute · 501(c)(3) Nonprofit · Tax ID# 33-4017420
“I run because my brain is worth it.” 🧠
What Your Gift Becomes
A Donation Today Doesn’t Just Cheer Shawn Across a Finish Line
It hands a family a lifeline of awareness before dementia ever gets the chance to take root. Here’s exactly where your generosity goes.
📚
Free brain health books
Placed directly into the hands of families to make them aware of dementia preventing behaviors
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Family education, everywhere
Brought straight into schools, libraries, community centers, and shelters.
🌱
Habits that last a lifetime
Teaching children the movement, creativity, and learning habits that protect their brains for good.
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A healthier America
Growing our nation’s Brain Capital movement so every child gets this chance, not just some.
Why We Can’t Wait
The Race Against Time Is Real
Brain disorders are already one of the leading cause of disability, and the risk factors for dementia begin decades before the first symptom ever shows up. Prevention cannot start in someone’s sixties. It has to start now, in childhood, with families like yours.
Urgency in Arizona
Fastest-growing Alzheimer’s rate in the entire country is right here at home.
Artificial Intelligence
Keeping brains creative, adaptable and resilient is critical with the onset of AI
Cognitive Reserve
Kids who learn to optimize their brains early grow real, lasting protection against disease later in life.
Hard Truth
Alzheimer’s affects more people than breast and prostate cancer combined, so prevention should start in childhood.
The Good News
Up to 80% of strokes and 50% of Alzheimer’s cases are preventable if we start early enough.
Brain Capital Arts
Our brain health poetry books uses the arts and literacy to keeps brains sharp!
Follow The Journey
Shawn’s Road to the Jr. Olympics
Every training morning and every race is one more chance to put brain health in front of families who need to hear it. Watch Shawn’s race below where he comes from the back of the pack to win his regional 100m race to qualify for the Jr. Olympics!
Join Team Brain
You Don’t Have to Qualify for the Jr. Olympics to Make a Difference
🏃 You can run.
🚶 You can walk.
📣 You can share Shawn’s story.
💛 You can donate, right now, today.
Help Shawn Reach the Finish Line
Every Dollar Builds a Brighter Brain
Pick the gift that feels right, then picture the family it reaches. Together, we are not just running a race, we are building a future. Donations over $100 can place their name in our next book, ‘My Brain Symphony’. Donations over $250 can add a statement in the back of the book!
We Are Not Just Running a Race
We are building the future, one brain at a time. In the era of artificial intelligence, having a strong creative brain is critical.
Shawn is already running. All we’re asking is that you take one small step with him, because every book, every family, and every donation moves us closer to a future where no child grows up not knowing how to protect the most important thing they have.