Mora & Qusay 5K:
Sprint for SYNGAP.

A community 5K with a powerful purpose: awareness, research, and a brighter future for people living with SYNGAP1-related disorders.

Participants gathered under the balloon arch for the 2026 Mora & Qusay 5K

5Kthrough historic
Williamsburg

Meet the team

For Mora. For Qusay. For a future with answers.

The team behind Sprint for SYNGAP brings together personal connection, advocacy, research, and science communication in support of the SYNGAP1 community.

Race co-host & CURE SYNGAP1 volunteer

Sara Driscoll

Sara is a licensed mechanical engineer in the incineration and drinking-water industry. A Virginia Tech graduate with an MBA, she brings technical expertise and strategic thinking to everything she does.

With a background as a Girl Scout leader, Sara is passionate about making complex ideas clear and manageable. She believes there are no dumb questions—only opportunities to learn and grow.

Her daughter, Mora, was diagnosed with a SYNGAP1-related disorder in fall 2023 after developmental delays led to Whole Exome Testing. Sara soon connected with CURE SYNGAP1 and became an active volunteer, supporting grant management, data analysis, and research initiatives.

As co-host of the Mora & Qusay 5K, Sara brings her commitment to research, awareness, and support for families to every step of the event.

“Mora is a very observant and curious child.” — Read Mora’s story

Race co-host & CURE SYNGAP1 advocate

Sarah Sakly

Sarah is a Ph.D. student in computational neuroscience at the College of William & Mary, where she also completed her undergraduate studies in neuroscience and psychology.

Her work is deeply personal. Sarah’s younger brother, Qusay, lives with a SYNGAP1-related disorder and remains nonverbal at age 15. His experience has shaped her academic journey and inspired her commitment to advancing research and awareness.

Sarah bridges science and lived experience through her studies and advocacy. She is dedicated to improving understanding of SYNGAP1 and bringing visibility to a condition that is often underdiagnosed.

“Every step of that race is personal, every moment, it’s for him.” — Read Sarah’s sibling story

CURE SYNGAP1 volunteer & race organizing team

Eva Kalajian

Eva holds a Ph.D. in Applied Science (Neuroscience) from William & Mary, where her research focused on the mechanisms underlying opioid-induced respiratory depression.

Although she enjoyed her time in the laboratory, Eva discovered her greatest passion was science communication: connecting research to unmet needs and translating complex scientific findings for audiences ranging from the general public to experts.

At William & Mary, she served as a Science Communications Specialist for the School of Computing, Data Sciences, & Physics. She now works as an Associate Medical Writer, applying her training in literature review and technical writing to develop scientific manuscripts and congress materials for biopharmaceutical companies.

Eva began volunteering with CURE SYNGAP1 shortly after defending her dissertation in April 2026. The next day, she ran the Sprint for SYNGAP 5K and knew she wanted to do more. Inspired by the community and the importance of the cause, she is helping organize the 2027 race and raise awareness for individuals and families affected by SYNGAP1.

Community Partner

Andrea Andre

Andrea is a co-owner of Dominion Dogs in Williamsburg, Virginia, with a background in technology and business. She developed and launched the restaurant, bringing together planning, creativity, and a hands-on approach to getting things done.

Supporting the local community is an important part of how Andrea and her husband, Dave, run Dominion Dogs. They value lasting relationships with businesses and organizations that make a difference and look for practical ways to contribute.

When Sarah Sakly reached out about the Mora & Qusay 5K, Andrea saw a good cause and an opportunity to help. She now brings her skills in communications, design, and organization to the race team, along with Dominion Dogs’ connections to the Williamsburg community.

Through this work, Andrea hopes to help more people learn about SYNGAP1 and support the research that matters to Mora, Qusay, and their families.

Our mission

Every mile moves research forward.

We partner with CURE SYNGAP1 to increase awareness, build community, and support research for SYNGAP1-related disorders.

CARE
Build a connected communityFamilies, friends, runners, and advocates in one place
HOPE
Raise awarenessMake SYNGAP1-related disorders better understood
ACT
Fund researchTurn community energy into meaningful progress
RUN
Celebrate every strideAll paces and supporters belong here
ONE
Global Sprint4Syngap movementLocal care, shared momentum, worldwide impact