As many of you know, I'll be running the Green Bay marathon on May 16, 2010. This will be my third marathon, but I'm particularly excited about this one because I'll be running for an important cause that needs more attention.
Over the past year, my awesome friend and running buddy, Gara, learned that her adorable niece, Del, has been diagnosed with a disease known as Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood (AHC). AHC affects the neurological system and causes temporary paralysis in the limbs and "episodes" that mirror seizure activity. Only about 400 people in the world have been diagnosed with the disease, resulting in limited funding devoted to researching treatments and a possible cure. Families that face this diagnosis consequently have very little guidance about how they can expect AHC to affect their lives.
Gara, and many others are trying to change that. There is a team at the University of Utah and other U.S. and Canadian specialists dedicated to finding a treatment and cure. And Gara has pledged to run 1,000 miles (WOW!) between January 1, 2010 and October 21, 2010, passing all donations to the Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood Foundation (AHCF).
To read more about Gara's inspiring journey and her amazing family, check out her website: www.runningfordel.com.
My goal, with your help, will be to raise $2,000 of donations to the AHCF by my May 16, 2010 marathon. If you'd like to donate, please click on the paypal button, and enter any amount you would like to donate to this worthy cause. I'll take care of forwarding your donations on to the AHCF. Also, feel free to email me, and I will give you my address if you would prefer to send a hard copy check.
I'll keep everyone posted with my running progress. I'm starting with 7 miles this weekend, but those of you in the midwest know that running these days involves dealing with what we know and love as the "wintery mix." So look for me wearing my runningfordel t-shirt (with a few added layers) on the Lakeshore Path!
Thank you very much for giving your attention to this important cause!
