This year, I'll be running the half marathon in Harford on October 9th to support my Mom and the MS Society. In addition to raising money I would also like to raise awareness amongst my friends and family with respect to MS and what we can do to help. Thank you for your contribution - whether it be with words or a financial donation.

I consider my Mom a hero and am proud to run in her honor. Prior to MS, my mom was an avid hiker and loves to be active. Although she still loves the outdoors but she cannot enjoy it as she once did. What makes her so amazing is that although MS has taken her ability to hike, it hasn't taken her ability to fight. Despite not being able to run or walk, she fights back with her incredible attitude, love of sports and dedicates herself to our family.

Please consider to pass this link onto your circle of friends and family. If everyone contributes just a little... my Mom and MS Society will gain a lot!

Since last year...

Raising over $2,000 for Multiple Sclerosis and completing a full marathon were wonderful accomplishments. With your support both goals were accomplished and made me realize just how incredible my circle of friends and family are. Since then, my wife Noelani has given birth to a beautiful baby boy - Jordan (12/30/09). Needless to say he and Julia have kept us (happily) busy in 2010. So, with limited training time this year I'll be running the 1/2 marathon but have set a somewhat aggressive goal (for me at least!) of 2 hours for completetion. Last year, I finished the marathon in 4 hours, 53 minutes (11 min, 11 sec per mile pace). This year, I am targeting a 9 min, 10 sec pace for the 13.1 mile run. I am looking forward to the challenge and feel confident knowing I am running for a wonderful cause and to honor a hero of mine - my Mom. I love you Mom!

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, unpredictable disease of the central nervous system (the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord). It is thought to be an autoimmune disorder. This means the immune system incorrectly attacks the person's healthy tissue. MS can cause blurred vision, loss of balance, poor coordination, slurred speech, tremors, numbness, extreme fatigue, problems with memory and concentration, paralysis, and blindness and more. These problems may be permanent or may come and go. Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, although individuals as young as 2 and as old as 75 have developed it. MS is not considered a fatal disease as the vast majority of people with it live a normal life-span. But they may struggle to live as productively as they desire, often facing increasing limitations. Approximately 400,000 Americans have MS, and every week about 200 people are diagnosed. World-wide, MS affects about 2.5 million people. Because the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not require U.S. physicians to report new cases, and because symptoms can be completely invisible, the numbers can only be estimated.

To learn more about Multiple Sclerosis please click on this link: MS Society Home Page