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| Lydia Runs the Boston Marathon for NephCure and Zach |
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Without a doubt, I am getting ready for a huge challenge. On April 20th, I will be running my first marathon – the Boston Marathon! That’s 26.2 miles… and yes, all at once. The legendary course is both beautiful and arduous, with ascents such as the famous “Heartbreak Hill” during mile 20. I have an aggressive training plan over the coming months (which happen to be winter months in New England!) to help me prepare for this adventure.
More important than even my physical commitment to the program is my dedication to raising funds for The NephCure Foundation in its effort to battle Nephrotic Syndrome and Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). These two potentially devastating kidney conditions cause protein to leak out of the blood, and prolonged leakage has been shown to cause kidney failure. The cause is unknown and there is no known cure. These chronic conditions account for approximately 12% of prevalent cases of End Stage Renal Disease, which describes a patient who is on dialysis or living with a transplant. And a transplant is not always the answer; FSGS can attack the new kidney post-transplant, often within hours or weeks.
NephCure aims to help science unlock the biological mechanisms that cause these serious conditions and ultimately find a way to cure and prevent them. Until that day, NephCure will continue to further research efforts and to help fund patient education and advocacy programs. Please check out the NephCure website for additional information at www.nephcure.org.
I am not only running this marathon for The NephCure Foundation, but also in honor of a special little boy. In September 2007 Zach was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome at the age of 2½ years old. During the following months, he endured many procedures, weeks-long stays in the hospital, treatments, drugs, infusions, dietary restrictions, etc. Many of the drugs have terrible side effects, and some can cause kidney scarring. Finding a cure for these conditions will mean a long, healthy life for Zach and others like him.
I have been inspired by Zach’s strength and sweet attitude (all the nurses adore him!) during this difficult time. And I cannot wait to hear the cheers of Zach and big brother Ty during the marathon – “Run, Auntie Lyd, Run!”
Research is the key to finding a cure, and funding for this research is essential. I have set a personal goal of $10,000 toward this effort.
As I run the 26.2-mile marathon, you will be with me in spirit, and your sponsorship will inspire me to run stronger and faster to the finish line. (Although, I do have to admit that I have been over the finish line before. It wasn’t actually during the marathon, I was wearing street clothes, and the only "cheers" were the yells of the drivers of the moving cars that I had to dodge as I attempted to cross the line painted on the road on Boylston Street.)
I am asking you to contribute what you can. Any amount is appreciated – it all adds up! You can securely make a donation directly on this site with a credit card. Or you can donate with a personal check; please make it payable to The NephCure Foundation (with my name on the memo) and send it to their office at 15 Waterloo Ave, Berwyn, PA 19312. NephCure is a §501(c)(3) organization, so your contribution may be tax deductible.
I will be updating this website with my progress – both my physical amelioration and the strides forward with my fundraising goals. In addition, there is a fundraising event in the works, featuring the comedic talent of Joshua Sankey with musical entertainment by Knuf Said! It will be on March 7th in Boston, so please save the date!
Thank you so much for your support and generosity! |
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Total Donations: $10,174
Goal: $10,000
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