No I am not Lance Armstrong, but I did the Race Across (RAAM) last year as the only HD gene-positive team member. It was such a challenging event for the team and one I will always be proud of for our accomplishment. It created so much awareness and raised funds like no event I’ve ever seen.

The first person I went to see after driving back home was my mom. I gave her the medal they presented to each us for finishing. I was so tired I ended up staying with her that night. Little did I know it would be the last time I would see her alive. Less than two weeks later I received the phone call I knew would come: her 20-year battle with HD was over. She was finally at peace from the disease.

It is funny how things seem to fall into place. I wanted to do another event this year to raise money for HD. My dear friend and training partner, Aracelly told me she wanted to train for the Rock ‘n’ Roll marathon in San Diego on June 3, 2007, so we decided to sign up. I have a goal of doing an Ironman triathlon in 2008, so it made sense to run a marathon this year. I’ve never done one, but out of all three triathlon events running is probably the easiest for me.

Running such a long distance is the challenge. Of course after doing RAAM it will be like a regular couch potato deciding to walk around the neighborhood park. While the RAAM guys are gearing up for a tortuous non-stop seven-day and seven-night event, I’ll be finished in less than 3 hours and will get to sleep a whole night before and after the race.

I am 34 years old and have no HD symptoms. I exercise and train to survive. Living a healthy lifestyle and having a positive attitude are what get me through the day. I am not afraid to tell everyone about the emotional pain the disease causes in families. I am not afraid to admit I have challenges to overcome. In my heart I believe I will beat the symptoms. I will not let my gene-positive status steal the quality time of my life. I tell co-workers, friends, the media, and whoever will listen about our cause. Amazingly no one treats me lesser for my situation – if anything, they treat me better.

I am looking forward to running this marathon in memory of my mom, Harriet Melby.