Thank you for visiting my fundraising page.

I have been running for myself for several years now, using it as a way to improve my fitness and my focus.  Now, for the first time, I can say I'm running for someone else.  Many of you know Jen and Tom Mouat and the story of their brave and beautiful daughter, Gwen.  I am so excited to play a small part in their story.

Gwen Mouat is 5 years old & lives in New Albany, Ohio, where she attends preschool. Looking at her today, you would certainly never guess the life she’s lived & the challenges she faces on a daily basis. At 2 days of age, Gwen became catastrophically ill & was placed on life support. Her parents & doctors had no idea what was causing her illness. At 3 days of age, she was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Propionic Acidemia. Propionic Acidemia (PA) is inherited from both parents. Individuals with PA cannot break down parts of protein and some types of fat due to a non-functioning enzyme. Children need protein in order to grow and thrive, but for these children extra protein is a deadly poison. Because of this disease, Gwen’s life will likely be cut short.

Although she's been admitted to Children's Hospital more than 50 times, she's undoubtedly one of the happiest people on Earth. Since starting preschool in February 2009, her developmental skills have exceeded everyone's expectations. She talks, sings, jumps, & dances all day! Some of her favorite things are Barney, Barbie, Dora, dogs, tea parties, & toilets! It was January 2007 (just before her first birthday) when she stopped eating by mouth, and since then she's been fed 100% by a feeding tube because she refuses to eat anything by mouth. She's had a j-tube since Aug 2007 that takes her food straight to her intestines (less vomiting). Until summer 2010 she wore a backpack to carry her feeding pump, but no longer. She's now able to tolerate her formula through several small boluses (manual tube feedings) per day & has a full-time nurse who cares for her during the day.

Help me support them by donating to the Propionic Acidemia Foundation.

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!