Final Update:

I will not being running Boston this year, but plan to requalify and run it in 2013. Here is a blog post about my decision, Taking A Knee.

One million and one thanks to the fabulous donors who are making a real difference in stopping FOP.  Also thanks for believing in me, and for your generous support in helping us achieve our goals.

And lastly but absolutely not leastly, to our surfer and superstar friend Ashley Kurpiel, who has opened doors to many and helping shut the one on FOP.

Onward!

 *******

Update: on February 7th, I had surgery on my intact side left knee. Rehab is going well, but with less than 8 weeks to the marathon, it may be difficult for me to get to the starting line. This week's PT will be critical in seeing how fast I can get back to running, along with possibly doing some quality cross-training that may help me reach this goal.

I'll update again later this week.

Sweet are the uses of adversity,
Which, like the toad, ugly and venomous,
Wears yet a precious jewel in his head;
And this our life, exempt from public haunt,
Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks,
Sermons in stones, and good in every thing.

- William. Shakespeare

*******

We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone.
- Ronald Reagan

*******

Thank you for visiting my IFOPA fundraising page!

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!

*******

*** NEWS FLASH *** NEWS FLASH *** NEWS FLASH ***

We are nearing a drug that will STOP FOP in its tracks. This is HUGE news and you can make a real difference in defeating one of the most rare and disabling genetic conditions known to medicine.

Read the news on Ashley's blog here!

Y-O-U can be a part of this cure by helping us here. Please give what you can.

*******

I have written a number of blog posts about this amazing woman, Ashley Kurpiel,  who inspired me to do this fund raising effort. You can read those stories here:

How To Live A Life

Ashley Kurpiel - Please Nominate for Nobel Prize

Sand, Surf, and FOP

and a mention of our meeting:

Here Be Eagles

About Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP):

Carol and Ashley discuss FOP

Ashley's Blog

and the founder of IFOPA, Jeannie Peeper.

*******

I ran my first marathon to raise money for IFOPA. I fell short in my goal to raise $5000, so now we are going to try again at one of the world's premier races, The Boston Marathon!

I will be writing blog posts about this journey as my marathon training ramps up in December. Please know we appreciate any and all help, no donation is too small to help do great things.

Let make great things happen together!