My name is Stephen Taylor and I am raising money to help find a cure for Spinal Muscular Atrophy.  I will be running the  2011 Western States 100 mile Endurance Run. I will be running to honor a very special little boy,  Owen Simmons.  Sadly, Owen passed away from this dreaded disease in November 2009. Along wtih Andy and Heather SImmons(parents of Owen) 100 Miles 4 Owen and Run for Owen has raised thousands of dollars and has raised awareness about SMA.  We have only begun to fight! We have teamed up and joined forces with the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation.  The Gwendolyn Strong Foundation is a tremendous organization committed to help find a cure for SMA.  GSF is run by two of my good friends, Bill and Victoria Strong.  Their lovely daughter Gwendolyn is fighting this terrible disease everyday and is the definition of courage  

I was able to run the 2010 Western States Endurance Run and did so with SMA angels carrying me along the way.  This was my first 100 mile race, and it was also my first time applying to run the Western States.  Entry into the Western States is highly coveted and difficult.  There is about a 10% chance of getting into this race everyyear.  it is one of the premier Ultra Running events in the world.  That day changed my life forever and was the most gratifying experience I have ever encountered.  Dozens of famiies who have been affected by SMA contacted me and gave me the names of their little angels who had earned their wings into heaven.  Those names were written on a piece of paper and i carried them with me for the whole 27 hours it took me to complete this run.  I still have this special paper and again I will be brining it with me.  Sadly, I will have to put more names on this paper.  "This is why we run, we run for those who can't

 

The Western States 100 is a 100 mile Ultramarathon through the Sierra Nevada mountains.  It starts in the Squaw Valley Ski Resort and meanders through the Western States trail.There is over 40,000 feet of elevation and descent during this race as well as brutally hot temperatures, snow, canyons, river crossings and rugged terrain.  I have thirty hours to complete the race. 

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.