My name is Tim Gardiner and I'm a Birmingham, AL Police Officer. I am also step-father to two wonderful children, Gracie, 10 and Aidan 3. My step-son Aidan has been diagnosed with Epilepsy since he was 6 months. It has been a long and tiring road so far. He is now on his 16th medication (might be 17th I lose count), has a Vagus Nerve Stimulater, has tried the Modified Adkins for Seizures and so far nothing has helped. In Sept he was hospitalized 3 times for cluster seizures and this past weekend he was hospitalized again, this time during a seizure he went into respiratory arrest. Thank the lord the wonderful staff of Children's Hospital brought him back. I can't explain his resiliance enough. When he isn't having a cluster he is your typical 3 yo, loves Dora and wants to catch bad guys with me.

I've never been much of a runner. I did what I had to during my time in the Marine Corps and during the Police Academy but that is about it. I made the decision in the last week that I wanted to run the Marine Corp Marathon on Oct 31, 2010. I spent 10 years as a Marine and it has remained an important part of my life.  I have no intention of winning the race, but I want to finish it. In honor of my son.

I've started this fundraising project to raise money for epilepsy research. We are running out of options and one of our only hopes is for something new to help. Any and all help or donations will be greatly appreciated. Thank you all and be safe.