Neurofibromatosis, Inc. - 112th Boston Marathon, April 21, 2008

112th Boston Marathon, April 21, 2008

Page Creator: Richard Witt

Page Closes: Aug 5th 2008

Rich & Eric

About my nonprofit:
Neurofibromatosis Inc

Run4NF is a national, fundraising organization whose mission is to create a team of people who through personal challenges will boost NF public awareness as they fundraise for NF. Run4NF welcomes all willing...

Fundraising target:	$2,620
Total raised so far:	$2,095.00

Fundraising progress

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My personal message:

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page!

As a way of honoring my brother-in-law, Eric, I've decided to run the 112th Boston Marathon to raise money for research into Neurofibromatosis (NF). Eric suffers from type 1 NF. In short, benign tumors grow along the nerve sheaths throughout his body. Since NF does not have a cure, the disease is managed by removing the tumors only when they represent a danger to the patient. Eric had his first surgery to remove a tumor at the tender age of three. In the past five years, Eric has had surgery twice to remove tumors growing in his spinal column and near the base of his brain. The first surgery removed a tumor growing in his spinal column that was eroding his C1 & C2 vertabrae at the base of his skull. Just this past March he traveled to Iowa to have a tumor removed and his C5 & C6 vertebrae fused together. Both surgeries could have resulted in death or paralysis. As a result of NF, Eric also has an increased risk for developing cancers, including brain tumors and leukemia.

Surprisingly, NF is a relatively common genetic disorder, occuring about once in every four thousand people. Although much is known about the disease, a cure is not currently at hand. In fact, Eric is not the only person I know with NF. A little over two years ago I started coaching cross country at Ladue High School in St. Louis. As a result of my involvement, I was inspired to run my first marathon in 2005 (Lewis & Clark Marathon, St. Charles, MO). As it turns out, one of the runners from that team, Kyle B., also has type 1 NF.

Kyle currently runs for DePauw University in both cross country and track. I'll never forget when Kyle showed up not just to cheer me on, but also to run with me during miles 15 through 22 at the Lewis and Clark Marathon. I was hitting the wall, but we laughed and talked through some of the toughest miles of the race. Running creates a bond of brotherhood I've rarely seen in other sports. Kyle is a great example of how running and NF have been intertwined in my life.

The Boston Marathon is the world's oldest and most well-know marathon. It is also one of only two marathons in the US that require a runner to qualify based on time. I met the challenge of qualification at the May 2007 Lincoln Marathon. Now, I'd like to get your help in meeting the challenge of curing Neurofibromatosis.

Eric has been my brother-in-law for fifteen years, but he's been more like a brother to me for over twenty years. I've know Eric since he was in grade school. Every year that we have him is a blessing.

Running has enriched my life. Now, I'm running to enrich the lives of my friends and family. Just by visiting my page you've helped me reach my first goal - to raise awareness of NF. I'll finish my second goal when I cross the finish line on Boylston Street in Boston. But, raising money to find a cure for NF is my biggest, most important goal. It's my way of running towards a cure for NF.

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!

Online Donors to date:

Display name	Date	Comment
Cathy Russell	4/24/2008	Congratulations, Richard!
hidden	4/22/2008
Jamie and Jeff	4/22/2008	Congrats, Rich, on your run today! Way to go on supporting a worthy cause!
Shelley Kowalchik	4/21/2008	Good Luck - Thank you for running for NF
The Bancrofts	4/21/2008	Rrrrun Rich, rrrrunnnn!
Eric, Becky, and Alex	4/20/2008	Good Luck
Ted W	4/18/2008	Rich is the man !
Craig, Judy, Ryan & Ethan Nelson	4/15/2008	You are running for a great cause. We will be cheering for you!!!!
Annalee N.	4/3/2008	Good luck!
Dan Roo	4/3/2008	yo Rich, you better finish!
Mr. K	3/31/2008	Lance, eat Rich's dust!
Carl T	3/31/2008	In memory of my father.
Steve C.	3/31/2008	In memoriam of Steve's mom
Sandra K.	3/30/2008	Good Luck !
Lindsey, Avery, and Patrick Anderson	3/26/2008	We admire your dedication!
Katie Fitzgerald	3/21/2008	Best of Luck!
Jesse M	3/19/2008
Martin & Kelly Long and kids	3/18/2008	Best of luck!
Pam Bruns	3/18/2008	Good Luck!
Pat, Liz, & Jennifer Lackey	11/19/2007	Good Luck!
Kumanomido Family	11/12/2007	Good Luck Coach Witt
Chuck Carpenter	10/12/2007	Go Coach Witt!
Charles Bishop	9/21/2007	Good luck..We will be thinking of you!!!
John & Vickie Haug	9/5/2007	We'll be rooting you on from our recliners. Good luck.
Sharon & Harvey Wheeler	9/1/2007	May the Force be with you
Anonymous	8/24/2007
Joe & Sharon Mangiaracino	8/23/2007	This will be quite an experience. Thanks for running for such a good cause.
Carl	8/16/2007	Good luck on the run!
Sweeney	8/16/2007	"Run Richard, Run...!!"
Kyle B	8/15/2007
Mike	8/14/2007
Rene	8/12/2007	Thanks for running for my brother, it means alot to me.
Jan	8/8/2007
Ed and Frances Brown	8/8/2007	Good Luck!
Terri	8/7/2007
Mark Oppenheim	8/7/2007	G-d Speed
Eric Brown	8/7/2007	Thank you Rich
Tammy Bowles	8/7/2007	Good luck... run like the wind!!
Richard Witt	8/7/2007

	Total raised online:	$2,095.00
	Amount raised offline:	$0.00
	Grand Total:	$2,095.00

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