Jack Burke and Neurofibromatosis - what do these two things have in common?  They are the inspiration for my next marathon.

On December 12, 2009 I will be running my 2nd marathon in Kiawah, SC.  As a runner, I find that I need inspiration to moitivate me on each and every run that I tackle - a person or a cause that is bigger than myself where I can challenge all that I have in me for its' betterment.  A foot race of 26.2 miles is certainly a challenge, but this challenge is nothing when compared to the challenges that the remarkable little boy that I will be running this race in honor of has to face - Jack Burke.

Jack is the nephew of one of my dearest and closest friends, K.C. O'Brien.  Over the past year that Jack and his parents, Beth and Jake and little brother Luke have been in Atlanta, I have had the privilege of getting to know them and learn more about the disease, NF, that Jack has been afflicted with.  K.C. has told me about all the trials that her young nephew has already had to face in such a short amount of time and I felt strongly that I needed and wanted to do something to help out.

At only four years old, Jack has already been diagnosed with a disease called NF.  Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a genetic disorder of the nervous system which causes tumors to form on the nerves anywhere in the body at any time. The effects of NF are unpredictable and have varying manifestations and degrees of severity.  But if you were to meet little Jack Burke you would never know he suffered from any disease.  He has taken every doctor's visit, hospital testing and side effect of NF in stride - this little boy amazes me!

Those of you who know me, know that I am a staunch believer in supporting medical reasearch as I have seen the benefits at work in other causes.  I didn't know about NF until I met Jack Burke and I feel strongly that supporting the research to find a cure for this disease will provide much relief to Jack, and many others someday.

I am running 26.2 miles in December to raise money to fund the research for a cure for NF...and I am running this race for Jack.  I ask that you see the same importance in this cause that I do and that you, too, decide to make a difference.  Whether it's $1 for every mile I run or a flat donation, every penny counts! 

Thank you for taking time to visit my fundraising page and for supporting this great cause!