Team CdLS Chicago Marathon 2008 Jane Champion | Liana Davila | Matt Deardorff | David Fowler | Ava Frank | Rob Hailey | James Hanson | Lauren Jezuit | Jill Kaufman | Robin Lakian | Sue Leone | Frank Mairano | Paul Meulemans | Marc Needlman | Penelope Prior | Kate Shaw | Patrick Shaw | Beth Smisloff | Andrew Welborn | Jill Wine
I ran my first and only marathon in 1998 (the New York City Marathon), the year I got married. I knew I had to run it then, because I thought that once I had children, I'd never find time to train again. Well, I was half way right because here I am again.
My son Manuel was born in August 1999, and to everyone's surprise, he was born with CdLS. The Foundation has provided my family and so much information, guidance and support, that soon after Manny was born I decided I would someday run a marathon to benefit the Foundation. Needless to say, for years I had no time for anything else, let alone train for a marathon.
Training for a marathon is big challenge—almost as big as raising a child with CdLS. I hope the patience and perseverance I have gained from raising Manny will help me through the training and, ultimately, the marathon. Wow... three kids and ten years later … I'm anxious to find out how I will do at this marathon.
After the marathon, I hope to continue running smaller races for different charities and, of course, I hope to continue running the Chicago Marathon to benefit the CdLS Foundation.
I have few skills to offer the CdLS Foundation, but I can run . . . slowly, to make people aware of the syndrome. I have a tendency to throw myself into doing something challenging, especially if it’s for those that may not be able to do so.
Every step I take, I visualize my daughter, Tanaya, and all the people I’ve met with CdLS and the courage they convey daily. I hope I can have a tenth of their courage during training and the race itself.
I’m looking forward to being done with the race and celebrating with my fellow CdLS runners and my sisters. After that, a long bubble bath and a beer.
I was introduced to CdLS by a co-worker, Carol, whose 16-year-old son has CdLS. Five years ago, I teamed up with Carol to raise funds for the Foundation by running on Team CdLS in the 2003 Chicago Marathon. Carol hooked me by saying, “You run, I’ll help you raise funds.”
I was researching fall 2008 marathons and had actually selected to run another race. Then I received an email from the Chicago Marathon stating open registration was closed, but you could still sign up as a Charity Runner. I could not resist going to the Web site and looking for the CdLS Foundation. As I scrolled down, I started to feel like a kid at Christmas . . . will it be there, will it be there? I was thrilled to see Team CdLS listed.
Over the next few days, I toyed with the idea of signing up, and finally my running partner said, “You have been talking about it with earnest this year, if it’s calling you, I would encourage you to do it. There is a reason it’s coming up. Follow it through.”
I mentioned the conversation to Carol, and once again she said, “You run, I’ll help you raise funds.”
The biggest motivator in this race is that my efforts might help make a difference for others. When the alarm goes off at 4 o’clock, and I’d rather roll over and go back to sleep, I get out of bed knowing I’m running for something more than me.
I’m looking forward to the electricity of the race. The Chicago Marathon is a huge event. It’s similar to having your favorite team in a championship game, and you're playing.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF JACK MICHAEL VEGA
When I first decided to run for CdLS last year, I did not have any personal connection to CdLS, I was just grateful to run for a charity. But that all changed 2 months into training. On my blog, I found a post that had read-
"My son, Jack, has CdLS and is 4 months old. The doctors have given him less than a year to live. This means so much that you and people like you care about all these people who are affected by this syndrome. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! - Karen Vega."
That's when I knew I could make a difference in the lives of people I had never met. My personal connection became Jack Michael Vega. His name was inked on my arms and my jersey. When I crossed the finish line, Jack was on my mind.
Sadly, a month after I completed the marathon, Jack Michael Vega passed away. Now I will run the 2008 Chicago Marathon in his memory and for the rest of his family.. parents Karen and Rene, sisters Karmen, Lauren and Miriam and Jack's twin brother Roman. I am familiar with the hardships that result because of an illness and I am always moved by the strength of families. I know that sometimes it's the little things that make a difference when you are trying to find the light at the end of a dark tunnel. For at least a few hours, I hope to be the Vega's light with Jack's spirit guiding my way. This year when I cross the finish line, not only will Jack be on my mind, but in my heart as well. Each of us is a vital thread in another person's tapestry. Our lives are woven together for a reason. We need to care about each other and put our arms around each other. No one can do it alone. Won't you join us on this journey?
I’ve always run and been athletic, but I needed someone to push me forward. I thought it would be a great to finally have a reason to run 26.2 miles. I think I may be nuts, but that hasn’t stopped me before.
I’ve been raising money for the Foundation through my annual swim for many years. I think running is probably my weakest event, but I hope to finish the race and raise money for children and families affected by CdLS.
After Chicago, I plan to continue running in some capacity and maybe do the Iron Man triathlon.
This is my seventh time in Chicago as a fundraiser for CdLS. I would not miss being there for the world. I would like to raise a good deal of money for, and awareness of, CdLS around this country—not to mention have a great time running down the street with my teammates and 35,000 others.
I started running marathons in 2000. I met a young woman through family friends, and we discussed running the race together. She made it sound so exciting. I was running back then, but not long distances. However, when an old man of 50 is challenged to run 26 miles with a 23-year-old, it’s hard not to take up that challenge. It turned out that the Chicago Marathon was on October 22, 2000, my daughter Lisa’s 28th birthday. Lisa was born with CdLS and was an inspiration for the Foundation. I figured why not honor her by running 26.2 miles on her birthday. The idea grew to include raising funds and awareness for the Foundation. We did very well that year raising over $35,000. I also finished ahead of the 23-year-old whose idea this all was.
My motivation is the memory of my daughter Lisa, and the thought that I am a very fortunate man. I have been given many opportunities in my life to do some pretty neat things, and this is one of them. I feel a real obligation to give back. Running for our kids with CdLS is a way for me to do that.
I’m running in Chicago to continue to support the mission of the CdLS Foundation in hopes of improving the lives of those with CdLS. I hope to reach the personal goals of making it to the start line injury free and finishing the marathon—hopefully with an improved time. I’d like to increase awareness of CdLS along the way and reach our team goal of $50,000!
Becoming a runner has given me strength in all areas—physically and mentally—thus, opening doors for new challenges. Long term, I hope to continue working towards more marathons, more triathlons and maybe even an Ironman some day. Running also helps to ease the stress of full time care of a multiply disabled child.
My son and all the other kids with CdLS are what keep me motivated I’ve been fortunate to meet so many families over the years and hear the stories of their struggles and victories. Running a marathon is really nothing compared to what some of these kids face on a daily basis.
I’m looking forward to meeting everyone on the team in Chicago. I will not have met everyone face to face until race weekend. I can’t wait to shake their hands and say THANK YOU to each of these individuals, who are making such a generous donation of their time and energy on behalf of our kids!
I decided to run the marathon as a member of Team CdLS because of my friendship with another runner, Frank Mairano. On several long runs (while we were both training for the Boston Marathon), Frank told me about the Foundation, what it had meant to him and his family, and about the good work it does.
Running is a huge part of my life and the person I am. It makes me a better wife, mother and friend. It helps me to feel good about myself and has introduced me to some of the greatest people in my life. I’d like to increase awareness of the syndrome, raise money and complete (and enjoy) another marathon.
I’m looking forward to the finish line, followed by a beer, a bath and a bed!
I’m running the Chicago Marathon for the Foundation because my sister has CdLS. I also ran my first marathon earlier this year—so decided to combine the two interests.
My sister is my greatest motivation through training. I hope to raise money for, and awareness of, CdLS, and I’m also looking forward to meeting my fellow team members this fall.
Through this marathon, I hope my brother Logan and others with CdLS will benefit through the contributions to the Foundation.
I hope to complete this marathon—my second for the Foundation—and raise awareness and funds at the same time. My greatest motivation is being around my brother and seeing how important my contribution to the Foundation is.
I am looking forward to seeing my family and friends in Chicago, and meeting others running for the cause.
I bring 21 years of marathon and ultra marathon experience to Team CdLS. Since 1987, I’ve completed 41 marathons (including 11 Boston and 12 Chicago marathons), with a personal best of 2:55:54. I’ve also completed 12 50-mile ultra marathons, with a personal best of 8:47:25, two 100K-distance events and the 2006 Heartland 100-mile ultra marathon, with a time of 27:15:21.
In 2000, I captained Team Synterra at the Eco-Challenge in Borneo, Malaysia—and experience I will never forget. My adventure racing resume includes a first- place finish in the 1998 Pathfinder Wilderness Challenge and a third place finish in 2000 at the same event.
I'm a co-founder of the North Shore Distance Running Club, and enjoy sharing my passion for endurance running events with more than 100 other marathon runners. I help train runners from the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) Marathon Training Program, North Shore Distance Running Club, and the Illinois Runs Marathon Training Program.
I’m supported in my running endeavors by my wife, Andrea, 10-year old stepson, Alec, and my precious 3-year old daughter, Mikayla, who is the 2008 Team CdLS Chicago Marathon Ambassador. We are honored that our daughter Mikayla will represent Team CdLS. The marathon is a true representation of what Mikayla and thousands of others with CdLS go through as they navigate the twist and turns of their own respective marathons.
I’ve been a long-time runner, but have taken a couple of years to get back up to speed after completing my medical residency. Since I work every day thinking about the cause of CdLS, it is only fitting that I join with Team CdLS in the Chicago marathon.
This will be my first marathon. I started running in high school, and whether indirectly or directly, running has given me some of my most meaningful life experiences to date.
My reason for running is two-fold: To finally complete a marathon, and to say thank you to the individuals with CdLS and their families for all they have offered me as a medical professional and scientific researcher.
Right now, the race seems so far away. I have a number of training weekends with quite a few long runs to get in before then, but my experience is that if you are able to put in the work, the race takes care of itself.
For more information on last year's team please visit
http://www.cdlsusa.org/teamcdls/teamcdls.shtml.
Last Updated 9/11/08