On January 9th, 2020 I will be embarking on a journey to run the Dopey Challenge in Disney, and I take on this journey to raise money and awareness for a local 2 year old angel. Her name is Baby Anna!
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The journey began this morning!
Baby Anna was born with a very rare disorder called Harlequin Ichthyosis. This genetic disorder causes her skin to become thick and crack making it necessary for extremely long baths sometimes two or three times a day. Her skin is trying to heal itself, so it is constantly producing new skin, ten times faster than normal, one main reason for so much bath time. After bathing Anna requires a heavy application of Aquaphor and constant monitoring so that her skin does not cause Anna discomfort and she is not in danger of sickness. The Aquaphor helps her to hold in moisture, she cannot hold in moisture without it and because she is unable to sweat she cannot go out in the heat. Anna has no barrier from bacteria so cuts and scrapes can be very dangerous. When she was born, her skin became so tight once she was in the open air that she needed immediate attention, yet medical staff didn't even know what she had. No one did, because it was so rare. Her mom, Jennie, is sincerely one of the strongest people I have ever experienced because while facing so much uncertainty when Anna was born and being so scared on how to handle this unknown disorder, she faced it and faces it valiantly to this day!
Being that Jennie, Anna and the rest of the family live in my town, I had heard about what they were going through. Some of their friends live on my street and I live across from Jennie's family orchard/farm. I wanted to help, because to be honest, I just think Anna is the most beautiful little girl and what she faces every day, she does it with the most adorable smile. She is one strong girl! I also wanted to help because it is my opinion, that what neighbors do!
I want to help Anna and her family and I am looking for your help in doing so! And that is why I decided to run for Anna....I run the Dopey Challenge to embark on a 4 day run journey to get sponsorship and get funds to help Anna and her family. What they face every single day is monumental. On top of that, my hope is to bring about awareness of Harlequin Ichthyosis so that more treatment can be explored to make living with it easier.
I will be training the next three months, getting the miles in to take on the challenge. I will be out in bad weather and days I don't feel like running, but all the while remembering that Anna wakes up every day facing much harder challenges. The challenge I will face will pale in comparison.
I am looking for donations and sponsorship to raise money for Anna and family because together we can make life a little better, a little easier. With the money raised we together can show the love and support a community can give to family.
The four runs will be back to back to back to back days. 3 miles, 6 miles, 13 miles and 26 miles for a total of 48 miles! SO..... maybe a $1 a mile? Honestly...what ever you can will be so appreciated! During my training I will update the website how things are going, and then once down in Florida for the runs I will then have updates throughout the four days of running!
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So this morning was my last training run!! I had great thoughts throughout, because I have two local businesses sponsoring me and maybe a third and fourth today! Pomod'oros Pizzeria and Hard Roll Deli, two great businesses are helping me help Anna and her family, and I am so grateful! Thursday I embark on the journey, so share the website with as many people as possible, it will be taking donations through the whole challenge. Can we get to $5,000!?!
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So it has been a while since I have had an update! Sorry, just been tough with the increased training and the holidays. Anyway, we are 2 weeks away from the big challenge!! We are very close to the $4,000 mark, so please share the website as we make a final push with 2 weeks to go!
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There is only one month before the event! Training increases in intensity over the next 3 weeks, embarking on two 18 mile runs followed by increased miles during the week.. The end of the month I will slowly decrease the miles up to the Challenge at the beginning of January. So as I ramp up the training please share the website with everyone and anyone!!
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Hello there! I know it has been a while since an update. I have been struggling with some fatigue issues that I have never had before as a runner, therefore I have had to step back my training. I am pushing through it though and taking small steps forward. Just remember when there is an obstacle in front of you, just continue to move forward even if it is slow and small. People like Anna and also her parents teach me that, they were presented with challenges they probably thought there was no way they would get through, yet they did! Look what they have become, a gorgeous and beautiful family! I am grateful to know them...
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Training has taken an unexpected turn due to excessive fatigue in legs, piriformis syndrome ,doctors visits and testing supplements and nutrition! This is new for me as in my 7-8 year running career I have never needed to stop for this reason. With the Dopey Challenge fast approaching, I need to get this figured out AND FAST! One week sideline to resume running this weekend....In the meantime, can we get over $3,000! Thanks so much to those who have given to this awesome family!!! Any amount helps and if you could share to spread the word that would be awesome too!!
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Okay, so just a brief update on training! 5.3 miles this morning in the dark. In order to get the miles I need for training I have to start early before work. It will get even earlier when I need to log more miles. Here is my lighted vest. SAFETY is a must!
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After our first 24 hours we have many donors and supporters!! Thanks so much everyone!
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