Here we go!
I am running the 2024 TCS NYC Marathon (my first marathon!) with Team ALS in honor of my mother, Jamie Stephenson, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2004. She died on April 21, 2011 after a long, strong 7 year battle. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive disease of the nervous system that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. The average age of onset is 55. My mother was 54 when diagnosed with her “sporadic” (not genetic) case. I was just a 21 year old college student.
Long distance running became paramount to me as I coped with my mother’s illness and ultimately with her death. As her legs got weaker, my mileage got longer. Watching her lose all ability to move and control her body made me appreciate and focus on what I could do with mine.
When I moved to New York City in 2007, I told my mother my plans of one day running the marathon. I knew it would not be for years and that she would not be alive to see it. But you can!! Your donation will help ALS United of Greater New York fund resources and services to the local ALS community, help find new treatments, and move us closer to a world without the disease. Thank you SO much for supporting a charity that is incredibly personal to me and for cheering me on for those 26.2 miles on November 3rd.
![TeamRaiser Achievement Badge](../images/friendraiser_uploads/1413_1143_lg_1103.519050353.orig.png)
![TeamRaiser Achievement Badge](../images/friendraiser_uploads/1416_1146_lg_1000.202992860.orig.png)
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