I am dedicating my New York Marathon run to three of the bravest women that I know. My sister Kerri and her two daughters, Emily and Molly Jo have been battling chronic Lyme disease for the past several years. A battle not only against a microscopic organism, but also against medical, political and societal ignorance about the disease. Patients and their treating physicians are often ridiculed and even persecuted as they struggle in this battle. As with so many chronic illnesses, research is the key to finding treatments and, one day, a cure for this devastating illness. And for a disease that does not get much media attention, donations are desperately needed. By running in their honor, my prayer is that people will put a face to this disease and understand how it affects the lives of real people everyday. I am blessed to be in good health and am honored to be able to run for those that cannot run for themselves. Please donate today!!

For more information about "Turn the Corner Foundation" check out the "Lyme Disease -Turn the Corner Foundation" video on YouTube!

In Kerri's own words.....

The most painful, challenging journey of my life began  almost 5 years ago when the symptoms that had plagued us for years reached a level of debilitation and could not be ignored. When the doctor first told me she wanted to test my daughters and me for Lyme Disease I said she didn't need to because we were not the "outdoorsie" type. I am so thankful that she proceeded anyway and you could have knocked me over with a feather when the test came back positive for Lyme and co-infections. But along with the physical and emotional struggles that are inevitable with Lyme Disease, we were shocked and challenged by the lack of medical practitioners willing or able to treat us. My journey toward healing has been fueled by love for my children and concern for my future grandchildren.  Turn The Corner Foundation is a huge support for our cause. Supporting their efforts is supporting ours.   ~  Kerri

In Emily's own words...

Once I was diagnosed with Lyme, I immediately was hit with a ton of different emotions. What am I going to do with my life? I can't go to college and deal with this. I can't commit to a job. God, why of all people did you choose to give this to me? A lot of constant prayer from myself and others helped me realize that this disease can easily effect me in a negative way...but it doesn't have to. I'm going to fight this "battle" as long as I need to. I hope and pray that someday there can be a cure for Lyme and that this battle can end in victory for me and every other fighter.   -Emily

In Molly Jo's own words:

When I was diagnosed with Lyme I had the biggest sigh of relief. I finally had a name for what was taking my body down. Ready to fight this war with Lyme, I was shocked at how difficult it was to find anyone who knew what Lyme was. It's not easy fighting a disease that no one is willing to accept and treat. It's time for the world to become educated on this nasty "bug" and help the thousands of people dealing with it conquer this battle. With God's power, our weakness will become a great strength.  - Molly Jo