“You will never play sports again…” were words that were uttered only 18 days after I had competed in the pole vault at an indoor track meet at Pennsylvania State University. I was expected to not only participate - but perform well – something that I did easily in athletics to that point in my life. They were quipped by a doctor who gave little hope and loads of doubt to my future. I thank that person for that to this day…
I began my journey with Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM) in February of 2003. I was a cocky 14-year-old that acted as if nothing could stop me in my quest for whatever the hell I thought I could do. Quickly, I found out that wasn’t the case.
Hospital trips to Chicago, experimental medications, organ shutdown, feeding tubes, injection ports, an unbelievable amount of support from family, friends, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Dr. Steven Spaulding and Dr. Daniel Kietz lead to hearing, “You are now in remission” in February of 2010. 7 years to hear that the worry, the fear, the unknown was behind me. It was behind my parents and family and friends. It was done, and it was time to move on – and move on I did.
Fast forward to September of 2024 I was asked by Dr. Kietz to travel down to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh for a “Family Day” with the Rheumatology Department and converse with families and children who were afflicted with JDM just like I was. I was honored and my wonderful wife and two beautiful children excitedly joined this open forum. We met parents of children who were scared, who had that look that I knew all too well. It was then I realized I could and needed to give back – but how?
“7for7” is a venture I, along with a new friend whose child is afflicted with JDM came up with. “7for7” is a fundraising effort for the Cure JM Foundation – a foundation that provides funding for cutting edge research into the varying myositis diseases that plague children. It also provides copious amounts of support to families who are enduring their battle with juvenile myositis – the horrible autoimmune illness umbrella that JDM falls under.
“7for7” is simply me running 7 marathons from April to August of 2026. 7 marathons represent each year of battling I had with my illness. I will be running in Delaware, Michigan, Ohio, New York, Colorado, and twice in Pennsylvania. I hope to be able to show to newly diagnosed kids that their life will not end - it may be put on pause, but it most certainly does not have to mean it is over. I hope to give parents who have or are observing their beautiful child who was once lively and active be reduced to being bed ridden. I hope to ease concerns of what their children’s future will look like. I hope to inspire hope in all afflicted with this horrible illness - and along the way raise a boatload of money to fund research and help to support with any and everything these kids and their families need while they battle.
“I get by with a little help from my friends” played on my headphones as I was typing this up and I couldn't help but laugh because clearly the “powers-that-be” knew that in order for this to happen, I’m going to need a little help from my friends. To get to the starting line of these races I am in need of help. The costs of travel and fees associated with this endeavor are something I am also looking for help with. If you would like to donate to me to be able to do this I would greatly appreciate it. DM/Text/Call me if you are interested in this.
If you are more comfortable donating directly to the foundation I have included the QR code in the pictures section of this event. You will also find my bio and various other items of interest on that page.
Help me help all who battle this terrible illness through these 7 marathons. If you wish to meet up on the race courses, also, please reach out and even if it is just for a couple steps on the course come run part of these 7 races with me!
Also check out other Sports events in Rehoboth Beach, Nonprofit events in Rehoboth Beach, Kids events & activities in Rehoboth Beach.
