I do not care for running in the rain. Some people love it but not me. Yesterday morning it was raining and I needed
to run so I put on my tough girl pants and ran in the rain. While I was out there I remembered that many
of the individuals I am training in honor of through the liver foundation would
love to be healthy enough to run, in any weather. It’s such a blessing to be healthy and strong
so I wanted introduce everyone to a friend who really appreciates that. Meet Jack Morea.
 |
| Little Jack and I - 2006 |
In 2005 I needed a number for the Boston Marathon and had
heard good things about the American Liver Foundation’s team. I applied and was waitlisted (I was one of
many women in their 20’s with minimal fundraising experience who had
applied). I eventually called the office
and convinced the team manager to accept me to the team. I was thrilled to learn I had scored an
official race number but a little nervous about the fundraising – if I only
knew what lied ahead I may have been nervous about my life turning upside down.
I knew nothing about liver disease but I joined the ALF
‘patient match program’ and was matched with a little boy, Jack Morea. Jack, who was just 2 at the time, was born
with biliary atresia – a pediatric liver disease that affects the bile
ducts. I exchanged emails with Jack’s
mom, Michelle, and she told me all about their experience; how scary it was and
how Jack needed a liver transplant to survive.
Then she explained that her husband Dominic was able to be a live donor
for Jack. They took a piece of Dom’s
liver and transplanted it into Jack – then within months both livers
regenerated to full size. I was blown
away and then learned that this was relatively new technology – the first live
liver transplant in the US was in 1989.
I realized the money I was raising was helping to fund research and
testing that resulted in progress just like this. I could be part of more miracles like Jack’s. I finally had an opportunity to meet the
whole Morea family including Jack’s sister Catie and his brother Carl that
April when they came to visit for the marathon. It was as if we had known each
other forever and Jack’s infectious smile stayed with me through all 26.2 miles
on race day.
 |
| Jack today! |
Running for Jack was one of the reasons I knew I wanted to
be more involved with the cause. The
summer after that marathon I went to work for ALF managing the marathon
team. I was committed to not only
raising crucial funds for the cause but to also continue educating the
community about liver disease and liver health.
I had seen right before my eyes how the research to provide better
treatments and solutions can save a life.
Jack will be 10 years old this summer and while he has had more than his
fair share of challenges, he lives life to the fullest enjoying school, his
friends and sports. Thanks to the magic
of Facebook I get to see photos of him all the time and every time I see him
playing lacrosse or smiling with friends, I’m inspired all over again.
You can support my NYC Marathon campaign with a donation to the
American Liver Foundation here: http://go.liverfoundation.org/goto/LauraNYC
No comments:
Post a Comment