Meet Our Heroes
You Too Can Get Involved and Become a JOA Hero
Micki Gura, Fundraiser
Micki Gura is our main fundraiser and has raised over $100,000 in product donations for our annual Picnic in the Park. She and her husband, Ray Gura, are our
biggest fans! We are so grateful for all you do for John Owen. Thank you Micki!!!
biggest fans! We are so grateful for all you do for John Owen. Thank you Micki!!!
Irene Fitzgerald, Marathon Mom, Marathon, Oct 2012
I have been running/walking for 25 years now. This year I decided to wind down my running ambitions as I turned 65. I wanted to do something really special for my last year of running and needed some motivation to keep my body going. I found it through our very good friends, Ray and Barb Muniak’s grandson, John Owen Dumm. He became the ‘wind beneath my feet’. I ran the half Cleveland Rite Aid Marathon on May 20& had the goal of my last full marathon on October 7 in Chicago. This was bittersweet for me since I ran my first marathon in Chicago in 1997. While I was in the heaviest part of my marathon training I would get motivated by thinking of John Owen who is unable to walk and think that I can overcome my aches and pains.
I trained strong for the full marathon and completed a 20 miler and 21.5 miler three weeks prior. Then, I hurt my back. After three weeks of special exercising, medications, and lots of prayer, I felt that I was ready. On 10/7 I set out for my last 26.2, after a few minutes of brisk walking, I started to feel some pain in the back of my right thigh. By mile 4, I knew this was going to be tough, my right toe started to feel the pain. At mile 8, I was slowing down. I knew that 13.1 would be my goal. All I could think of was, "I can do this?"
I kept praying that God would keep my right leg moving. As I was approaching mile 13, I could see my family there cheering me on. With most of the other marathons I ran, seldom was anyone at the finish line. I forgot all about the pain and grinned from ear to ear knowing that this was the end for me and I did my best.
What I have taken away from this experience is the satisfaction that comes from the journey: (1) the journey of physical training for 18 weeks. (2) the journey of
dedicating this event for John Owen with Muscular Dystrophy and hoping that the donations will help with research to stop this devastating disease. (3) the journey of accepting our limitations and sometimes not reaching the finish line but reaching the important goal of helping others and feeling support from all of you.
I may not have completed the entire 26.2 miles but I have already proven that 27 times before. I was running for John Owen and I finally enjoyed the special moment of having my family at ‘my’ finish line. I couldn’t have asked for a better memory. I am grateful for all of you who supported me with your well wishes, prayers and donations that brought in over $2,000 to derail Duchenne!
I trained strong for the full marathon and completed a 20 miler and 21.5 miler three weeks prior. Then, I hurt my back. After three weeks of special exercising, medications, and lots of prayer, I felt that I was ready. On 10/7 I set out for my last 26.2, after a few minutes of brisk walking, I started to feel some pain in the back of my right thigh. By mile 4, I knew this was going to be tough, my right toe started to feel the pain. At mile 8, I was slowing down. I knew that 13.1 would be my goal. All I could think of was, "I can do this?"
I kept praying that God would keep my right leg moving. As I was approaching mile 13, I could see my family there cheering me on. With most of the other marathons I ran, seldom was anyone at the finish line. I forgot all about the pain and grinned from ear to ear knowing that this was the end for me and I did my best.
What I have taken away from this experience is the satisfaction that comes from the journey: (1) the journey of physical training for 18 weeks. (2) the journey of
dedicating this event for John Owen with Muscular Dystrophy and hoping that the donations will help with research to stop this devastating disease. (3) the journey of accepting our limitations and sometimes not reaching the finish line but reaching the important goal of helping others and feeling support from all of you.
I may not have completed the entire 26.2 miles but I have already proven that 27 times before. I was running for John Owen and I finally enjoyed the special moment of having my family at ‘my’ finish line. I couldn’t have asked for a better memory. I am grateful for all of you who supported me with your well wishes, prayers and donations that brought in over $2,000 to derail Duchenne!
Elsa Kilbane, Half Marathon Oct 2012
I have been running for a few years now. I wanted to run for a cause but I wanted it to be one that I felt a special connection and whole heart for. When a girlfriend of mine told me about team moving spirit, I was so excited and ready to run! I joined last winter to be a part of the Cleveland marathon racing team. I gave it my all, raced to the finish line, and completed the 10k. I felt so honored and humbled to be a part of this team full of so many remarkable individuals with such faith, hope, kindness, and love. All running for Owen. I knew I was running for the right cause without a doubt, my spirit was truly moved by all this love! I’ve only met Owen a few times but that little boy touched my heart deeper than I can even put into words and his mama Jen, she did too. Wow! She is something special. She is without a doubt the most remarkable mama I know. I do believe we all need a cup of Jen in our lives. That little dose of espresso to remind you that life is precious, every day is a gift, keep the faith, and never stop hoping!! As a mom of three myself, I can't even imagine how Jen keeps her strength and spirits up, but she does, oh, she sure does. Getting back to the Cleveland 10k. It was the very moment that I finished that I knew in my heart I was called to do more and challenge myself and push myself to run a bigger race. A half marathon. For Owen, for Jen, for the entire Dumm family.
I signed up for the Akron half marathon and trained like crazy. I wanted to run my heart out for Owen. I wanted to challenge myself, push it to the max and cross that finish line knowing that every single step, sweat, ache, pain, and breathe of that race was for sweet Owen and in hope that he will be taking steps again one day soon! Thanks to my wonderful family and friends, I raised over $2,300 dollars for Duchenne’s research. I am so thankful God led me to run for Owen and so grateful for all the love I've received from the Dumm family. You ALL are my heroes!!
I signed up for the Akron half marathon and trained like crazy. I wanted to run my heart out for Owen. I wanted to challenge myself, push it to the max and cross that finish line knowing that every single step, sweat, ache, pain, and breathe of that race was for sweet Owen and in hope that he will be taking steps again one day soon! Thanks to my wonderful family and friends, I raised over $2,300 dollars for Duchenne’s research. I am so thankful God led me to run for Owen and so grateful for all the love I've received from the Dumm family. You ALL are my heroes!!
Marrissa Mehwald, Triathlon, Sept 2009
When I decided to run my triathlon for John Owen, I had looked back on the 19 years of my own life. What stood out were all of the memories that I have been so lucky to have, but also how fast time has flown by and how short life seems for how much I still want to accomplish. When my dad gave me the news about John Owen I did a lot of research on his condition. I looked at John Owen's life and the fact that there is a time limit placed on it. John Owen NEEDS enough time to live every moment that he deserves; moments as simple as a senior prom, or as great as walking onto a college campus. John Owen and his family deserve these memories more than anyone I know. With funding for research there is hope for a cure, and any small part will lead closer to that cure. I ran to raise $3,000 dollars to give John Owen hope, and to never take life for granted.
Kim Mckendry, representing the Moving Spirit Team, May 2012
I met Jen back in 2008 at St. Albert the Great where our kids attend school. I was working on PTO and had recruited her to run the candy drive. Shortly after she agreed to do it she received the devastating news of John Owen’s fate. Our hearts were broken for her and her family, and we told her we completely understood if she wanted to step down. But she insisted that she would keep on with it, being the strong woman even then as she is to this day. I have always had a soft spot for Jen (as many people do) and find her to be one of the most inspirational people that I know.
Despite everything, you never see Jen without a smile on her face, or saying some encouraging words. I would read her updates and cry with disbelief at her
strength and commitment. Her and her family are simply amazing, and were never far from my thoughts. I often wondered how I could help. Then came Moving Spirit and the marathon.
I consider myself athletic and active, but have never been a runner. I admit it has always intrigued me, and I envied people who were committed to the sport. Then this past year I read one of Jen’s JOA newsletters recruiting runners to join their Moving Spirit team. That was the push I needed. I nervously signed up that night and thought "I hope and pray I can do this." Being a part of the Moving Spirit has had such a positive effect on my life, more than I ever could have imagined. After a few months of training with the help and support of Moving Spirit I went on to run in Cleveland's Rite Aid Marathon and finished the 10K in just under an hour, keeping John Owen close in my thoughts each step of the way.
I was committed to raise as much money as I could to heighten awareness and help find a cure for John Owen and all who suffer from Duchenne. With the help and generosity from my family and friends, I raised over $2000 to help derail Duchenne! Thanks to Moving Spirit, I now can call myself a “runner”. I run for myself for my new love of the sport, I run for John Owen and for hope.
~~~~~~~ KimMckendry is our Moving Spirit Champion. We had over 65 runners at the Cleveland Rite Aid Marathon 5.21.12 on the Moving Spirit Team. Kim's dedication to our Spirit exemplifies the Hero in all our Moving Spirit Runners. Together we raised over $16,000 to derail Duchenne. ~~~~~
Despite everything, you never see Jen without a smile on her face, or saying some encouraging words. I would read her updates and cry with disbelief at her
strength and commitment. Her and her family are simply amazing, and were never far from my thoughts. I often wondered how I could help. Then came Moving Spirit and the marathon.
I consider myself athletic and active, but have never been a runner. I admit it has always intrigued me, and I envied people who were committed to the sport. Then this past year I read one of Jen’s JOA newsletters recruiting runners to join their Moving Spirit team. That was the push I needed. I nervously signed up that night and thought "I hope and pray I can do this." Being a part of the Moving Spirit has had such a positive effect on my life, more than I ever could have imagined. After a few months of training with the help and support of Moving Spirit I went on to run in Cleveland's Rite Aid Marathon and finished the 10K in just under an hour, keeping John Owen close in my thoughts each step of the way.
I was committed to raise as much money as I could to heighten awareness and help find a cure for John Owen and all who suffer from Duchenne. With the help and generosity from my family and friends, I raised over $2000 to help derail Duchenne! Thanks to Moving Spirit, I now can call myself a “runner”. I run for myself for my new love of the sport, I run for John Owen and for hope.
~~~~~~~ KimMckendry is our Moving Spirit Champion. We had over 65 runners at the Cleveland Rite Aid Marathon 5.21.12 on the Moving Spirit Team. Kim's dedication to our Spirit exemplifies the Hero in all our Moving Spirit Runners. Together we raised over $16,000 to derail Duchenne. ~~~~~
Julie Reardon, Run for Our Sons, May 2009 and Sept 2010
Why run for John Owen? In February 2008, when John Owen was diagnosed with DMD, my heart broke for him and his family. I immediately signed up to receive the Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) emails. When I would see Jen, I would ask about Owen and every time I would tear up, as if there was nothing to look forward to. I received emails from PPMD promoting Run for our Sons; I had always wanted to run for a cause but never had one that I felt connected to. Finally the email came, Jen asking if any runners she knew would be willing to run for John Owen. From that moment I was off running and fundraising. God moved to do this, so I prayed with each step that I ran, for God to give them to John Owen so that he can keep walking. I ran because I had to do something for my friend and it is exactly what I can do. The tears of despair in my eyes have been replaced by twinkles of hope for John Owen’s future!
Lori Ann Soukup, Chicago Marathon, Oct 2010
Jen Dumm is one of my dearest friends and I care deeply for her and her family. Upon learning of John Owen’s journey I have been supporting the family from afar with my hopes and prayers for a cure and strength for the family to handle all of the challenges along the way. I say from afar because as we all know life is hectic.
Working full time and raising two kids doesn't leave me much time to participate in many fundraising events. I try and always wished I could do more. One thing I
always find time for is running because it keeps me balanced! So when I saw there was an opportunity to run the Chicago Marathon on behalf of John Owen while raising funds to help find a cure - I immediately signed up. Training for a marathon is a lot of time and miles - a good amount of my motivation to keep running came from thoughts of others that aren't able to run and a good amount of the time running I prayed that John Owen would benefit from a cure and never lose his ability to run or walk. I raised $1,350, finished the race and keep John Owen and family in my prayers always! I'm still running and I always will as long as I'm capable. It is difficult to think that if a cure is not found for John Owen, and others, that they will not be able to run or walk. I will always support the cause and hope others will continue or are inspired to start supporting the cause as well. Love you with all my heart Dumm Family!!
Working full time and raising two kids doesn't leave me much time to participate in many fundraising events. I try and always wished I could do more. One thing I
always find time for is running because it keeps me balanced! So when I saw there was an opportunity to run the Chicago Marathon on behalf of John Owen while raising funds to help find a cure - I immediately signed up. Training for a marathon is a lot of time and miles - a good amount of my motivation to keep running came from thoughts of others that aren't able to run and a good amount of the time running I prayed that John Owen would benefit from a cure and never lose his ability to run or walk. I raised $1,350, finished the race and keep John Owen and family in my prayers always! I'm still running and I always will as long as I'm capable. It is difficult to think that if a cure is not found for John Owen, and others, that they will not be able to run or walk. I will always support the cause and hope others will continue or are inspired to start supporting the cause as well. Love you with all my heart Dumm Family!!
Alicia Szczesniak, MoJo Marathon, Oct 2011
The MoJoe Marathon raised more than $6000 and had 98 runners! Most notably was St. Albert’s 3rd grader, Alicia Szczesniak, who brought in over $1000 in pledges on her own. Alicia even had pledges from other young children who really stepped up when asked. After hearing about the MoJoe Marathon, Alicia says she felt compelled to help John Owen.
“I wanted to help my schoolmate feel better and stop his disease and I wanted to spend time outside with my dad," she said.
“I wanted to help my schoolmate feel better and stop his disease and I wanted to spend time outside with my dad," she said.
Joe Vasil, MoJo Marathon, Oct 2011
I was inspired to run to end Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy after learning about Julie Reardon’s marathon. I wanted to do something worthwhile with my passion
for running, and I feel fortunate to have been guided to this cause. This experience has been amazing. All I really did was ask and a lot of really good people that I know and don't know stepped up. I am very proud to be part of this great community. Going forward, I hope to give others both the gift of running, and the gift of realizing how easy it is to make a difference. This is what I earned this year, and I grew spiritually more than I have at any point in my life along the way.
for running, and I feel fortunate to have been guided to this cause. This experience has been amazing. All I really did was ask and a lot of really good people that I know and don't know stepped up. I am very proud to be part of this great community. Going forward, I hope to give others both the gift of running, and the gift of realizing how easy it is to make a difference. This is what I earned this year, and I grew spiritually more than I have at any point in my life along the way.
