Meet Our Heroes
You Too Can Get Involved and Become a JOA Hero
Nils Antonio, Marathon Dad October Columbus Full 2013
On Running the Columbus Marathon for John Owen, "Well I've been since high school. I've been blessed during my running career to have two coaches that have influenced me in a big way. Because of that I feel that I should give back. I been all round the world due to running and run in the Olympics. It was my honor to run for John Owen plan to do it again."
Pat Dailey, Marathon Dad, May 2013
“Pat Dailey is no hero.
At least that is what he would say. In fact he feels more like an anti-hero at times. This 44 year old father of three never feels like he is doing enough. Especially when he compares himself to many of his closest friends, that include the Dumm's. Pat just considers himself lucky. Lucky to be married to his wonderful wife of 14 years, Mary Ellen, who he credits with getting him to run in the first place. Lucky to have three beautiful and happy kids, Jack, Morgan, and Rachel. Lucky to have close friends. Lucky to have a decent job and make a good enough living to keep his family happy and help out a few others when they can.
Pat is a coach for more teams than one can count and spends his time managing schedules, sending out e-mails, and driving to practices or games, and between fields and ice cream, and home. To Pat, his family comes first, his friends second, and he comes last. He does find time to sneak away and play golf every now and then, not as much as he used to, but he knows what is important now and that will come later, when kids are older. After the patio, and the basement, and the painting, and so on. Pat likes to play sports himself, but only manages to play basketball two times a week, to burn of some stress and stay in shape.
Despite his busy schedule, Pat found some time to run these past few years. But if you know Pat, he runs with a heavy heart. He runs with a sense of obligation. With a sense of purpose. With a sense of Love.
Pat runs for those who can't. Pat runs for John Owen.
Pat is not a Hero, he would shy away if you said it to his face. He would look down with his boyish grin and deny it. "No, no, not me. Not a Hero." He is quick to point out real Heroes in his eyes. Other Friends that run farther, that do more, that carry heavier loads with bigger hearts. Pat sees them and is inspired to be a better person
Well, there are those of us who know Pat. Who know the size of his heart, packed into that little Irish frame, and we know. Pat IS a hero to some, like it or not. Pat provides inspiration, motivation, and perspiration for those he cares about. Pat found time amongst everything else that he has going on to run. To run for John Owen.
His friends see it. They see someone that makes them want to be a better person. For that Pat Dailey is the JOA Hero for 2013 Moving Spirit.”
Written by our very good friend, Guy Manias since Pat really was to humble to write it himself. Pat ran the full marathon on 5.19.13 ~ This very selfless man along with 60 other runners raised $20,000 in the 2013 Cleveland Rite Aid.
At least that is what he would say. In fact he feels more like an anti-hero at times. This 44 year old father of three never feels like he is doing enough. Especially when he compares himself to many of his closest friends, that include the Dumm's. Pat just considers himself lucky. Lucky to be married to his wonderful wife of 14 years, Mary Ellen, who he credits with getting him to run in the first place. Lucky to have three beautiful and happy kids, Jack, Morgan, and Rachel. Lucky to have close friends. Lucky to have a decent job and make a good enough living to keep his family happy and help out a few others when they can.
Pat is a coach for more teams than one can count and spends his time managing schedules, sending out e-mails, and driving to practices or games, and between fields and ice cream, and home. To Pat, his family comes first, his friends second, and he comes last. He does find time to sneak away and play golf every now and then, not as much as he used to, but he knows what is important now and that will come later, when kids are older. After the patio, and the basement, and the painting, and so on. Pat likes to play sports himself, but only manages to play basketball two times a week, to burn of some stress and stay in shape.
Despite his busy schedule, Pat found some time to run these past few years. But if you know Pat, he runs with a heavy heart. He runs with a sense of obligation. With a sense of purpose. With a sense of Love.
Pat runs for those who can't. Pat runs for John Owen.
Pat is not a Hero, he would shy away if you said it to his face. He would look down with his boyish grin and deny it. "No, no, not me. Not a Hero." He is quick to point out real Heroes in his eyes. Other Friends that run farther, that do more, that carry heavier loads with bigger hearts. Pat sees them and is inspired to be a better person
Well, there are those of us who know Pat. Who know the size of his heart, packed into that little Irish frame, and we know. Pat IS a hero to some, like it or not. Pat provides inspiration, motivation, and perspiration for those he cares about. Pat found time amongst everything else that he has going on to run. To run for John Owen.
His friends see it. They see someone that makes them want to be a better person. For that Pat Dailey is the JOA Hero for 2013 Moving Spirit.”
Written by our very good friend, Guy Manias since Pat really was to humble to write it himself. Pat ran the full marathon on 5.19.13 ~ This very selfless man along with 60 other runners raised $20,000 in the 2013 Cleveland Rite Aid.
Elsa Kilbane, Half Marathon Oct 2012, Full Marathon Akron September 2013, Full Marathon Chicago October 2013
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 do believe, some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts and we are never ever the same. John Owen has touched my soul, is my inspiration and has left those footprints on my heart forever. I run because he cannot. I run because I am inspired by Owen’s mom Jen. She has forever left footprints on my heart as well. As a mom of three myself, I can’t even imagine how she keeps her strengths and spirits up. She is something special, without a doubt the most remarkable mama I know. I call her my fix. The little dose of espresso, that reminds me, life is precious, everyday is a gift, keep the faith, and never stop hoping! She is a mom on a mission--to save her son. I run because I believe in the power of a mom.
I joined team moving Spirit in 2012 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! 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. For Owen, for Jen, for the entire Dumm family.
I signed up for the Akron half marathon that year and ran my heart out for Owen. I cross that finish line with so much love and hope for Owen and knew that this was only just the beginning. This past fall (2013) I completed something that scared me on so my levels, but I knew in my heart I HAD to do for Owen. TWO FULL marathons. The Akron Marathon September 28th, and the Chicago October 13. I spent the entire summer stepping out of my comfort zone pounding the avement-- literally, and getting the word out to raise as much awareness as I could for Duchenne. The months of training and the races themselves were such a challenge, but the love, faith, hope, and friendships I've made and witnessed through this journey is something that I feel blessed to have been and continue to be a part of. I don't know the exact dollar amount but I do know that the generosity and support I received from family, friends, acquaintances and even strangers is
humbling, astonishing, and just proves to me that God has called me to run these steps and pound the pavement with all the FAITH, and HOPE in this world
for my friend Owen and all the Duchenne boys. I am a running mom on a mission, and I WILL keep praying, running, racing and raising all the awareness I can for Duchenne. We WILL win this race against time…we will!! Derail Duchenne!!
girlfriend of mine told me about team moving spirit, I was so excited and ready to run! I do believe, some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts and we are never ever the same. John Owen has touched my soul, is my inspiration and has left those footprints on my heart forever. I run because he cannot. I run because I am inspired by Owen’s mom Jen. She has forever left footprints on my heart as well. As a mom of three myself, I can’t even imagine how she keeps her strengths and spirits up. She is something special, without a doubt the most remarkable mama I know. I call her my fix. The little dose of espresso, that reminds me, life is precious, everyday is a gift, keep the faith, and never stop hoping! She is a mom on a mission--to save her son. I run because I believe in the power of a mom.
I joined team moving Spirit in 2012 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! 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. For Owen, for Jen, for the entire Dumm family.
I signed up for the Akron half marathon that year and ran my heart out for Owen. I cross that finish line with so much love and hope for Owen and knew that this was only just the beginning. This past fall (2013) I completed something that scared me on so my levels, but I knew in my heart I HAD to do for Owen. TWO FULL marathons. The Akron Marathon September 28th, and the Chicago October 13. I spent the entire summer stepping out of my comfort zone pounding the avement-- literally, and getting the word out to raise as much awareness as I could for Duchenne. The months of training and the races themselves were such a challenge, but the love, faith, hope, and friendships I've made and witnessed through this journey is something that I feel blessed to have been and continue to be a part of. I don't know the exact dollar amount but I do know that the generosity and support I received from family, friends, acquaintances and even strangers is
humbling, astonishing, and just proves to me that God has called me to run these steps and pound the pavement with all the FAITH, and HOPE in this world
for my friend Owen and all the Duchenne boys. I am a running mom on a mission, and I WILL keep praying, running, racing and raising all the awareness I can for Duchenne. We WILL win this race against time…we will!! Derail Duchenne!!
John Farinelli, 100 Mile Miracle Defeater of Duchenne MD, August 2014
John completed the 100 Mile Race August 2 and 3 with Joe Vasil, an absolutely amazing journey with unheard of dedication to John Owen and defeating Duchenne, they raised over $6,000 for their efforts....... John is our 2014 JOA Hero!
Some thoughts on the BR100
I have to start at the beginning .... "In the beginning ....", Jen invited me to run with the awesome JOA group of runners, and Joe Vasil was my coach, and all was good! How appropriate to train for an entire year with Joe leading the way. Looking back, the training was at times grueling, especially during the cold winter, and those intense back-to-back long summer trail runs. I truly thank my family for taking on so much at home to cover for me while I was gone. The time committed was something I really underestimated. As many of you know, I was not the most confident in my expectations for much of my training. How could I actually run 100 miles in a little over a day, when I had not even run 60 miles in an entire week ? Even towards the end, I was plagued by this lack of confidence. The last week before the race put an end to this with an amazing out-pouring of cards, notes, packages, thoughts, and especially prayers. I still remember going to pick up my race bib the day before the race and seeing those words, "for JOA" - that put any doubt I had before to rest. The day of the race, the first 50 miles seemed to fly by. The second 50 were some combination of self determination, and not wanting to let anyone down who had encouraged me that week before. Somehow, this was the magic formula ( along with a great crew and pacers ), to carry me the second half.
Looking back about 3 weeks later, I learned how important support from others was to meeting this goal, and that I need to carry this forward in what ever ways I can. Secondly, I'm constantly reminded of the words of Fr. John Viall when he said, "always remember to pray", anything is possible with God. Third, I will always be in debt to my family for giving me the time to train for this, and now it's time for me to support them as unselfishly as they supported me.
Some thoughts on the BR100
I have to start at the beginning .... "In the beginning ....", Jen invited me to run with the awesome JOA group of runners, and Joe Vasil was my coach, and all was good! How appropriate to train for an entire year with Joe leading the way. Looking back, the training was at times grueling, especially during the cold winter, and those intense back-to-back long summer trail runs. I truly thank my family for taking on so much at home to cover for me while I was gone. The time committed was something I really underestimated. As many of you know, I was not the most confident in my expectations for much of my training. How could I actually run 100 miles in a little over a day, when I had not even run 60 miles in an entire week ? Even towards the end, I was plagued by this lack of confidence. The last week before the race put an end to this with an amazing out-pouring of cards, notes, packages, thoughts, and especially prayers. I still remember going to pick up my race bib the day before the race and seeing those words, "for JOA" - that put any doubt I had before to rest. The day of the race, the first 50 miles seemed to fly by. The second 50 were some combination of self determination, and not wanting to let anyone down who had encouraged me that week before. Somehow, this was the magic formula ( along with a great crew and pacers ), to carry me the second half.
Looking back about 3 weeks later, I learned how important support from others was to meeting this goal, and that I need to carry this forward in what ever ways I can. Secondly, I'm constantly reminded of the words of Fr. John Viall when he said, "always remember to pray", anything is possible with God. Third, I will always be in debt to my family for giving me the time to train for this, and now it's time for me to support them as unselfishly as they supported me.
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 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!
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. ~~~~~
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.
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!
Evan Rosberil, CLE Rite Aid May 2013
My name is Evan Rosberil. I am 9 years old and John Owen and I have known each other since kindergarten when we were in Sunday school together. Back then, John Owen was walking, even up and down stairs. Now he can't walk at all and I wanted to help him. I am lucky that I can run so I ran a 5K for my friend John Owen. My goal was to raise $1000 for him so he could get the medicine that he needs. I raised over $1600 for my friend. I felt so lucky that people liked what I was doing for him and gave us the money we need. Next year I want to run the 10K for John Owen. I pray every night that the doctors will give that medicine to John Owen. I hope someday we will run together. Until then, I will keep running for him.
Brandi Rucinski, Chicago October 2013
Becoming part of Team Moving Spirit has been such a sweet blessing and an amazing adventure. There really is no better way to do something positive, healthy,
motivating, and oh so humbling. This is especially apparent when you learn how Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is destroying John Owen and hundreds of
thousands of other young boys, then you meet his parents and fellow runners. Tony and Jen have created such an incredible web of people who truly are
kind and inspirational moving spirits. I am so thankful to have such great role models, both on and off the course, within our team. That's why I chose to run 26.2 miles in the Chicago Marathon on October 13, 2013 as part of "Run For Our Sons." Together, fellow St. Albert the Great mom, Elsa Kilbane and I were able to hand over $13,001 in generous donations to Parent Project MD from people whose hearts were also touched by Owen's story and his parents' fight to find a cure for their son. I don't think any of us runners would call ourselves heroes, but taking on the title of advocate has become something I'm passionate about now. The Cleveland Rite-Aid race in May will be the next big fundraiser I look forward to training for, especially with such a fabulous bunch of people I now call friends. You should join us!! And if anyone tells you running is bad for your body, tell them to come to a race and just see what it does to your soul.
For more on Brandi's marathon journey and blog go to www.parentprojectmd.org/goto/brandi
motivating, and oh so humbling. This is especially apparent when you learn how Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is destroying John Owen and hundreds of
thousands of other young boys, then you meet his parents and fellow runners. Tony and Jen have created such an incredible web of people who truly are
kind and inspirational moving spirits. I am so thankful to have such great role models, both on and off the course, within our team. That's why I chose to run 26.2 miles in the Chicago Marathon on October 13, 2013 as part of "Run For Our Sons." Together, fellow St. Albert the Great mom, Elsa Kilbane and I were able to hand over $13,001 in generous donations to Parent Project MD from people whose hearts were also touched by Owen's story and his parents' fight to find a cure for their son. I don't think any of us runners would call ourselves heroes, but taking on the title of advocate has become something I'm passionate about now. The Cleveland Rite-Aid race in May will be the next big fundraiser I look forward to training for, especially with such a fabulous bunch of people I now call friends. You should join us!! And if anyone tells you running is bad for your body, tell them to come to a race and just see what it does to your soul.
For more on Brandi's marathon journey and blog go to www.parentprojectmd.org/goto/brandi
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.