TeamCdLS Chicago Marathon 2007

Beth Smisloff - Team Captain

I’m running in Chicago to continue to support the mission of the CdLS Foundation in hopes of improving the lives of those with CdLS. I hope to reach the personal goals of making it to the start line injury free and finishing the marathon—hopefully with an improved time. I’d like to increase awareness of CdLS along the way and reach our team goal of $50,000! Becoming a runner has given me strength in all areas—physically and mentally—thus, opening doors for new challenges. Long term, I hope to continue working towards more marathons, more triathlons and maybe even an Ironman some day. Running also helps to ease the stress of full time care of a multiply disabled child.

My son and all the other kids with CdLS are what keep me motivated I’ve been fortunate to meet so many families over the years and hear the stories of their struggles and victories. Running a marathon is really nothing compared to what some of these kids face on a daily basis.

I’m looking forward to meeting everyone on the team in Chicago. I will not have met everyone face to face until race weekend. I can’t wait to shake their hands and say THANK YOU to each of these individuals, who are making such a generous donation of their time and energy on behalf of our kids! I hope that some will join us in NYC in 2008, if we can gain status as charity partner.

Chris Auron

I wanted to race in Chicago while supporting a great cause. I chose the CdLS Foundation because my nephew, Ray, has CdLS. I hope to make a personal best of under four hours and at some point qualify for the Boston Marathon. I’m motivated by the time goal I’ve set as well as my sister, nephew and family.

Running has made me healthier and happier, and I have a lot of fun traveling and meeting new people. Each race has been unique. Both the organizers and participants have been great. I’m looking forward to meeting people on race weekend. After Chicago, I will continue to run marathons and half marathons as much as I can. My sister does half marathons and she is rapidly gaining ground on me, so that is a great incentive to keep pushing.

D.B. Fowler

My younger brother, Logan, was diagnosed with CdLS 18 years ago. Through this marathon, I hope Logan and others with CdLS will benefit through the contribution to the Foundation.

I hope to complete this marathon—my first—and raise awareness and funds for the Foundation at the same time. It has inspired me to keep in shape and train on a regimented basis. Training is getting progressively more difficult as the mileage increases, and it has become a productive sacrifice of time and energy. My greatest motivation is being around my younger brother and seeing how important my contribution to the Foundation is.

I am looking forward to seeing my family and friends, and meeting others running for the cause. I would love to run another marathon, and when I do, I will certainly do it for a cause, most likely CdLS.

Eileen Ahearn

I enjoy running and I really wanted to continue to support the Foundation and people with CdLS. Parenting a child with CdLS is a journey. Training and running a marathon is symbolic of that challenge.

My decision to run this marathon renews my commitment to the Foundation, and it’s also a daily reminder of the challenges faced by people with CdLS. My motivation is helping children, like my son Daniel.

I’m looking forward to getting together with the other CdLS families prior to the race and running with my friends from Madison (WI). This will be my 12th marathon. I will probably continue to run one every other year for fun. These CdLS runs are especially enjoyable because the money raised goes to such a worthy cause.

Emily Mason

I originally went to the Chicago Marathon website with the intention of finding a charity to run for. I had never heard of CdLS before and did not know what it was. As I clicked through the CdLS website, I was moved by the stories of the families CdLS has affected. Through my running, I have found the support of family and friends to be what pushes me to accomplish my goals. I hope that the funds that I raise for the CdLS foundation will help the families like those I read about on the website find support in one another. Running a marathon in and of itself is an accomplishment, but it is nice to be able to give something back.

Running has allowed me to focus more on my life and goals. My long runs during training allow me to meditate on my dreams and ideas, clear my head after a long day of work, and overall just center myself. Through running, I am taking a proactive step to having a healthier lifestyle, both for my body and my mind. My greatest motivation is myself. Running and training for a marathon has been one of the most challenging things that I have done. It has changed my life and made me realize that I can do anything that I can put my mind to. Sometimes I feel like I would rather be doing something else, but then I go for my run, and I realize that the benefits outweigh any sacrifice I have made.

I’m looking forward to my support team—my husband, my parents, my sister, and my friends—cheering me on in Chicago. Just seeing them on the course of my first marathon made my spirits rise and helped me to run faster. The support for me is so inspirational and makes a daunting 26.2 miles fun. I would love to do another marathon in the spring. Marathon running has been addictive, so I would like to continue it.

Frank Mairano

This will be my sixth time in Chicago as a fundraiser for CdLS. Beth (Smisloff) took over from me as captain of this wonderful fundraising effort to support children and their families who deal with the challenges presented by CdLS. She and Gail Speers, the Foundation’s events coordinator, have taken a one-man show and turned it into a national team effort. I would not miss being there for the world. I would like to raise a good deal of money for, and awareness of, CdLS around this country—not to mention have a great time running down the street with my teammates and 35,000 others.

I started running marathons in 2000. I met a young woman through family friends, and we discussed running the race together. She made it sound so exciting. I was running back then, but not long distances. However, when an old man of 50 is challenged to run 26 miles with a 23-year-old, it’s hard not to take up that challenge. It turned out that the Chicago Marathon was to be run on October 22, 2000, my daughter Lisa’s 28th birthday. Lisa was born with CdLS and was an inspiration for the Foundation as well as many other life-changing experiences for so many. I figured why not honor her by running 26.2 miles on her birthday. The idea grew to include raising funds and awareness for the Foundation. We did very well that year raising over $35,000. I also finished ahead of the 23-year-old whose idea this all was. I have been running one or two marathons a year ever since as a fundraising effort for the foundation.

My motivation is the memory of my daughter Lisa, and the thought that I am a very fortunate man—I have a wonderful life, a fantastic wife and family, and good health. I have been given many opportunities in my life to do some pretty neat things, and this is one of them. I feel a real obligation to give back. Running for our kids with CdLS is a way for me to give back.

I’m looking forward to being with my new teammates in Chicago—standing in the corrals, waiting for the race to start, shoulder to shoulder with total strangers that instantly become your friends as you either shiver in the cold or melt in the heat. The sound of Bruce Springsteen singing “Born to Run” at max volume when the starting gun goes off. The screaming crowd hanging over the bridge crossing Columbus Ave. The spectators yelling encouragement (if you wear your name on your shirt, you will find that it feels like every third person in the crowd lining the route is either a relative or an old friend you haven’t seen in ages cheering you on). The conversation with other runners you meet as you run along—many are quite touching. The thoughts that turn inward around mile 22. The feeling of deep down commitment it takes to go the next four miles or so when your brain is telling you it’s ok to stop. The need to ask the spirits for help, the feeling of my Dad’s hand reaching down and grabbing the seat of my pants and pushing me along, the thought of my Lisa. Seeing the finish line as you come around the corner of the hill over the railroad tracks just off Michigan Avenue knowing you only have .2 miles to make your finishing time. The last push, when you bring everything your exhausted body, heart and mind has left to sprint to the finish, arms up chest out (remember to look up and smile at the camera). The feeling of, “is that all there is,” when you walk thru the finishers gates thinking, “I can’t wait til' next year,” “I can make up 3 minutes if I … modify my plan a bit, drink a little more, take a little less GU.” The high-fives in the Team tent after the race. The smell of hundreds of runners gathered in one place. The massage by generous volunteer therapists. The cold beer and steak dinner with friends. The feeling that you really accomplished something for so many others and yourself, knowing that every step in your stride made a difference in somebody’s life. The smile on your teammates faces as you say, “see you next time.”

I have matured into a runner. I love to run and train. It has become a part of the way I live my life. I will start training for Boston again in December. I will run in every place we visit throughout the year. I will be where ever Team CdLS needs me to be. At my age I believe in the “use it or loose it theory.”

For those of you new to the CdLS family, take the time to get to know this fantastic organization, the people that are behind it and the families and the children they support. You never know when you will need help with something in your life and knowing that this kind of caring support exists and you have become a part of it will carry your heart and mind beyond your wildest dreams.

Jill Kaufman

Initially, I was just going to run the marathon to see if I could complete another one (this will be my third) after having six surgeries on my foot. Well, one day when I was training, something came over me, and I knew that if I was going to run, I wanted to do it to benefit someone other than myself. That’s when I came across the CdLS Foundation. It struck a chord. I believe that I can contribute in some way to make a difference in the lives of the families who have been living with CdLS.

I am a personal Pilates/trainer, so I put in about 10 hours day. In addition to instructing, I also am an active participant. Even after a full day of work, I put in my six miles during the week and gear up for my longer runs on the weekends. I am tired, but I have not missed a day of training, even in the Florida heat.

Tragedy struck me hard back in 2001, and I have been forever changed by the experience. I know that if you are healthy, then everything else in life is gravy. I feel fortunate to be able to walk, let alone run. There are many ill people who would trade places with me in a second. It was a choice, to run, not a sacrifice.

I am looking forward to absorbing the atmosphere of marathon day. I can’t wait to meet up with my team members and to be a support system for each other. I am grateful to have my mom attending, and her cheering me on will be amazing. I am hoping to just cross the finish line.

Kimberly Ogorek

After reviewing sponsoring charities on the marathon website, I decided on the CdLS Foundation. I started reading about the syndrome and just couldn't stop. I was moved by the families and their amazing strength in the midst of such hardships. After reading through the CdLS Foundation website, I met a woman online named Beth, whose son Will has CdLS. She is a runner and the captain of Team CdLS for Chicago. I’ve corresponded through email with Beth, and she's amazing. Through this run, I hope to raise awareness of CdLS and be able to give financially to help further CdLS research.

Running helps me in every way imaginable. The physical benefits are obvious….a higher level of fitness, more endurance … I could go on and on. But I’ve also experienced so much more: mentally, I am able to sort through problems and think more clearly; spiritually, I feel I can take the time while running to pray and just enjoy God’s creation; and socially, I’ve met some amazing people who are runners. There’s nothing a like a three-hour long run to help you get to know someone.

Being a part of a running group most definitely helps with motivation. When you don’t want to run, you know that there are others waiting for you. I’ve also been inspired and motivated during this training cycle by remembering the kids with CdLS and their families.

I look forward to meeting Team CdLS in Chicago, and I really look forward to being a part of the whole experience.

Kristin Mae Seaburg

I’m currently working on my doctorate in physical therapy at Sage Graduate School in Troy, NY. I just began my running career last summer and decided to run Chicago with three friends from high school.

I have been living in New York City for the summer, which is the ideal place to train. I ran the majority of NYRR races in and around Manhattan.

I’m looking forward to running for CdLS and with teammates from all over the country!

This race is in honor of my family, specifically my brother who recently served in Iraq, and whom I am very proud. I’m also marking my “quarter life crisis,” as I will be turning 25 at the end of August. I should be able to run my age plus a little more.

Mike DiJulia

I learned about Team CdLS from the mother of a former patient of mine, Fletcher, a nine-month-old with CdLS. I’m a nurse in a Neonatal ICU and took care of him for five weeks. He became my primary patient during that time, and I grew quite close to him and his parents. His mother, knowing I had been training for a marathon in the spring of 2007, sent me a link for Team CdLS team, with a note saying, “In case you were looking for another marathon.” I immediately signed up.

The challenge of a marathon is one that I’ve already surmounted, having completed two in the past. I enjoy the training and enjoy “race day.” Despite my enjoyment, I always recognize the challenge of the race and the training. What makes this marathon special is that I now train/run with the knowledge of Fletcher’s life. Fletcher has already been through more medically than I will probably ever experience in my life. His tough spirit certainly makes completing a marathon a pretty pathetic endeavor. I spent many shifts at Fletcher’s bedside worried about the next minute, or hour, or what would happen over the course of my 12-hour shift. I run this race with full awareness of Fletcher’s strong will...one that I will try to embody myself throughout my training and on race day.

I started running at the age of nine, when most kids were playing baseball. I ran for a local club team and ended up qualifying for the AAU National Track Championships. My early years were less disciplined than what would become a “career” of running in my high school and college years, but they laid a very strong foundation of appreciation and love for the purest of sports.

At this point in my life, running has taken on a new meaning. While I still maintain a strong competitive spirit, running has turned into an experience that is sometimes philosophical, sometimes spiritual, sometimes horrible, sometimes emotional, and sometimes habitual. I’m a more whole person when I run: I’m even-keeled, I’m happy, and running helps keep me motivated in all other aspects of my life. Running has been a great learning experience, and I’m privileged to have made it a part of who I am.

I look forward most to meeting my teammates in Chicago, all of whom will have stories to share about training and about their connections to CdLS.

Patience Odele

I just started running diligently about two years ago. I had planned to run the marathon last year, but I decided too late. I ran the Chicago half marathon last year, so I guess the full marathon was the next thing to do. I am in medical school, but I had never heard of the CdLS Foundation or the syndrome. I decided to run for the Foundation as my way of increasing awareness of the syndrome.

My goal is to finish the race without any injuries. I had decided not to run earlier in the year because I had knee problems and thought the race would just compound them, however, completing the race would prepare me for other endurance activities that I plan to participate in, like other marathons, bike races, etc. Running is the only form of exercise I currently like doing. I mostly ran by myself until recently because the long runs become boring. But running by myself gave me time to think about things that happen in my life daily—it sort of became my "alone time." It has also helped me determine how far I can go and how disciplined I have become in my everyday life. I feel more energized after I run, especially after exams or bad days at school.

My friends training with me now are my motivation. In addition, since I am a member of a team, I have to pull my weight. Another motivation is time—we have a few weeks left before the race, and I am hoping to be prepared.

After this marathon, I am definitely going to continue running. I am trying to convince my friends to do the Seattle-Portland Bike Race with me next year. Maybe I’ll run another marathon, assuming I have time to spare for training during my third year of medical school.

Peter Van Veldhuizen

I made the decision to run the marathon late and general registration was closed. I chose to enter through a charity and chose the CdLS Foundation because CdLS is less well known and something I wanted to learn more about and support. I very much appreciate the opportunity Team CdLS has given me. I have not run through a charity before, but I like the extra motivation and good feeling of supporting a very worthy cause. I ran one marathon 16 years ago and was not well trained. It was not a great experience, and I lost interest in distant running. Later, I decided I didn’t want that marathon to be my last marathon experience. I’m hoping to make this one a better experience with more involvement of family/friends.

Running has given me a focus outside of work, as well as a chance to build relationships through my running group, and now Team CdLS. I’m motivated by the inspiration and prodding from my running group and my desire to make it a good experience.

I have heard it is very well supported race, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to run with the great crowd support.

Tania Spiros

I’m running the Chicago Marathon for the kids (and families) affected by CdLS. I hope to bring more awareness to the syndrome. Making the commitment to run has kept me motivated and in a positive state of mind. I’m also enjoying being able to eat whatever I want and the “runner’s high” I get.

I’m looking forward to meeting everyone on the team.