Running for a Reason
July 2, 2009 by mikehollywood
Yes, day three went as planned, with a quick three miler. No sweat. Actually, it went pretty fast. If Google Maps is correct on the distance, I was in the 7:10/mile range. I’m not so sure I believe that. But hey, it’s not about the speed at this point, it’s about getting out there.
So, part of the reason why I have chosen to focus on running is because I am running the Reach the Beach relay in September. Normally I run for pretty selfinsh reasons. I like to run. It focuses my thoughts. I do it to keep in better shape than I would be in if I did not run. But this time is a little different. I am going to be running to raise funds for the Pediatric Intestinal Rehabilitation Program at MassGeneral Hospital for Children. I was asked by my brother (he’s running also) on behalf of John Ostrowski - his son Zach, and lots of other kids are counting on us to meet our fundraising goals and spread the word about the program. Here’s Zach’s story:
Our son Zachary Ostrowski was born with disease called Hirschsprung’s disease. This is a disease of the colon in which certain nerve cells, known as ganglion cells, are absent, causing chronic constipation. Hirschsprung’s disease like many diseases of the colon have no cure. Most children are diagnosed as newborns after they fail to pass stool during the first couple days of life. Zachary was diagnosed later in life after struggling with severe constipation, abdominal bloating, and difficulty gaining weight. Zack has been given a chance again to live a normal and healthy life through the efforts of MGH and the PIRP, especially Dr. Goldstein.
If you can, I’m asking you to please help us to meet our fundraising goals by contributing at pirpfundraising.com. You can go to the fundraising page and click on donate under my name if you like.
I hope you can help. It will help to keep me on track and training, instead of slacking off and eating ho-ho’s.
If you think I am a giant tool, and don’t feel like donating for me, do it for one of my teammates.
Do it for the kids.
Do it for Zach.
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