Fight Fanconi for Tara

This May, I will be running a 25K at the Fifth Third Riverbank Run to raise awareness about a disease that has deeply affected my family and countless others across the world.  I'm running this race to celebrate Tara and raise funds for a cure to the disease that she fights everyday. As a novice runner, training has proved difficult but running is nothing compared to living with Fanconi.

Tara's Fanconi story is below:

Tara has Fanconi Anemia. She's 13. And she's my sister. She was diagnosed at age seven and six months later underwent a bone marrow transplant at the University of Minnesota. My other sister, Brenna, was Tara's marrow donor. The transplant was just the beginning of Tara's fight against Fanconi as she continues to struggle with her health.

Tara continues to work hard in school and my mom found doctors willing to help Tara. Since her disease and symptoms are so rare, it has been difficult to find the appropriate care providers and effective treatments. She is now under the care of experts at the Cincinatti Children's Hospital. While progress is still slow and uncertainty remains, Tara continues to be positive and persevere. I always say that she's the most incredible person I've ever met. 

The positivity and kindess of friends and family has gotten us through the darkest days and we are eternally grateful for your love and friendship.

Thank you again for your kindness, thoughts and prayers. A 25K is approximately 15 miles. If you could consider donating $1 dollar for every mile I will run during this race, that would be wonderful!  Any support you can offer now is much appreciated. Cheers to a healthy Tara and bright futures!