Running a marathon for APELA
Donation protected
Dear Friends and supporters!
I have to start by highlighting the fact that there is little I hate more than running. For those who have watched the movie Air, the final scene is how I feel.
However, after a few years of supporting my girlfriend Ruby in her chase for the Six Majors (a special recognition for those who complete the 6 Major Marathons), I have witnessed firsthand how people use sports, and in particular, marathons, to raise awareness and funds for different causes and charities.
As most of you may know, I lost my mother to ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease or Motor Neuron disease, back in March 2019. For those unaware of what this means, Google holds a lot of generic info on it...so please take a few moments to get familiarized with it if you can.
From 2016 to 2019, my mother got a huge amount of support from APELA in Porto, where a group of extraordinary people dedicate their days to helping those who were baffled by this unwanted draw of luck.
APELA is the Portuguese ALS Association that provides care to families. It provides physiotherapy, speech therapy, psychology and nutritional support. It also provides social assistance to help guide through the complex world of public health and social security... but what it really becomes is a sort of second family where you feel welcome and understood.
APELA is able to survive thanks to donations and its associates' membership. We are currently able to provide support in Lisbon and Porto and have 13 full-time staff.
I am thrilled (not really) to announce that I will be participating in the Chicago Marathon this year, not just as a runner but as the President of this incredible charity. It is with great enthusiasm (very little, in fact) and determination that I embark on this journey to try to help make a difference in the lives of those in need.
Over the next four months, I will subject my body to this torture, which I hope will amuse you and simultaneously motivate you to follow this journey and, if possible, contribute whatever you can, if you can.
There are two ways you can donate:
- I have set up a GoFundMe page where you can generously donate at will.
- If you are in Portugal, you can also donate on APELA’s MBWay 968356350. Use “CORRE PEDRO” as a reference and include your name if you're comfortable with it.
- If you are a business and need a donation receipt, let us know and we'll send you one.
Fundraising team: Equipe de arrecadação de fundos (2)
Pedro Ramos
Organizer
Porto, 13
Apela Associação Portuguesa De ELA
Team member