Hi Friends,
I recently signed up for the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon with Team Life Without Lupus, so that I can run alongside Ivonne (my lovely wife) all while raising funds for more research and to bring awareness to Lupus! Lupus is a chronic debilitating disease that is the leading cause of stroke, kidney and cardiovascular disease in young women. Through your support, you are joining us in our fight to eradicate Lupus!
You may be asking yourself why either one of us would run 26.2 miles without being chased, which is a fair question. As many of you know, Ivonne has been battling with autoimmune disease for a while. It has taken several years of tests and heartaches along with many doctor visits to confirm her diagnosis, and despite all of this, the right treatments for her are still not available. While Lupus does not define Ivonne, Lupus does affect her daily life and the life of over 5 million people worldwide that are fighting this disease themselves including friends and family.
The fact that we are running marathons feels a little ironic to be honest. Running was something that Ivonne despised at first. However, through dealing with the struggles of being sick and constant treatments, she realized that movement can also be medicine. Running became synonymous with healing in our household. It has not only helped her to deal with the physical challenges that autoimmunity has brought, but it has helped her to deal with anxiety, and given her a goal to strive for. So, for me it was a no-brainer to join her in training, and that is how we ended up participating in this crazy adventure.
I hope you'll join me in supporting my efforts for the Life Without Lupus Fundraising. No donation is too small. Please click on the donate button! More money means more research, which means hope for those affected. Please know that 100% of money raised goes directly to research as the Board of Directors funds all administrative and fundraising costs.
Thank you for taking the time to read and support me!
Jaime D. Rodriguez
