Running to Fight for Owen

                 On Monday, October 27, 2008, I will be running the Dublin Marathon in Ireland.  In past marathons, I have always ran just as a hobby. This year's race comes with great determination, motivation and love.  I will be running to Fight For Owen.  Owen is the adorable 5 month old son of my close friends Jon and Dorothy.  Owen was diagnosed with SMA (spinal muscuar atrophy)-type I on May 5, 2008. This is the most severe form of SMA. SMA is a rare genetically inherited neuromuscular disease characterized by gradual muscle weakness due to loss of motor neurons of the brainstem and spinal cord. The lifespan of those affected by Type I SMA is only 1-2 years.

 UPDATE: It is with great heartache that I share with you that SMA took Owen's life on August16, 2008; he was only 5 months old.  The fight has to continue, researchers are so close to a cure.We can all help fight SMA by contributing to the SMA clinic at Columbia so that they can find a cure. 

                My goal is to raise $1 per mile from friends and family.  The total contribution per person would be $26.  My ultimate goal is to reach out to 345 people who can contribute to the Fight For Owen and complete my race in 3 hours and 45 minutes on October 27, 2008. 

Thank you for supporting the Shulers and Owen.

Lauren Lundy O'Connor

To make a contribution please send checks made out to: 

   Columbia University Motor Neuron Center
                                      (Please write SMA Clinic in memo line)                                     

19 West Palisades Avenue, Nanuet, NY 10954