Kennedy's Disease Background:

Kennedy's Disease (also known as Spinal Bulbar Muscular Atrophy, SBMA, or Kennedy's Syndrome) is a rare and currently incurable and non-treatable X-linked recessive genetic progressive neuromuscular disease. Both the spinal and bulbar neurons are affected causing muscle weakness and wasting (atrophy) throughout the body which is most noticeable in the extremities (legs/arms), it is especially noticeable in the face and throat, and causes speech and swallowing difficulties, major muscle cramps as well as other symptoms (please see "KD Symptoms" section of this Web site for more detail).

Ed Meyertholen himself has Kennedy's Disease. He has ran many marathon events in the past to raise funds for KDA research. Ed has once again has stepped/ran up to the plate and is attempting to run and finish this series of races to raise research funds for the KDA but he needs your help.  This may be Ed's last marathon event due to the progression of the disease. So please consider sponsoring Ed in this event.

The Distance Challenge is a series of 6 races -of various distances (10K, 10 miles, two half marathons, 20 miles and a full marathon) - about 86 miles altogether.  Details on the 6 races can be found at the following link: http://www.austindistancechallenge.com/adc_events or see below for event dates and Ed's results.  Ed has already completed the 1st race and is preparing for the 2nd. 

Total pledges to date = $ 2002.00 (updated 02/17/2009)

One of Ed's goals is to try to beat his last years overall time for all events. His main goal is to beat last years pledges for his run which totalled $4,000 you can help by making a pledge in the box below and clicking on the Donate button.

Google Checkout Make a credit card donation by using the SECURE SERVER Google donate button below. Google Checkout  is a service that processes and routes credit card payments to non-profits.

Note: After you donate if you could send us an e-mail (optional) to let us know that you made a pledge for Ed's run and I can update this web page with the total amount raised for this event. e-mail it to info@kennedysdisease.org

Please copy this page link from the address bar at the top of the screen and encourage your family, friends and co-workers to support this event.

Thank you