Team Emily

When Emily asked her PE teacher to run the Chicago Marathon for the Cure JM Foundation, she had no idea how BIG her idea really was. Not only did her PE teacher, Teri Charpenel, join in; but so did Jen Capizzano (Paraprofessional), Sara Jozwik (Learning Behavior Specialist), and Carolyn Lane (Retired Assistant Superintendent).

The group named themselves “Team Emily” and they trained together to show their support for Emily and Cure JM. Although Sara and Carolyn were injured during their challenging training regimen, Teri and Jen were both able to complete the 26.2 mile distance. It was a huge accomplishment for Jen, who was running her first marathon. And, even though Teri is a seasoned marathoner and has run the Boston Marathon, this was a big milestone for her, knowing how much she was helping Emily and the other kids with Juvenile Dermatomyositis.

All of the runners worked as diligently at training as they did at fundraising. The runners posted a fundraising page on the internet and handed out flyers to solicit donations. Additionally, along with Emily and her parents, the group held a fundraising event at KT Mae’s with raffles, food and a silent auction.

All in all, Team Emily has raised nearly $6,000 for the Cure JM Foundation…and donations are still coming in! Incredible!! Almost as incredible as Emily herself. She is an adorable 9-year-old girl with a great sense of humor and a “happy-go-lucky” attitude. Emily says that “it makes her feel happy that they’re doing something for JDM…..not only for me, but for others with JDM.” We are pleased to announce that Team Emily, including Emily and her parents, are all Cure JM Heroes. They are such an inspiration and a huge motivation to all of us at Cure JM. Team Emily has also generated a number of news stories, helping to highlight the struggle against JM. Here are a couple of example:

www.tinleyjunction.com/Articles-c-2009-10-02-200385.112113_Making_a_run_for_it.html

www.tinleyjunction.com/Articles-c-2009-10-20-200947.112113_Update.html