Run for Research

For the past several years, Carson has had a runner in the Boston Marathon. This year it is an amazing man name Pete Mooradian. Pete has had his own challenges, but is committed to this cause for the American Liver Foundation (ALF). We have supported the ALF over the past 7 years - they are doing so much important research and there are researchers who believe if they unlock the mysteries of biliary atresia (the liver disease Carson had), many other liver diseases may be 'unlocked' since biliary atresia (BA) is one of a few liver diseases of the developing liver. Only babies develop BA. There still is not a known reason for it. It's quite the mystery as there are cases of identical twins...one gets it and the other doesn't. BA is the number one reason kids need a liver transplant. Think of how many kids and families would be affected if there was a cure!!!

We know this is tough economic times, so please support Pete in your thoughts and prayers as he trains. The Boston Marathon is on Monday, April 20. If you do have a few extra dollars kicking around, please consider supporting the Run for Research. More info can be found here or in the link in Pete's letter. Thank you!!!

Here is Pete's story:

Dear Friends and Family:

As many of you are aware, I was diagnosed with Hepatitis C in October 2001, but successfully beat the disease. My comeback culminated with me finishing the Boston Marathon in April 2003 and being featured as the keynote speaker at the American Liver Foundation team dinner on marathon weekend.

Several years have passed and I have gone on with my life, putting the illness behind me. But last year, I had a scare that has resonated with me ever since. After a routine physical, my physician sent me a note that said my illness had come back. Fortunately, it was a false alarm – the lab had performed the wrong test. I remain cured of Hepatitis C, but those scary few days made me realize how truly lucky I am. I was cured and rarely think about my liver anymore. But 50% of patients who undergo therapy are not cured, and so many others have ongoing battles with liver illnesses other than Hepatitis C.

In light of these recent experiences, I will run the Boston Marathon once again for the American Liver Foundation. In 2003, I was trying to come back from a very challenging period in my life and prove to myself that I would not let Hepatitis C get the best of me. This time, I am running for those who have been less fortunate in their battle with liver illness, including my patient match, Carson Kitch. Carson will be 8 years old this coming April. Unfortunately, he was born with biliary atresia, a rare condition in newborn infants in which the common bile duct between the liver and the small intestine is blocked or missing. As a result, Carson had a liver transplant before his first birthday. Carson is doing well today, but faces ongoing medical challenges given that his immune system is suppressed in order that his body does not reject his new liver. You can read more about Carson at http://www.caringbridge.org/mn/carsonkitch/.

The American Liver Foundation (ALF) is a national, voluntary, non-profit health agency dedicated to preventing, treating and curing liver disease through research, education and advocacy. ALF’s Run for Research team comprises approximately 200 members who will be running the 2009 Boston Marathon to raise money for liver research. My personal goal is to raise $5,000. Please consider donating to this very worthy cause. By donating, you will be supporting research that could potentially lead to more effective treatments for Hepatitis C and the 100+ other liver diseases that affect one in ten Americans.

The easiest way to contribute to my fundraising efforts is to donate online at www.liverteam.org. Simply click on Sponsor a Runner on the top of the screen and search for my name. In the search results, click on my name, and a form will be displayed to collect necessary information and a credit card number. After the online form is submitted, both you and I will receive an e-mail confirmation of the donation. Alternatively, you can: 1.) Send a check payable to the American Liver Foundation to my home address noted below. All donations, no matter what the size, are very much appreciated.

Thank you for your time and I hope that you will consider sponsoring me in next year’s Boston Marathon! I’ll plan on checking in with updates as my training progresses.

Sincerely,

Peter D. Mooradian