Running 26.2 for Albinism Awareness
Donation protected
Our little wild child Elliot was born February 20, 2015. He entered this world swiftly and came out sporting some amazing bright white hair and soft angelic skin. He was instantly a hit amongst the nurses who brought cameras and exclaimed they had never seen anything so beautiful. Of course he was beautiful - he was ours. Our hearts were full.
In the back of our minds we did wonder - what did this bright hair mean? Was he just an old soul? Pediatricians told us there was nothing to be concerned about. As days and weeks went by at home - that unwavering mom instinct told me to investigate. And truly - hearing our perfect child indeed had albinism was a huge relief. I could stop wondering every day while I was home alone with him if I was crazy and instead I could move on to focusing on doing what all parents would do - find the absolute best care possible, devise a plan and start diving into our reimagined life...including loving the crap out of that little munchkin.
Fast forward a year a few months later - Elliot is doing great. Beyond great. Hitting every milestone, low vision and all, stealing our hearts with his infectious smile and dancing his tail off every chance he gets. BUT, I do not take for granted that some people with albinism are not so lucky. If Elliot had just been born in another country, his prospects could be much more grim. People just like Elliot live in constant fear that they could be brutally attacked or worse yet, killed. Because in other countries albinos are considered lucky and limbs or body parts are coveted. It's horrific.
http://www.people.com/people/mobile/article/0,,20945966,00.html
My own lifetime personal goal of running a marathon presents a perfect opportunity to raise funds for an organization doing everything they can to bring awareness to this issue and stop the cruel and inhumane treatment of this very small population of people. Under the Same Sun (http://www.underthesamesun.com) is an organization whose mission is to build awareness surrounding this issue, provide protection and support to the albinism community, empower them with job and skills training & help them create a bright future for themselves. It's important and dear to my heart. Whatever you can give would be beyond generous and donated entirely to this cause.
AND THEN I will be 100% accountable for finishing these 26.2 miles. No turning back!
Lakefront marathon is on Sunday, October 2nd for those that would like to come see the excitement!
In the back of our minds we did wonder - what did this bright hair mean? Was he just an old soul? Pediatricians told us there was nothing to be concerned about. As days and weeks went by at home - that unwavering mom instinct told me to investigate. And truly - hearing our perfect child indeed had albinism was a huge relief. I could stop wondering every day while I was home alone with him if I was crazy and instead I could move on to focusing on doing what all parents would do - find the absolute best care possible, devise a plan and start diving into our reimagined life...including loving the crap out of that little munchkin.
Fast forward a year a few months later - Elliot is doing great. Beyond great. Hitting every milestone, low vision and all, stealing our hearts with his infectious smile and dancing his tail off every chance he gets. BUT, I do not take for granted that some people with albinism are not so lucky. If Elliot had just been born in another country, his prospects could be much more grim. People just like Elliot live in constant fear that they could be brutally attacked or worse yet, killed. Because in other countries albinos are considered lucky and limbs or body parts are coveted. It's horrific.
http://www.people.com/people/mobile/article/0,,20945966,00.html
My own lifetime personal goal of running a marathon presents a perfect opportunity to raise funds for an organization doing everything they can to bring awareness to this issue and stop the cruel and inhumane treatment of this very small population of people. Under the Same Sun (http://www.underthesamesun.com) is an organization whose mission is to build awareness surrounding this issue, provide protection and support to the albinism community, empower them with job and skills training & help them create a bright future for themselves. It's important and dear to my heart. Whatever you can give would be beyond generous and donated entirely to this cause.
AND THEN I will be 100% accountable for finishing these 26.2 miles. No turning back!
Lakefront marathon is on Sunday, October 2nd for those that would like to come see the excitement!
Organizer
Ann Marie Gamperl
Organizer
Milwaukee, WI