Help Michael Koger Run for Research

Hello All,

On Saturday, October 9, 2021, I will be running in the Baltimore Running Festival. I signed up to run but quickly decided that I wanted to run for a purpose. Many of us have lost loved ones to COVID-19, while over the years there have been some people near and dear to my heart who I’ve lost to brain injuries, cancer, diabetes and other health conditions.

As the pandemic began to rear its ugly head in March of 2020, I weighed nearly 300 pounds. The world quickly began to shut down and there were fewer options for things to do. One day my wife, Marissa, asked to go walking, and that turned into us walking daily. Walking turned into running, biking, and other exercises. The weight began to fall off and it created a healthier me! It has felt great to take control of my health.

I have noticed so many changes since the beginning of my weight loss journey. I don’t have the brain fog that I had before. I previously had knee surgeries and my joints don’t hurt the same as before. My endurance and energy have improved. I’ve come down six pants sizes and none of the shirts in my closet fit any more. To date, I have lost 68 pounds. If I can do it anyone can.

Instead of just being a participant in the running festival, I want to make a difference and I am asking for your support. My goal is to raise $20,000 to be split evenly and donated to different charitable organizations. I am raising funds to be donated to The Brain Injury Association of America in honor of Mr. Thomas Lopezzo and others, The Joslin Diabetes Foundation In honor of Mrs. Gabrielle Arthurton-Crumb and others, The Wounded Warrior Project in honor of SSgt. Touhy and all my brothers and sister in the armed forces, and The Saint Jude Hospital in honor of all the children suffering various health conditions.

Please consider making a contribution today. Big or small every gift gets us one step closer to the goal. Thank you in advance for your generosity and I hope to see you on October 9th!