World Masters Athletics Indoor Championship 2023

I am raising money to help cover expenses to compete at the World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships in Torun, Poland at the end of March. This is my first attempt at a World Championship competition.

In February of 2020 I was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, sometimes referred to as Genetic COPD. This condition affects my lungs and has caused me to develop emphysema. The only treatment available right now is to receive weekly infusions from donated plasma. This can hopefully slow the progression but there is nothing that can be done for lung function that has already been lost. It has affected my ability to train, but at the moment I am still able to compete at a high level in track and field, although I have shifted my focus to shorter distances over the past few years.

In early November of 2022 I had a pulmonary function test which showed a significant drop in my FEV1/FVC ratio. I am intent on not letting this condition get the best of me, but I don't know how many good years I have left to compete. Because of this, I have decided to take advantage of competitions while I still can.

As I mentioned, I am still able to compete at a high level. Last year at the US indoor championships in New York City I finished 2nd in the 200 meters and 4th in the 60 and 400 meter races. At the World Championships I plan to compete in the 60, 200, and 400 meters and will express my intent to run on a 4 x 200 relay. With medical and life expenses increasing, the money raised will help to cover travel and registration expenses. Any additional funding raised will be used for travel for future competitions.