I would like to thank the Boomer Esiason Foundation for inviting me to join them in the 2006 NYC Marathon! I am a relatively "young" mother (turned 35 yesterday as a matter of fact) of 3 sons - Alex 4.5yrs., Evan 3yrs, and Stephen 9 months. I have always loved running. I view it as positive outlet for me and it has been a somewhat reliable form of post baby weight loss! I had entered the NYC marathon lottery for several years and was "rejected" each time. For those of you who have entered, run or know someone who has, you understand that it is a very difficult race to be accepted into. It was so frustrating and disheartening to be rejected - especially because I live in NJ - and only 12miles outside of NYC...I mean c'mon! I am right here!! Anyway, there are rules and rules are mostly rules. One of the rules is that if you are rejected 3 years in a row, you are automatically accepted the 4th year - and of course, I was accepted last year! (I was smart enough to keep entering when I was pregnant because I knew I would be rejected and it payed off!) So, last year I was accpeted, but was pregnant and was able to defer for 1 year (another rule) and so....here I am! 35, 3 sons under 4.5yrs and I am doing it this year!!! November 5, 2006 and I am training and I am so happy. But here is the BEST part. I reconnected with the BEF earlier this year upon returning to work - a relationship I had formed/started 5 years ago. I was lucky enough to meet Jerry Cahill. He hosts the Cystic Fibrosis Podcasts and is an avid runner - if you can imagine Jerry Cahill - 50 years old last month with CF and he runs marathons! Well - I told him I wanted to run with him, for Cystic Fibrosis. I was already in and how could I run for CF? If you are going to run 26.2 miles, you may as well run for something, and I know that my run is going to be for cysticfibrosis.com and now, the BEF - how lucky am I? I am going to have 26.2 breath prayers - one for each mile. I wish I could carry all of your names and yell them out but I am not sure that I can carry much - so I will have to come up with another idea. I just wanted to say thank you to you all for giving me the inspiration to run and especailly to Jerry for orchestrating Team Boomer. I will have to get Jerry to post the info so you can read about Team Boomer. It is just another amazing story about keeping ahead of this disease. Jerry, - You Rock! It will be an honor to run for Team Boomer and all of you at www.cysticfibrois.com. Thank you.

Sarah

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Sarah Katopodis
Administrator
CystiFibrosis.com

I will be cheering you on Sarah. What a way to show support for all of us. I am sure your Mom will be right there with you waiting at the finish line along with all your family. Keep on training.

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contact Rise': transplantbuddies@gmail.com

Transplant Buddies.com
Cystic Fibrosis- dx at 2yrs. -2nd double lung tx-05 Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Florida

What an uplifting post, Sarah! You sound like a very motivated and positive person, and what better qualities to have for someone running for Cystic Fibrosis! I love your idea of a prayer each mile. I've never been a runner, but I have done the marathon walks, and I think I will incorporate that idea next time I do one.

Best wishes for you and Team Boomer!

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-- Jenica
Mom to Abby (6, w/o CF) and Ellie (4 1/2, w/CF)

Wow Sarah I was almost in tears when I read your blog... That is amazing... Gosh we are practically neighbors. I live about 33 miles from NYC, my sister lives 10 miles to be exact.

You sound like an amazing person. I was wondering, please forgive me if you made it known before but I know you are one of the founders of the site but how are you related to CF?

I wish I could watch you run, that would be great.. Give us more details when you get them...

Good luck!!!!!

Jennifer

When is the marathon? It's exciting to know that I'll know someone who will be running. You better believe this site will be buzzing with excitement the day you run! I hope you have a safe run, no injuries and plenty of air left in those lungs! May your legs stay strong all thru the race!!! Go Team Bomer!

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**terri--grannie to Kaylee, 6 w/cf, and Jaykub, 10 wo/cf