The Ryan and Ethan Viking Marathon Challenge was launched on Saturday Jan 24th, in Tramore, Co Waterford with the Waterford Hurling Manager Michael Ryan as well as a host of other GAA stars such as Tony Browne, Eoin McGrath, Elaine Power and local soccer star John Frost.
Over the coming months the roads of Tramore and Waterford will be decorated brightly with runners of all shapes, sizes and ages, getting fit and training for the Viking Marathon on 29th June 2013.
Tramore GAA, Tramore AC and Waterford AC have combined forces to try and recruit as many runners as possible for the Ryan and Ethan Appeal.
Ryan and Ethan Caulfield McCormack from Tramore, Co.Waterford, were recently diagnosed with Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). ALD, is a deadly genetic disease that affects 1 in 18,000 people. It most severely affects boys and men. This brain disorder destroys myelin, the protective sheath that surrounds the brain’s neurons — the nerve cells that allow us to think and to control our muscles. ALD causes relentless progressive deterioration to a vegetative state or death, usually within five years. It knows no racial, ethnic or geographic barriers.
Prognosis for patients with childhood cerebral X-ALD is generally poor due to progressive neurological deterioration unless bone marrow transplantation is performed early.
Ryan is currently in the US undergoing the process for a bone marrow transplant which he had on the 26th December last.Ethan is currently asymptomatic due to his age (childhood ALD only becomes symptomatic from age 5 generally) and will become a candidate for a bone marrow transplant when his meylin sheath begins to deteriorate. There is presently no cure for ALD.
The community in Tramore are currently raising funds to cover the remaining costs of the transplants (€1.5 million a head, some of which is being paid by medical insurance). Tramore, as a community have vowed not to have either boy denied treatment due to lack of funds.
To help with the mammoth fundraising process Michael McGrath GAA Tramore, Tramore athletic club and Waterford athletic club are aiming to recruit 500 runners, walkers and joggers to take part in the Viking Marathon on June 29th 2013. We would like to appeal to as many runners as possible to run for the Ryan and Ethan appeal. These boys desperately need your help and all your hard efforts on the day will be all the more rewarding knowing you are running for such a great cause. We want as many people to do the full, half or run part of the marathon in a relay team. We are asking everyone to take part to raise €125 each. This will cover your entry fee and a specially commissioned Ryan & Ethan Viking Marathon Challenge teeshirt to wear on the day.
We aim to have 500 runners putting their toe to the line on race day 29th June 2013. This will be followed by a night of celebration in the Grand Hotel Tramore.
If you are interested in running for the appeal please complete the application form available locally and on www.waterfordac.com or www.saveryanandethan.com
(DO NOT ENTER ON THE VIKING MARATHON WEBSITE, we will enter everyone)
Please see the Save Ryan and Ethan Facebook Page and the Ryan and Ethan Viking Marathon Challenge FaceBook Page.
For further information about participating as a team for the Ryan and Ethan appeal please contact Tracey Dunne 0868493877 Chelley Brennan 051390286 or email garrusbrennans @ gmail.com Michaelcrowleymaintenance @ gmail.com or Jennifer.rellis @ yahoo.co.uk (remove spaces in email addresses before sending).
Also ….The Grand Hotel is the base for the Waterford Marathon Save Ryan and Ethan Appeal and are offering exclusively reduced Bed and Breakfast rates for all entering the Marathon on behalf of the Ryan and Ethan Appeal along with any friends or family that are coming as supporters. Friday 28th June only €25 per person sharing and Saturday 29th June €35 per person sharing with a €20 single supplement per night. There is also a great social night planned for Saturday night with the fantastic “No Hot Ashes” playing live in The Grand ballroom followed by Disco till late. All Marathon participants are welcome and will gain free entry with their medal and a charge of €5 for any family and friends – 100% taking of door money is also going directly to the Save Ryan and Ethan Appeal. Please phone 051 381414 and quote Viking Marathon to avail of this discounted rate.