Running for a Reason
- By Doug Kurtis
Free Press Columnist

The Detroit Free Press Flagstar Bank has partnered with seventeen charities this year. "Running for a Reason" is a great way to support others while heightening the experience of completing the marathon. Here are a few of the charities, many of whom will be on the course offering encouragement.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Michigan Chapter - www.nmssmi.org . The MS Society has been a charitable partner to the Detroit Marathon since 1982, making it the first charitable partner to the Marathon. The Marathon Strides Against Multiple Sclerosis (MSAMS) running team is comprised of over 100 individuals who run for the cause of fighting MS. The Michigan Chapter provides over 100 programs and services to support the more than 16,000 people living in Michigan who have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and their loved ones. There is fee for joining the MSAMS team. If you would like to join the team call 877-242-3784, extension 16.

Team In Training (TNT) - The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - www.teamintraining.org/mi

The purple and green uniforms of Team in Training can be seen at almost every major marathon. TNT is the largest endurance sports training program in the world. It seeks to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma while improving the quality of life for patients and their families. Team members receive a comprehensive training program and the camaraderie of a team committed to finding a cure for blood cancers.

Think Detroit Pal - www.ThinkDetroitpal.org In partnership with the Detroit Police Department and community volunteers, Think Detroit PAL builds character in young people through athletic, academic, and leadership development programs. They annually serve nearly 13,000 kids with the help of over 1,300 volunteers.

Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County - www.habitat-oakland-mi.org North Oakland Circle of Faith is a coalition of 16 churches in North Oakland County. NOCOF is committed to annually raising the funds and providing the labor to build a house with Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County during its annual blitz build. This is an outreach ministry that raised approximately $70,000 in 2005 to build a home during the Jimmy Carter Work Project.

The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis - http://www.thebuonicontifund. org Each year 10,000 people sustain spinal cord injuries in the US and they join the millions worldwide living with this devastating condition. The Buoniconti organization is the national fundraising arm of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis�the largest, most comprehensive spinal cord injury research center in the world.

Stop by their booth at the Health and Fitness Expo and meet the Temple Family, the directors of the Southeast Michigan Chapter. They are dedicated to raising awareness and funds until the millions who are confined to wheelchairs are able to walk/run right along side the marathoners.

Girls Rock, Inc. - www.girlsrockinc.org The organization exists for the purpose of improving the development of girls through marine exploration programs and that allows them to discover their individual potential. GRI's conservation educational programs take place in the Florida Keys. GRI awards scholarships which cover all program costs for Detroit girls who can't afford to participate. Girls Rock will be providing fluid for runners at the 2 Mile station.

Run to Remember National Hospice Foundation - www.runtoremember.org Marathoner Stuart Lazarus began Run to Remember in 2002 as a way to honor the memory of his mother and to promote the cause of hospice care. Over one third of Americans receive the services of a hospice program before they die. Established in 1967, today there are more than 4,000 programs in the U.S. Hospice care helps people cope with what is most frightening in the final period of life�being alone and being in pain.

Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Michigan - www.wishmich. org The Foundation of Michigan invites runners to join the Making Magic Mile by Mile program. It provides the opportunity to make a difference in lives of children battling life-threatening medical conditions. Since 1984, it has granted wishes to nearly 4,700 special children in Michigan.

Marathon Mission of Michigan - www.marathonmission. net Since 2003, Marathon Mission has become a primary faith and community based charity for the Marathon. As an umbrella charity, Marathon Mission has an opportunity for backing nearly any type of charity a person is passionate about:  from food banks to orphanages, from scholarships for inner city youth to missionary works. Marathon Mission provides a variety of choices for participants to focus their efforts.  There is no minimum pledge. Last year participants ranged in age from six in the 5km to 73 in the marathon according to Mission Director Lisa Harper.