Charities
- By Doug Kurtis
Free Press Columnist

Running a marathon takes dedication, perseverance and the will to accomplish something difficult.   Sometimes runners need a little more inspiration to get them to the finish line.   Running to help others can often make a big impact on a marathoner's performance.

The Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Bank Marathon continues to add greater opportunities for runners to partner with charities. If you haven't signed up to collect pledges I would encourage you to take the initiative.   Every dollar makes a difference.

Here's some background to find an organization that may be the greatest energy bar you will ever eat.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Michigan Chapter - www.nmssmi.org   

The Marathon Strides Against MS (MSMAS) team is comprised of runners, walkers, and wheelers working to end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis. Check the MSAMS team member box on the entry form or contact the MS Society and they will send you a complete packet of special perks you receive while raising pledges to fight MS.

Run for the Children, National Association for Children of Alcoholics -   www.nacoa.org

Run for the Children is a team of dedicated individuals committed to helping the one in four children in the U. S. who struggle with the confusion and isolation of living with a parent addicted to alcohol or other drugs.

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

This fundraising program is the largest endurance sports training program in the world. Their mission is "To cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma and improve 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.

Girls on the Run for Southeast Michigan - www.girlsontherunsemi.org

Girls on the Run SE MI, is an interactive learning and running program for girls ages 8-13. The program, addresses individual goals, group skills, and community service. Their goal is to develop a positive self-image and strong sense of identity. Girls learn to respect peers, cooperate in a group and build supportive relationships

Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Michigan - www.wishmich.org

"Making Magic Mile-by Mile" is the mantra of the team running in support its mission to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Since its inception in 1984, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan has brought magic into the lives of 4,000 Michigan children, and their families.

The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis - www.thebuonicontifund.org

NFL Hall of Fame linebacker, Nick Buoniconti co-founded The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis after his son, Marc, sustained a spinal cord injury during a college football game. The Miami Project has become the world's largest, most comprehensive spinal cord injury research center.

Marathon Mission of Michigan - www.freewebs.com/marathonmission

Marathon Mission is a collaborative effort of Christian runners who seek to support ministries that promote the Good News. Their mission is to assist in meeting the practical needs (such as food, clothing, and transportation) of local and worldwide missionaries. Missions include: Doing the Distance for Dearborn, Joy of Jesus, Inc., Help for the Homeless, Battered and Disabled of Wayne County and First Assembly's Heroes.

St. Jude Heroes - www.stjude.org/marathons

St. Jude Heroes across the country compete in sporting events of their choice to raise money for children fighting cancer and other life-threatening diseases at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Contact Doug Kurtis at Detroit Free Press, 600 W. Fort St. Detroit, 48226