While I have loved participating in the Chicago Marathon at various times over the last 15 years, it has always been my goal to run the New York City Marathon. This year on November 5, 2023, I plan to do just that! As an added bonus - my daughter Nina will be joining me and running her very first marathon.
I am honored to be running on behalf of the Propionic Acidemia
Foundation. Propionic Acidemia is a genetic disorder with symptoms that will
present within days of birth or in later childhood. PA kids have a genetic
mutation that doesn't allow them to break down protein properly. Too much
protein is toxic to all organs of PA kids, including the brain. As a result,
they must live on a very strict low protein diet. They must get enough protein
to grow but not too much so that it becomes toxic. Every day an individual with propionic acidemia walks a
metabolic tightrope of getting enough protein for normal growth and development
and getting too much protein causing instability.
The Foundation serves to find improved treatments and a cure for
Propionic Acidemia by funding research and providing information and support to
families and medical professionals. For more information and individual stories
of children and families affected by PA please visit their website. https://www.pafoundation.com/wordpress/
If you are able to do so, please click on the link to donate. Thank you very much for your contribution. This means a lot to me as a runner but also to the PA families and everyone in the PA community.
Mirella Siwik
