Hobokenite To Run Marathon for Lou Gehrig's Disease

Hobokenite Jillian D’Onofrio is running the New York City marathon on Sunday, and is raising money for the ALS Association Greater New York Chapter in the fight against Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

Below is her story:

In February of 2010, after months of deteriorating leg strength and speech, tons of doctors visits, painful tests, many prayers and unbelievable anxiety, my stepmother Daria was diagnosed with ALS, Lou Gehrigs Disease. We didnt know too much about it, we only knew there was no known cause or cure, and death was the only certainty.

We struggled alongside Daria for over a year, my father at her side 24/7, coping with the disease together, easing her pains the best he could, helping her do the most fundamental things we all take for granted like washing our hair and brushing our teeth. It taught me about true love, sacrifice, patience, and strength. It taught me more than I can say in words.

We cried, tried to laugh and continue some sort of normalcy, and often just sat together in silence. I tried to be any type of support I could be. Daria often supported me at her weakest of times, telling me with her eyes that she loved me, or that she was happy, and I believe that she was at peace.

I made a promise to Daria that I would run the 2011 NYC Marathon for the ALS Association, for her. On April 27, with my Dad, as always, at her side Daria passed away. In her honor, to keep her spirit alive and also to help support those with ALS and fund research to find the cause and cure for this disease, I AM RUNNING! I have been training for over 3 months - there is less than 30 days to go! I face each run with conviction to this cause. When my legs feel tired, I feel like I cannot breathe, the road ahead seems to steep, too long, too daunting, I think of Daria. She gives me strength. I feel she knows I am keeping the promise I made to her.