Photo By Sgt. Danielle Rodrigues | Capt. Angela Delwiche ran 79 miles over three days to support a fellow California...... read more read more
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TAHOE CITY, Calif. - California Army National Guard Capt. Angela Delwiche, assigned to the Recruiting and Retention Battalion, ran 79 miles over a three-day span in support of a fellow California Guardsman and her daughter who is fighting a terminal genetic disease.
Delwiche ran the entire perimeter of Lake Tahoe — and then some — to raise funds and awareness for Reagan Sinkiewicz, a 21-month-old girl born with type 1 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the most deadly form of the disease.
“When I found out about Reagan's condition I was devastated,” said Delwiche. “I knew I had to do something to help ease some of the stresses that come with this disease. “
Delwiche finished in the top ten of the 59 people who competed in the race, known as the Tahoe Triple, which took place Sept. 12-14.
“In the end, I raised over $1,700; however, I was able to share Reagan's story with thousands,” said Delwiche.
The funds raised will be used to make handicapped vehicle modifications that will allow Reagan to be transported to her multiple medical appointments more safely and easily.
Delwiche was accompanied by California Army National Guard 1st Lt. Allison Henderson during the second marathon.
“Not only did she accomplish what many only read about, but she enthusiastically plunged herself into that torrent of pain over and over again for three days straight, all in the name of raising some cash to spare a little girl from her pain in the unfair life lottery,” said Henderson.
Henderson said during the event that people kept asking how Delwiche could keep running and Delwiche would pull out her phone and show a picture of Reagan's smile.
“I'm just grateful I was able to match [Delwiche’s] stride for one day of that journey,” Henderson said.
Delwiche prepared for the marathons with a grueling training schedule starting in February.
“I was having a particularly difficult training run one day, and half way through I was ready to quit,” Delwiche said “I was coming up with a number of reasons to just turn around and run home when I was reminded of Reagan’s condition. At that moment I knew I had to push through the ailments that were plaguing me.”
She finished a 12-mile run that day and dedicated all subsequent training runs to Reagan’s fight against SMA.
“I chose to support Reagan because she has overcome so many odds and obstacles in her life,” said Delwiche. “She taught me not to take my physical abilities for granted. I run because Reagan can't.”
SMA is an inherited neuromuscular disease and the number one genetic killer of children under the age of two. About one in 40 people unknowingly carry the recessive gene for the disease. To date, there is no treatment and no cure, but Reagan’s family is optimistic about her future.
“The National Institute of Health labeled SMA as the gateway to curing other neuromuscular diseases and said that SMA is closest to a cure,” said Reagan’s mother, California Army National Guard Capt. Shannon Terry.
Delwiche continues to spread awareness about SMA. “I run for Reagan every time I lace up my running shoes.”
Delwiche’s next goal is to train and compete in an Ironman Triathlon.
For more information on SMA or to follow Reagan’s fight, visit www.gettyowl.org or www.gofundme.com/reaganswarriors.
| Date Taken: | 09.12.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 01.06.2015 16:47 |
| Story ID: | 151431 |
| Location: | TAHOE CITY, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 687 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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