Sweat & Surf - Run at the Jersey Shore

How do you usually spend a weekend in May?  Shopping?  Gardening?  Watching movies?  Why not join Team TSF at the NJ Marathon Festival at the Jersey Shore in Long Branch, NJ?  Bring the whole family.  There are events for everyone. 

On Saturday, May 5^th, there is a health and fitness expo; a 3-mile “Fun” Run/Walk, a non-competitive race with no clocks, and strollers are welcome; a “kids” 1.2 mile marathon, this event, which is perfect for “kids” of all ages (8-99) finishes at the official finish line of the NJ marathon and Long Branch Half marathon; and kids races for kids, 9 separate races for kids 2-12 years old.   Each race participant will receive a special medal and commemorative T-Shirt while supplies last. 

While you’re not racing, the family can enjoy crafts, face painting, the “Fun Bus” fitness on wheels (for ages 2-8), refreshments, and a DJ. 

All the events are done by noon, so there is plenty of time to enjoy the many restaurants and shops on the nearby boardwalk. 

On Sunday, May 6^th, events include the NJ Marathon (26.2 miles), Long Branch Half Marathon (13.1 miles), and Long Branch Half Marathon Relay. 

Beyond great times with friends and family, and magnificent ocean views, if you register with Turner Syndrome Foundation, Inc. you can help Team TSF raise awareness for Turner Syndrome, a chromosomal condition affecting 1 in 2000 girls.  Because TS is little known, most patients are not diagnosed until their early teens, keeping them from important medical treatments and therapies.  Raising awareness at events like the NJ Marathon Festival at the Jersey Shore, can help lower the diagnosing age for patients, which can help them lead a normal, great life. 

So the next time you go shopping, buy some running shoes and join Team TSF at the Jersey Shore and help make a difference while creating memories you will never forget. 

If you don’t feel like running or walking, you can always donate, volunteer or come and cheer on the participants. 

For more information or to register go to:

Turner Syndrome Foundation Website: www.TSFUSA.org

Official Event Website:  www.njmarathon.org 

Or email: coach@TEAMTSF.org to learn how to donate, volunteer and register.  

www.TurnerSyndromeFoundation.org

Music City Marathon!

Dig up your cowboy hat, dust off your boots, and crank up the country music.  Team TSF is headed to Nashville, TN. 

In an effort to raise awareness about Turner Syndrome, the number one chromosomal condition in women, Turner Syndrome Foundation, Inc. is a charity of the Nashville Country Music Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon & ½ Marathon presented by Nissan. 

By joining Team TSF on April 28, 2012, you will be helping give a voice to the little known, completely random condition affecting 1 in every 2,000 girls. 

“I really want to see a number of participants. But, I'd also like to see some great attention given to TS,” said Team TSF leader and TS patient, Paula Schiffer. 

Diagnosed at the age of 16, unfortunately, Schiffer’s late diagnosis is not unusual with TS patients.  Most girls are not diagnosed until around the age of fourteen, keeping them from treatments and therapies important to their health. 

“When I was diagnosed, they didn't know much about TS [and] the doctors were a little bit unsure of possible treatments. In fact, they told me that there was nothing that could be done for me. Today, there are so many wonderful treatments for TS girls, “ adds Schiffer, who is now 33 years old. 

Treatments have come a long way since Schiffer’s diagnosis; however, there is always room for new and better treatments and therapies.  But, even the best treatments may not helpful if the patient is not diagnosed early in life.  Which is why it is important to create awareness at events like the Nashville Country Music Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon & ½ Marathon.    Furthermore, the event is a good opportunity to meet TS patients, ask questions, and understand what it is like for the girls and their families. 

“TS is something that strikes girls at their core. The physical and emotional effects often leave girls wondering who they are (what they are). We want so badly to experience life and love the way every other girl does, but our stories often come riddled with scars from our own internal questions about self worth. TS can't be seen. You will never know for sure if a girl has TS unless she chooses to disclose it. Many girls and their families are impacted, “ says Schiffer. 

What else is does Schiffer hope to achieve with this event?

“I think it's also important for people to understand that TS does not have to limit a girl’s life.  A TS girl is powerful and can do anything she wants to,” says Schiffer. 

Why not join, Schiffer and the powerful TSF community in Nashville for a fun filled, family weekend?  You can walk, run, volunteer, or just come and cheer on the participants.  There is even an event for the youngsters on Friday, April 27, ING Kids Rock Nashville.  Beyond the marathon and ½ marathon, the Saturday, April 28^th, events include marathon and ½ marathon races for wheelchairs and a post race concert headlined by country music superstar, Rodney Atkins. 

“We need help getting the word out about TS. We also need to raise funds to support TS girls. Participating in the marathon achieves both,” says Schiffer. 

If you are interested in being a part of TEAM TSF as a particpant, sponsor or volunteer, please send an email to coach@teamtsf.org. 

Register or sponsor a participant!

Turner Syndrome Foundation, Inc., PO Box 726, Holmdel, NJ 07733

www.TurnerSyndromeFoundation.org

Florida Here We Come!

It’s almost time for the second event in the Rock ‘n’ Roll marathon series.  Team TSF will be traveling to St. Petersburg, FL on February 12, 2012 for the Rock ‘n’ Roll St. Pete ½ Marathon Series. 

The goal of Team TSF, and Turner Syndrome Foundation, Inc., is to raise awareness for Turner Syndrome.  Turner Syndrome is the number one chromosomal condition in women, affecting 1 in every 2000 girls.  Even though it is fairly common, Turner Syndrome is little known.  In fact, most patients don’t get diagnosed until around the age of 14, keeping them from important treatments and therapies. 

“We need research to find new and better treatments plus education for expecting parents,” adds John Dunn, a Team TSF member whose granddaughter has TS. 

By participating with Dunn and Team TSF in the St. Pete marathon, you will be helping bring awareness to Turner Syndrome which will, hopefully, help lower the diagnosing age for patients.  The earlier TS girls begin treatments and therapies the better.

If you don’t feel like walking or running the marathon, Team TSF can always use volunteers the day of the event, or you can come and cheer on the participants. 

“[The St. Pete Event is a great way] to stimulate people asking questions at the race about TS  [as well as] a great way to promote healthy life style and spread positive messages,” said Dunn. 

Beyond an opportunity to spread the news about TS, the event is a great way to have fun with friends and family, and meet new people.  The race will be held on a flat, easy course with music at every mile.  Perfect for any level of athletic ability.  There will also be a pre race pasta party and a post race concert headlined by Flo Rida. 

Can’t make it to Florida?  Team TSF will be participating in events in Nashville, TN in April; Long Branch, NJ in May; and Seattle, WA in June. 

For more information, or to register for the event, visit:

Turner Syndrome Foundation website: www.tsfusa.org or email coach@teamtsf.org

Official Event Website: http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/st-petersburg

Donate online!

Turner Syndrome Foundation, Inc., PO Box 726, Holmdel, NJ 07733

www.TurnerSyndromeFoundation.org