Fundraising family hits the ground running

Training began on Sunday for a group of dedicated fundraisers who are running for a cause. Among the jogging shoe-clad athletes who met up at field four in Eisenhower Park to begin training were Doug Scheinman and his daughter, Julia, a junior at Baldwin High School. The father/daughter jogging team will be tackling a half marathon in order to raise funds for a third member of their family — Dan Scheinman, of Baldwin Middle School — who has been living with Crohn’s Disease for the last two years. The eager and dedicated program participants listened to a motivational speech from their coach, then took to the first steps on what promises to be an arduous, but rewarding journey. Scheinman has prepared a statement (right) outlining his goals and the struggles his son is undergoing. His contact information is included at the end of the message.

Dear Neighbors,

My 13-year-old son, Daniel, has been living with Crohn’s Disease for almost two years. Crohn’s Disease is a painful, chronic illness that affects over 1.4 million Americans, many of whom are children. The disease flares up without warning and can be extremely debilitating. Crohn’s Disease is presently incurable. I am so thankful Dan has been in remission for the past few months and remain hopeful a cure will be found so that he, and others similarly affected, do not have to suffer.

I have joined forces with Team Challenge Long Island, a group of dedicated coaches and athletes who are working to further the mission of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, searching for a cure. Team Challenge Long Island raised $240,000 last year. A little bit goes such a long way. Research programs are creating tomorrow’s treatments and perhaps laying the groundwork for a cure. Donations received in 2010 enabled patient services, support groups, and clinical trials of experimental medicine. The race for a cure is on!