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NYC Marathon Has Special Meaning For This Nephlete
Frances Velez, a wife and a mother of two, is an avid runner with a
winning attitude. And, oh yeah, she has kidney disease.
Despite everything going on in her life, Velez is currently training for the upcoming ING New York City Marathon, which takes place on Sunday, November 6, 2011. This world-famous 26.2-mile race draws more than 100,000 applicants every year and Frances has been accepted to run the race for her third time.
This year, as a NephCure Foundation Nephlete, she is running with a very strong sense of purpose: to bring awareness to the fight against the kidney disease Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Nephletes are a special group of athletes who take part in marathons, triathlons and bike rides. They not only challenge themselves, they challenge others and fundraise for NephCure on behalf of a patient or themselves.
Inspired by her first New York City Marathon in 2008, Frances was determined to run again the following year. While training for the 2009 edition, she knew that her body was not functioning normally. She initially noticed joint pains and the swelling of her ankles. In January 2010, Frances was diagnosed with C1q Nephropathy, a type of FSGS.
Frances has undergone two separate six-month treatments of prednisone and cyclosporine that were not very effective. She is now on her third and more successful on-going treatment, this time with Cellcept.
“I do get run down and worn out, juggling the responsibilities of a full-time job, being a full-time mom and wife, while keeping up with my health,” said Velez. “However, I am as focused and determined as I have ever been to not only start and finish this race, but also beat this disease.”
Having kidney disease has not stopped Frances from running or training. She is determined to beat her past two marathon times, and as a Nephlete her goal is to raise $6,000 for NephCure. During her challenging 18-week training schedule, Velez has signed up to run a series of races to keep her motivated, most recently, the Army Ten Miler and the Woodrow Wilson Half-Marathon.
“I am excited to run this year,” said Velez. “It means more to me than anyone can imagine to take part in the marathon, reach my goal and help the thousands of people dealing with kidney disease."
Looking back, Velez was inspired by her first marathon. Now, she has adopted her own personal campaign: “Hello finish line. Goodbye limitations!” -- a slogan that sums up Velez's determination, hard work and success.
“We all set limitations on ourselves, but when you have a hidden illness such as kidney disease, one has a tendency to set even more limitations,” said Velez. “During this race, I am saying goodbye to one thing at every mile. That is 26 goodbyes! Help me in my journey to raise awareness and fund research for a NephCure and I will help you in your journey of goodbyes. Together, we will make it happen.”