Mar. 8--Pete Eisenmann is running because his wife can't.
Jen Eisenmann has cystic fibrosis. It is an inherited disease that causes thick mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system.
The mucus can cause life-threatening lung infections, obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.
Jen has less than 50 percent of her lung capacity and even something as natural as laughing can lead to coughing fits.
Pete is raising money for a cure through Team 65Roses -- Miles for Cystic Fibrosis by running in the ING Georgia Marathon and Half Marathon in Atlanta. Miles for Cystic Fibrosis urges athletes to take part in their sport of choice and use the 65Roses platform to raise awareness and money for the cystic fibrosis community.
Pete is used to running. He has played soccer at every level but professionally.
"I wanted to combine my hyperactivity with fundraising for cystic fibrosis. I run because Jen can't. That's what I do," he said.
On March 21, Pete will run the half marathon in Atlanta, and his daughter will run the full marathon. His goal is to raise $2,500 with a life goal of $100,000.
According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 65Roses is what 4-year-old Richard Weiss called his disease. It is how he pronounced cystic fibrosis.
Since then, the term has been used by children of all ages to describe the disease. It is now a registered trademark of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and a rose is its symbol.
About 30,000 people in the United States have the disease. One in 31 is an unknown carrier of the defective gene but does not have cystic fibrosis.
Jen was diagnosed at age 1 after her parents noticed she was having digestive problems.
Doctors told her parents she probably wouldn't live to see her teen years. Jen is now 39 years old.
With the help of medical advances, people with cystic fibrosis can now live into their 40s and beyond.
There is no cure, however. Jen has to take several medications a day but is excited about a new medicine on the market and the estimation that 13 drugs will be available by the end of 2013.
"This is not a disease that anyone has ever survived. I don't look sick, but I have less than 50 percent lung capacity. I definitely went through a 'why me' phase. But you can't stay in that forever. Whatever you're given in life, you work with," she said.
Pete hopes to run a full marathon one day. Until then, he does his best. So does Jen.
For more information or to donate, visit www.firstgiving/runforjen.com.
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