2022 Team Challenge DIY - Race in Orange: Ms. Jen Lombardi

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#CrohnsWarrior #26.2

Hi Everyone!

On January 8, 2023, I will participate in the 30th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Marathon & my 5th full marathon.

This will be a big undertaking, but it will all be worth it because your donations will not only motivate me to the finish, but they will help us get closer to the cure. Won’t you please consider a donation today?

EVERY DOLLAR DONATED GOES TO THIS CHARITY!

My Story:

Since a child I struggled with stomach issues, but was misdiagnosed for years until I was rushed to the hospital on May 10,2013 at night with excruciating stomach pains that led to emergency surgery two days later on Mother's Day morning. Doctor's told me I had hours to live if surgery didn't happen immediately. After being in a coma for two days, post surgery, I awoke hearing the words "you are one tough girl and fought for your life in there, we almost lost you" from my surgeon. 24 staples, inches of my intestines removed, many days in the hospital, learning how to walk again, and doing things I once did normally like brushing my teeth was like a bad nightmare to me, yet reality.

The road ahead of me was like nothing I ever imagined both physically, emotionally, and effected my personal life. I set my eyes on a race in California that I was planning on running before the surgery. Many doctors said it was inconceivable, except for my surgeon, that knew I was going to attempt it anyway. So he helped me with a plan for recovery & to get me to that goal slowly. Less than 4 months later, I flew to California with my girlfriend Kim, and achieved that goal. Not only did I run my first post-10k, but also my first post-half marathon too...19.3k miles in 2 days (almost 4 months to the date of my surgery).

Since my first race in 2010, I've completed 4 full marathons, and over 51 other races. 5k's, 10k's, half marathons, 4 full marathons, and one Dopey (5k, 10k, half marathon, and a full in 4 days). I've had my share of good and bad medically, but running has always been there to keep me sane. The days of running the big distances are coming to an end I think. I have to be realistic with my 47th birthday coming this summer and feeling some serious effects of this disease and now on meds.

With that being said, I have tried the major marathon lotteries for years and have had no success getting in. Maybe it was meant to be with the 30th anniversary year of the Walt Disney marathon and a date close to my heart, my son's birthday. I have always said that I would only raise money for a cause that I believe in and this is it! I hope you will follow along with my journey and can support this great cause. Below is more about this disease and the organization, if you are not familiar with it or need more information.

To tell you I have been BLESSED with this road, you wouldn't understand. It has given me patience, empathy for others, and understanding, along with a tremendous faith in God. Every day is a challenge.

Thank you for support & donations!

Jen Lombardi

*Be that support team for someone

*Be a Warrior

*Be Giving and Pay It Forward Always

*Be the light someone needs

*BE LOVE

*BE YOU!

About Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis:

Known collectively as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis affect almost millions of Americans. They are painful, medically incurable diseases that attack the digestive system. Crohn's disease may attack anywhere along the digestive tract, while ulcerative colitis inflames only the large intestine (colon). Symptoms may include abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fever, and weight loss. Many patients require numerous hospitalizations and surgery. Most people develop the diseases between the ages of 15 and 35; however the incidence is increasing in children.

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation is the largest non-profit, voluntary, health organization dedicated to finding cures for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The Foundation’s mission is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults who are affected by these diseases. The Foundation works to fulfill its mission by funding research; providing educational resources for patients and their families, medical professionals, and the public; and furnishing supportive services for those afflicted with IBD.

My Personal Blog

Topics

#WorldIBDDay2022 & $50 Disney Gift Card Giveaway
This year, say #GameOverIBD for World IBD Day!
We are dedicated to increasing awareness of and familiarity with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This month, we are leveling up our efforts and need your help. For World IBD Day today, May 19, support our mission to find cures so that we can say "game over" to IBD.
Join us and organizations from more than 50 countries to educate the public about Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis and raise funds to say #GameOverIBD for #WorldIBDDay2022!

BUT WAIT!!!
Let's have our own game!
If we can get 19 people to donate just $19 for a great cause today...Someone will win a $50 Disney Gift Card! tag someone, share away, and good luck!

by Jen Lombardi on Thu, May 19, 2022 @ 8:22 AM

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First raffle giveaway /Kickoff
The first "Fundraising Friday" & Kickoff...
You have until tonight to enter into the first raffle!
Anyone donating $20 or more will be entered into a surprise giveaway.
They'll be different giveaways & events throughout the next months of fundraising, why not have a little fun while supporting this amazing charity!
I can't thank you, my donors, enough for participating and for donating so far. It warms my heart for your kindness
Jen

by Jen Lombardi on Fri, May 13, 2022 @ 9:14 PM

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Achievements

$500 Club!

Raised $500

Personal Progress:

of Goal

$505 Raised

$1,000.00

Fundraising Honor Roll

Denise

$110

$52

John Yarber

$52

Lorraine &John

$52

Danette Goldberg

$52

Karen Repece

$50

Facebook Fundraiser

$30

Tracey Malone

Barb Winfield

$26

Judy Gangemi

$26

Stephanie Rogers

$25

My Story & Fundraising Info