Racing for Carly
By Mark Goldstein

      For Tracy Draper, this is her third Disney half-marathon in as many years; for 6-year old Carly McKay, this is a race for her life. Carly suffers from Neurofibromatosis (NF), a genetic disorder that mostly affects children, causes tumors to grow along various types of nerves and can affect the development of non-nervous tissues such as bones and skin.

      In past years, Tracy ran the 13.1 mile race dressed up as the Disney characters Pochahontas and Jasmine; this year she will be sporting the NF singlet on her jersey joining the Disney NF team of runners from around the country representing the Children's Tumor Foundation (CTF) raising money to help find a cure for NF. Tracy says, "Putting a good amount of thought into my motivation for running and trying to figure out the real 'why' behind it, I decided that it was about time to run for a cause, something bigger than myself." She continues, "That something became unmistakably clear as I researched the Disney NF team." Being a mother of four very healthy children made her heart ache as she read about those who were affected by this disorder. Then she learned about Carly. Tracy adds, "Carly McKay is the darling face behind the thousands of kids suffering from NF that is motivating me through training." Carly is Tracy's "hero" and will represent all of the children affected by NF.

      The Disney Half Marathon, which takes place on Saturday, January 6th, is one of several events that the NF Marathon Team participates in throughout the year to help raise awareness of NF and to raise much-needed funds to help find a cure. Tracy's personal goal is to raise $1000 for the Children's Tumor Foundation.

      If you would like to help Tracy meet her goal, please send your tax-deductible donation made payable to the Children's Tumor Foundation to: 33722 Wesley Rd., Eustis, FL 32736. In the memorandum section of your check please add Tracy's NF team number: DW-3011-07. Please make your donation prior to January 20th.

      To learn more about Neurofibromatosis and Carly McKay, please visit the following websites: www.ctf.org and www.carlysteam.com.