Two Moms Running 4 a Cure
Barbara Geiger and Carolyn Mastrangelo, Founders of Running 4 Answers
In response to a tragedy or an illness, have you ever had the feeling of “I really wish I could do something?” I get this feeling often. It usually lasts for about 5-10 minutes and then fades away in the face of dinner prep, work and kids’ schedules. About seven years ago, Carolyn Mastrangelo and Barbara Geiger had this feeling, only in their case, it didn’t pass, despite the fact they were also dealing with dinner prep, work and kids’ schedules.
Carolyn’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease at a young age. She was in her late 50s. As is almost always the case when a person is diagnosed with this terrible, thieving illness, the entire family was effected. Alzheimer’s, according to Carolyn and so many others who have loved ones suffering with its symptoms, leaves you feeling helpless. An avid runner, she wanted to harness some positive energy. She searched for a run benefitting an Alzheimer’s non-profit and was surprised, given the sheer number of people effected by this disease, to find none. So she did what many want to do, but few actually accomplish — she started one.
Knowing she needed help, she turned to a neighborhood friend. Barbara Geiger had fundraising experience and over a kitchen counter and a few glasses of wine, Running 4 Answers was born. This year will be their 7th charity run and to date, the duo has raised over $205,000 for Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. This organization is their recipient of choice because it focuses solely on research and every dollar raised goes toward finding a cure or a way to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Barbara and Carolyn both have two daughters, careers and busy lives. Still they found the inspiration and the time to not only found, but to continue their grassroots organization. Their meetings are still over kitchen counters and wine. I imagine like all mom conversations, their planning sessions are interrupted by kids and interspersed with mothering moments, but they get it done.
This year, Running 4 Answers Annual 5K Race and 2 mile FunRun/Fitness Walk is on April 30th. It will take place in Essex Fells, NJ. Consider joining the race to a cure for this cruel disease or making a donation to support the efforts of these two impressive and inspiring moms. To learn more, visit their website. To learn more about the warning signs of Alzheimer’s Disease, go to the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Foundation.
Oh, and lest I forget, their wine of choice for motivation is Kim Crawford. I might open a bottle next time I am with the girls and see what develops!
