17 year old Blake is on the verge of adulthood but he's already endured a lifetime of medical issues. He was misdaignosed for 8 years before doctors discovered, on October 31st, 2008, that he has Fanconi anemia, a rare condition that leads to bone marrow failure and a predisposition to cancer at an early. Within just a few months, Blake needed a transplant. Unfortunately, when his sister Sydney was tested to see if she could be a match, it was discovered that she too had Fanconi anemia. Blake received bone marrow from his father to save his life. 8 years post transplant, Blake is doing well but his battle with Fanconi anemia continues as there still is no cure for this disease.
Ken Atkinson, co-founder of KATA,had a mission to find better treatments and a cure for the disease that killed his children, Fanconi anemia. Unfortunately, his life was tragically cut short before he had that opportunity. Now it is up to his daughter, Allison, her close friends Ryan and Emily, and you, our followers and supporters, to take up the torch, raise awareness and funds for those with Fanconi anemia, support this incredible effort, and watch the KATA26.2 team run for THEIR lives!
On November 5th, Allison, Ryan and Emily will run the NYC Marathon - 26.2 miles - to raise funds for Fanconi anemia research. Emily and Ryan are dedicating MILE #23 to Blake to support him in his continued fight against Fanconi anemia. Please consider a tax deductible donation to honor Blake and show your support for him as well as he battles this devastating disease!
Together, we can find a cure!