Connective Issues Winter 2023

TEAM VICTORY Crosses the Finish L We would like to salute our amazing team of 10 runners who endured the grueling New York City Marathon on November 6 to raise awareness and funds. Our members not only finished the 26.2-mile race but they raised more than $35,000 to support the Foundation’s programs and services for the Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Dietz, and VEDS communities. We applaud each of them for the mental and physical toughness they demonstrated to complete the largest marathon in the world!

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★ Ivana Batstra, Amsterdam, Holland ★ Edward Cooning IV, Indianapolis, IN ★ Grace Ehrbar, Columbus, OH ★ Andrea Friedman, Manalapan, NJ ★ Julia Holmes, Amsterdam, Holland ★ Robyn Li, New York, NY ★ Kristine O’Connor, Phoenix, AZ ★ Rebecca Scahill, New York, NY ★ Allison Smith, Union, CT ★ Seda Tierney, MD, Palo Alto, CA

This year’s NYC marathon was especially challenging, but running with The Marfan Foundation gave me so much motivation. It was so special to run in honor of my cousin, PJ, and whenever I wanted to give up, I thought of everyone who our fundraising and awareness e ff orts will benefit. ~ Rebecca Scahill

Running the NYC marathon with Team Victory was an incredible experience and the crowds were phenomenal. Throughout the entire course they were cheering us on until the finish line. ~ Seda Tierney, MD

I could not have trained nor crossed the finish line if it weren’t for Team Victory along with my friends and family who provided me with such comfort, support, and love during this incredibly grueling process. Being able to combine my love of running with raising awareness and funds for Marfan, Loeys-Dietz, and VEDS, a condition I myself live with, was truly magical. Race day brought about dozens of logistic curve balls for all runners; however, we all banded together to remind ourselves that we can do hard things. We each reminded ourselves what our ‘why’ was on running this race. This fueled our legs and souls to cross the finish line. I’m eternally grateful for the lifelong friendships I’ve made with Team Victory and look forward to seeing what we can do next! ~ Grace Ehrbar (Note: Grace has been running since the second grade. She worked with her treatment team and received approval to run/walk the marathon.)

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Winter 2023