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Printer-Friendly ModeRunning for lupus
Sociology prof competes in race to raise money
August 24, 2007 —
An SVSU faculty member has found a way to raise money for a cause, and it's not by door-to-door solicitation. Instead, sociology professor Brian Thomas is running a fifty-mile marathon to raise money for a disease known as lupus erythematosus.
Affecting more than 16,000 Americans each year, lupus is a disease that is capable of affecting many vital parts of the body, including the lungs and brain. The primary feature of lupus is inflammation, which causes a lot of discomfort. The disease varies in severity, ranging from minor aches and pains to life-threatening symptoms.
In the United States, lupus is rarely found in Caucasians, but is found more commonly in blacks, Hispanics, and Native Americans. The Lupus Foundation of America found that more than 90 percent of people with lupus are women - most of which are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 45.
Although it is not a common disease, Thomas knows students, relatives, colleagues, and fellow runners suffering from the disease. Knowing people with the disease was a factor in his decision to conquer the fifty-mile run.
"[Lupus] can have a debilitating impact on people's lives, but very few people know about it," Thomas said.
Having a relative with lupus has made him more aware as well as more eager to find ways in which he can help. Although evidence about lupus still isn't entirely clear, there is an indication that lupus may be genetic - something that raises concern for Thomas and his child.
After searching online, Thomas found a run that he thought he could tackle: the North Country Trail Run. The run will begin at 7:30 a.m. and is being held at the Manistee National Forest on Sept. 15. The Trail Run is not associated with the Lupus Foundation, but Thomas is using it as a way to raise money on his own to help find a cause and cure for the disease.
"My wife looked at me like I was crazy", he said. "Once she realized that I was serious, we figured that we might as well make something productive out of the mild insanity of the whole event".
Although Thomas' wife, Holli, is not much of a runner herself, she tried to help out in other ways.
"I like to think of myself as his training manager, equipment specialist, and number one fan," she said.
Thomas has tried to use the Internet to assist him in raising money. He has raised $1,790 so far. His goal is to get to $5,000. Family, friends, and runners he has never met have contributed to the cause.
He has also received support from a few companies such as Tifosil sunglasses, Trailflex backpacks, and Blubandoo headwear. Since he started a few months ago, his Web site has had over 1,300 viewers.
"I've never done any fundraising as part of a race before," Thomas said. "It's actually become a very fulfilling and inspirational part of my training."
Thomas has been running for about 20 years, but has always done it just to stay in shape. Now though, he finds running to be a relaxing way to be outdoors.
"I've always liked the simplicity of running," he said. "You just strap on a pair of shoes and out you go."
Training since the beginning of the year, Thomas is running about 45 to 50 miles every week. His longest run was part of a marathon, but he'd like to try a few training runs in the 35 mile range. Sometimes Thomas finds it hard to manage training, family, and work, which is the reason he takes his son and pet with him while training.
"My son loves riding in his jogging stroller and is with me for 75 percent of my mileage," he said. "We also have a mildly manic border collie who loves to run and helps motivate me to get out the door."
Thomas says training for an ultra-marathon takes patience. He takes walk breaks and finds himself eating different foods to refuel.
Optimism has become second nature to Thomas, but there is one thing he is dreading about the run.
"I'm most afraid of not finishing," he said. "A lot can happen in 50 miles".
Thomas will keep his head high while continuing to raise money for his efforts. He would eventually like to do something on SVSU's campus to raise awareness about the disease.
He is eager to find out if he can reach his fundraising goal. And, as the September date is quickly approaching, Thomas is already looking ahead for more ways in which he can push his limit.
"Don't tell my wife, but I'd really like to work up to a one hundred mile race," he said.
Having thoughts about running a one hundred mile race is rare, but Holli says it shows his personality and his goal-setting mentality. She is inspired by his pro-active attitude toward the event.
"He likes to challenge himself, both mentally and physically," she said. "My family and I are very proud and supportive. We'll all be waiting for him at the finish line!"
