Boston bound for Autism

[Guest guest]

Hello Neighbors, friends and family,

On April 18th 2005, Janine Govert and Liz Gualtieri- are running

in the 2005 Boston Marathon. This marathon is especially meaningful to us

because in addition to achieving personal goals, we are running to raise

money for the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism (

www.dougflutiefundation.org ).

Autism is a cause close to our hearts as Janine's second son, ,

was diagnosed at age 3 (he is now 7) with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Janine

had always thought that if she was crazy enough to run a marathon, she

wanted to do it for and kids like him. Liz quickly jumped on the idea

of raising money for Autism. This is the second year a group for Autism

will run in the Boston Marathon and our second time as well. Yeah!!

Our training consists of 3 types of runs: Yasso's- 6 to 10 half

mile sprints under 3 minutes 30 seconds, 6-8 mile tempo runs (at slightly

less than race pace (8 min. 20 sec miles) and long runs of up to 23 miles.

With 6 kids between us under 9, it is hard to get more than 3 or 4 runs in a

week. However, it keeps us out of trouble!!

Autism a neurological disorder that impacts the normal development

of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills is

the fastest growing developmental disability, increasing at 10-17% annually.

It occurs in 1 out of 200-250 births. Ten years ago, it occurred in only 1

out of every 10000 births. It affects 3-4 times more boys than girls. The

causes and manifestations of autism are still unknown so treatment is often

not covered by insurance.

Our financial goal is to raise $3000 for the Doug Flutie, Jr.

Foundation. Our race time goal is 3:45 (to qualify for Boston 2006). To

support us, you can make your donation online using a debit or credit card

at www.justgiving.com/pfp/myboys3 or you can mail a check payable to The

Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation and send it to Liz's or Janine's address below.

Thank you for your support and prayers for without our friends and family we

would not be able to do this!!

For those of you who are local to the triangle area, for every $20

dollars donated, your name will go into a drawing for a 6-month membership

at the health club, Millennium. (i.e. If you give $60 you will get 3

chances for the memberships) Millenium, which has 3 clubs in the area has

generously given us two 6 month memberships (value approx. $350 each) for

the raffle. All donations are 100% tax deductable. We are trying to reach

our goal by May 25th, 2005.

Sincerely,

Janine and Liz

Janine Govert (123 Lake Hogan Farm Rd., Chapel Hill, NC 27516)

Liz Gualtieri- (105 Hogan Glen Court, Chapel Hill, NC 27516