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Longtime NF Endurance staff member, marothoner, and all-around Team supporter, Bob Skold, received the "Hero of the Marathon" award at the Carlsbad Marathon in California on Friday, Jan. 22, at a Celebration of Heroes reception. On Sunday, Jan. 23, 2010, race officials also announced the heroes at the starting line of the marathon. The "Hero of the Marathon" award is presented to runners who may not necessarily be the first finishers, but who are ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Bob was nominated by NF Endurance Team Member Dawn Lowell.

"He has been such an inspiration to so many people  dealing with Neurofibromatosis," said Dawn, whose daughter, Ava, has NF1. "He is truly amazing in my eyes." Dawn was also present when Bob received the award. It was the first time she got to meet Bob face-to-face. Bob works with many members of the NF Endurance Team through e-mail from his office in Colorado.

When Bob, who has NF2, was told he had a brain tumor,  he was given four weeks to live. While his tumor partially paralyzed the left side of his face and stole his hearing, he has not lost his spirit and determination to help others. His surgery was a success and today he has a personal goal of running 50 marathons by 2011. Bob hopes to raise $50,000 for the Foundation by the time he turns 56 on Oct. 31st.

His mantra, "Run Happy," comes through his constant encouragement to members of the NF Endurance Team. "I am delighted to see Bob get some recognition with the Carlsbad event for his efforts as a marathoner, and he is a hero for all of us who are associated with NF Endurance," said Steve Kendra, director of the NF Endurance Team. "His example and support of this team defy description.  He has a way of making us feel better about ourselves when we’re around him; inspiring us to overcome obstacles, roadblocks and personal limitations, and of bringing meaning to our efforts with NF Endurance and life in general."

For more on Bob and the NF Endurance Team make sure to visit the NF Endurance blog.