Running for the Fabulous Four

As she stood on the San Diego course at miles four and eight, Melisa Callison felt the energy and excitement from the runners and spectators as she waited for her friend Dawn to pass. “For the first time I was able to see the leader runners pass by at lightening speed,” said Melissa, who has NF1 and runs with a prosthesis. “I realized how much I want to continue running.”

Due to a surgery in March, she had to withdraw from the San Diego Marathon, but there was no way Melisa would miss watching her friend Dawn cross the finish line of her first marathon. Dawn finished in 5:12:26, running for her daughter, Ava, who like Melisa, also has NF1.

Melisa recently attended a BBQ at Dawn’s house where there were three families with children with NF1. Two of the young girls have below-the-knee amputations and wear prosthetic legs. “It was good for them to meet each other and for them to see me, a grown-up who has prosthesis.” Melisa hopes to be able to spend more time with these girls as a role model, even though they are the ones inspiring her to get back to her running.”I have completed two 5k races, and I am slowly building back my stamina and endurance,” said Melisa.

Melisa has registered for the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Jose Half Marathon on Oct.  3, 2010, and she will be running on behalf of the fabulous four — a little group of four girls, with big hearts, who all share a journey ahead with NF. “I will endure so they and others like them don’t have to,” said Melisa. “I run for them because they can’t.”

Melisa has set a fundraising goal of $3,000, which will go toward research to lead to treatment and someday a cure for NF. “You never know whose dollar it will be that finds the cure,” said Melisa.

To read more about Melisa or make a donation to help the Fabulous Four, please visit Melisa’s fundraising page.