By Tammy Watts
DailyAdvocate.com

ARCANUM – For many people, the idea of ​​running a marathon is great. Now imagine running seven consecutive marathons in as many days.

Former Arcanum resident Laurie Dutkiewicz will do just that – covering 177 miles in seven days, across the state of Utah, with MS Run in the United States. The organization is dedicated to raising funds for people living with multiple sclerosis, as well as finding better treatments for the disease.

Dutkiewicz is inspired by her husband, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 22. Now 47, he was able to manage his illness through exercise and a carefully regulated diet. “He never complains,” Dutkiewicz says, a characteristic shared by the children that motivated him to start running in the first place.

While studying medicine, Dutkiewicz began volunteering with children undergoing cancer treatment. She marveled at how they stayed positive and felt compelled to act. She started running and completed her first marathon in Columbus, Ohio, for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Now, as an emergency room doctor, she runs to balance the stress inherent in her career.

When Dutkiewicz heard about MS Run the US it was the perfect fit for her, relying on her love of long-distance running to support her husband and others like him. The organization not only uses donations for research, but also helps low-income MS patients with the accessibility equipment and tools they need to enjoy a better quality of life.

However, she first had to go through a rigorous application process. Only 19 runners were selected from a pool of thousands of applicants nationwide. Dutkiewicz was contacted for interviews with the deputy director and then the executive director of MS Run the US, before learning that she had been chosen. In addition to finishing the race, she must raise at least $ 10,000 for the cause.

The relay begins in Santa Monica, California, and ends in New York City in May. Dutkiewicz will run the fourth stage of the race through Utah. She chose a western state, because of the proximity to her current home in southern Oregon. Her mother also suggested Utah, for its unique scenic beauty. The mountainous terrain can intimidate some runners, but not Dutkiewicz.

“If I can give some help or some hope to someone living with MS by raising awareness, fundraising and challenging my own body to seven marathons in seven days, then this is the moment and I’ll tackle the tough things to do it, ”she said. on his profile for MS Run the US.

To donate to MS Run the US on Laurie Dutkiewicz’s Fundraising Profile, please visit https://bit.ly/3Hdwrox.

To contact Daily Advocate reporter Tammy Watts, send an email [email protected]