SPOTLIGHT:Karen Bensch

Each week we will be picking members to spotlight to tell their Alzheimer's story and why they are running in this year's New York City marathon. Check in each Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday for new updates on who will be spotlighted and get to know your teammates...(each person is picked at random)

I would say a that a big case of the nerves has delayed my “spotlight” entry until now.. It just makes it official – that I am about to run my first marathon! 26.2. With three weeks to go, the tapering (after months of training) has begun, plane tickets purchased from California, hotel rooms booked, and with just a slight case of runners knee, the nerves are gone and excitement has set in!

But why with R2R? My story starts in April of 2008, when my sister age, 27, who had lived in NYC for a time, was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML). Just four days after her diagnosis, cancer ended her life…but not her shining light or charitable inspirations. For the past few years, I have raised funds for the Mary Claire Satterly Foundation, MCSpirit.org, a charity that supports organizations and individuals, with a focus on finding a cure for leukemia and improving the quality of life for patients and their families. I have also gained a compassion for so many, who like myself, have lost family members dear to them, no matter the cause.

Like cancer, Alzheimer’s has affected so many loved ones of family and friends and work colleagues. Over the past few years, I have often said, on a whim, I am going to run the NYC marathon, something that my sister and I always said was a “life goal.” I am grateful for R2R for allowing me to be a part of this group. Not only have I learned so much about Alzheimers, from those very personally affected, but I have also dedicated and will continue to dedicate my time to spreading awareness and helping to raise funds to find the causes and a cure for this disease.

Living in California, I call myself a “virtual” trainer with the R2R team – absorbing tips, reading the blogs, channeling the support from coaches and following the training runs. Although the distance has kept me from running with the group, I have joined several local running groups and just yesterday finished the Nike Women’s Half in San Francisco in preparation for the big day in three weeks. To have the opportunity to run in amazing places, to meet others who share my “new found” love of running is just a bonus of being a part of this amazing cause.

With the spirit of my sister and the energy of this group with me, I am completely inspired to lace up the shoes for a cause that I pray our chidlren will not have to know! Looking so forward to connecting in person!

SPOTLIGHT: Sean Phelps

Each week we will be picking members to spotlight to tell their Alzheimer's story and why they are running in this year's New York City marathon. Check in each Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday for new updates on who will be spotlighted and get to know your teammates...(each person is picked at random)

When I was asked to do the spotlight it was something I was never really interested in doing as I am not an open person. But then I started reading others' spotlight stories. Seeing how courageous others were in telling their very personal stories made me wonder how could I not share mine?

Alzheimer's has become a very scary disease for me personally. In my family, we have always had a history of heart related issues. However, with something like that you can help prevent it with diet and exercise. Alzheimer's is something totally different. On my father's side of the family there has been four cases of Alzheimer's - 3 aunts and 1 uncle. My uncle has since passed away.

My own father has had other health issues that has diminished some of his memory abilities but I fear Alzheimer's could be playing a factor. The doctors have not officially diagnosed him with it...yet.

A little over a year ago, my daughter was born. My Dad was there the day of the birth and has had numerous visits with her since. She brings such joy to his life and he lights up just even talking about her. I would never want him to be unable to recall these precious memories.

Seeing how Alzheimer's affects your family makes me want to do everything in my power to help prevent it before another family member. As a father I would not want to pass on a gene that could be detrimental to my child. Alzheimer’s has a multitude of effects on family, I have seen how it can bring my family together to provide the best care possible. Unfortunately, I have also seen how those suffering with Alzheimer's can be taken advantage of.

I have to thank Meghann and Chuck who got me into running over the past few years. They convinced me to apply to run with Team 2 Remember and train for my first Marathon. I am glad I did. I have met many inspiring people in the group which helps keeps me motivated when the running gets tough. I am proud to be a part of a team that has demonstrated hard work and dedication to help find a cure for this disease. I look forward to completing my first marathon for a cause I truly believe in.