The fifth annual Lap4Life Chadwick Lake Race / Walk / Kid's Race will be held on June 22, 2013 - Fun for the entire family!
Thank you to everyone who attended our 4th annual race and to all of the selfless volunteers & sponsors who gave so willingly.
Lap 4 Life is a non- profit organization created to raise money and awareness for Desmoid Tumors and Organ Transplant Research.
Eleven years ago, at the age of 30, my brother was affected by a rare disease, Desmoid Tumors. These rare tumors affect one in every 2-4 million people. After nine years of medical treatment and multiple surgeries with subsequent complications he was left with few options. A final attempt to remove his large desmoid required resection of his entire small intestine. Following this, he could no longer eat and was reliant on intravenous nutrition.
Six months later he received an intestinal transplant a rare and risky procedure. This is currently the only hope of survival for patients with intestinal failure who are dependent on and often do not tolerate intravenous nutrition. Seven weeks after his transplant, he returned home to resume his life as a loving father and husband. Unfortunately, one week after being home, at the age of 39, he succumbed to an illness that his weakened immune system could not ward off.
Desmoid Tumors are uncommon conditions that affect multiple areas in the body. Because desmoid tumors are rare, research on them is scarce. Little is known about their cause, treatment and prognosis. It is known that desmoid tumors do not spread to distant sites (metastasize), however, they are locally very aggressive. When desmoid tumors are located in the abdominal cavity they are particularly troublesome. They can cause destruction of surrounding vital structures and organs and the worst of their complications can be fatal. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical removal often have poor success.
Intestinal transplant currently offers the only hope of survival for patients with intestinal failure who are dependent on and often do not tolerate intravenous nutrition. While it is no longer considered experimental, intestinal transplantation continues to be very expensive and risky therapy with a need for life-long immunosuppression. Ongoing research has improved the outcomes significantly, to the point where patients like my brother can look forward to a long survival with a good quality of life. There is a desperate need for continued research both into the biology and treatment of desmoid tumors and into intestinal transplantation.
Your donations are greatly needed to help find answers, save lives, and build hope. This will help thousands of individuals and their families facing these horrific medical conditions.
I hope you will support my efforts in raising money for this much needed cause. Every tax-deductible donation, regardless of size, will bring us one step closer to finding a cure for these terrible conditions. Please make your contribution check to Lap4Life and mail them to the address below.
All Proceeds will benefit the Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation and New York Organ Donor Network.
I thank you in advance for your generosity and support.
Sincerely.
NY Organ Donor Network
The New York Organ Donor Network is dedicated to the recovery of organs and tissues for people in need of life-saving and life-improving transplants.
We are committed to increasing awareness and fostering understanding of organ and tissue donation among health care professionals and the general public.
With respect and compassion, we will provide individuals and their families with the knowledge required to make informed decisions about donation.
www.donatelifeny.org
The Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation
(DTRF) seeks to advance the desmoid tumors, by:
* Funding research related to the diagnosis and treatment of desmoid tumors
* Facilitating and enhancing the dialogue among members of the medical
communities about research related to desmoid tumors.
* Providing informational support for desmoid tumor patients and their
and heightening awareness of desmoid tumor diagnosis and treatment.
We are certain that our efforts to fund the most cutting-edge desmoid tumor research
treatment options and will bring us closer to our ultimate goal -- a cure.
www.dtrf.org
My name is Kim, I have four children ages 2. 9, 13 and 16. In the summer of 2010, when my fourth child was just 18 months old, I noticed a "nodule" in my abdomen just below my navel. Even though it didn't hurt, I went to my doctor to have it checked out. After a first MRI where I was told it was likely "inflammation" from my fourth caesarian section, it tripled in size over the next three months.
By November of 2010, it has grown to be the size of a lemon. After a second MRI confirmed dramatic growth and the word "tumor" was used to describe it, I began consulting oncologic surgeons. Two local well respected surgeons agreed that it was probably a desmoid tumor or possibly a more aggressive form of sarcoma and should be swiftly excised with clear margins. I had surgery at the end of November 2010. The surgery removed 3/4th of my left rectus muscle and left me with a scar from my navel to my pelvis and abdominal wall deficits requiring mesh reinforcement.
The surgeon said the tumor was starting to grow into my peritoneum (the abdominal cavity) - it seems we caught it just in time. The pathology showed it to be a desmoid tumor, but I was devastated to hear the margins were NOT clear. So I asked my doctor what he recommended to avoid reoccurrence.
Although I had researched desmoid tumors and knew information was sparse, I was devastated again when my doctor told me that there was no research or data available about whether any treatment: radiation, chemo or NSAIs would reduce the chances of reoccurrence. Apparently, there are not "enough" desmoid patients to justify the kind of government funded research often undertaken for more common tumors.
Maybe it seems that way - but if the desmoid patient is you or your child, parent, spouse or friend - it sure feels like "enough."
Because desmoid tumors have a high reoccurrence rate, I now have scans every 3 months. They take about an hour and a half and require an IV, but I've has two good reports and feel fortunate to be well enough to get back to my life and business as usual.
Although I was daunted by the lack of information about this disease, my feelings of helplessness and hopelessness led me to look for ways to have a positive impact for patients facing desmoids and for myself. I've been a fitness enthusiast, jogger and fitness instructor all of my adult life. So I was elated to find Lap4Life, Running for Answers and the Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation. Finding other patients and families looking for answers and willing to work together to find them gave me purpose and hope. Something about events with strong momentum and true spirit give strength. I feel so fortunate to have been a part of these fundraising events in 2011. I hope we can look forward to a future where no one faces surgery, limitations or loss of life from desmoid tumors. I am so so grateful to everyone who cares and takes part in raising funds for research.
The summer of 2007 was an exciting time for me. I had just had my third daughter that April and was looking forward to getting back into shape. I decided to add some pectoral exercises to the routine and wound up pulling a muscle on the left side of my chest. A simple muscle strain, I thought. After several months the pain was still increasing. The local doctors thought a "wait and see" approach was best. During the next two years I would see numerous doctors, have several CT scans and even more diagnoses. Ultimately, an MRI showed a large tumor deep in the chest wall. By now the tumor was pressing on the brachial plexus nerve and the pain was excruciating. August of 2009, the tumor was radically removed along with half of my collar bone, three ribs and most of my upper pectoral muscle. Imagine excavating your entire left chest wall down to your heart! The reconstruction was groundbreaking and published in an international journal. The rehab period was long and difficult but with tremendous support and love I pulled through.
Unfortunately, within six months the desmoid tumor aggressively returned. This time it grew behind the remaining clavicle bone even closer to the brachial plexus and lung. My husband John and I were terrified to learn that a second surgery could lead to the amputation of my arm and shoulder. We were devastated by the news. Because of the rarity of this disease and the limited funding for targeted research there is no clear treatment or cure. It was soon after that we were blessed to connect with the amazing people in the Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation.
They provided the reassurance, support and information we needed to face the reoccurrence. Most importantly, they helped us connect with one of the leading desmoid experts who prescribed an advanced cancer drug. Although there have been difficult side effects, this drug has largely restored my quality of life by keeping the tumor from growing and reducing the pain to a manageable level. With your generous support we are getting closer to understanding desmoids and closer to a cure. The answers are out there!
"I was very sick and my old heart couldn’t wait. I had an angel that was willing to give me the gift of life."
In April 2008, Lauren Shields experienced unexplained fatigue. After more symptoms appeared, she was diagnosed with Viral Myopathy, an enlarged heart and ultimately, Cardiomyopathy. She needed a new heart. On February 3, 2009, Lauren’s name was added to the organ transplant list.
At Lauren’s side during much of her six week wait were her mom, Jeanne; dad, David; brother, Brandon, and their dog, Lei-Lei. With her health declining sharply, Lauren was placed into a medically induced coma.
She consistently received blood transfusions.
After weeks of sleeping by her daughter’s side on a makeshift window seat bed, Jeanne called her family with the news: A donor heart was available at NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital.
Lauren came through her surgery in good shape but remained in the medically induced coma for a while longer. What followed wasn’t easy: she suffered a stroke, underwent kidney dialysis and physical therapy, and used a wheelchair. One of her most joyful moments was when her family and her dog Lei-Lei paid her a surprise visit in the hospital courtyard.
By the time school resumed in Sep tember, Lauren walked into her fourth grade classroom. Now, her leg braces are off, she is making her way back to being healthy and active, and she is an outspoken advocate for organ donation. Lauren vows that when she grows up, she plans to become a cardiologist—to help others just like her.

The following organizations will be involved in the 2013 Health Fair:
At Your Feet Footcare
New York Organ Donor Network
Hudson Valley Renegades
Innate Chiropractor
Price Chopper
The Desmoid Tumor Research
Face painting for children
Boy Scouts of Newburgh with Ropes Course
Bouncy houses

“Increase awareness about desmoids tumors and work to raise funds for desmoids tumor and organ transplant research.”
We are hopeful that the funds raised will be instrumental in finding a cure for desmoids tumors and to improve outcomes for organ donor recipients.
Prizes for the top overall male and female finishers.
Trophies for top 3 male and female finishers in this categories: 12 and under; 13-18; 19-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70+
Trophies for top two boy and girl finishers in this categories: Kids 4 and under; 5 - 6; 7 - 8; 9 - 10
Race Day Info:
Friday before race day: Prepacket pickup from 5 to 7:30pm in the large pavilion of Chadwick Lake. There will be some silent auction items out to view and T-shirts for sale.
Race Day Parking: There will be shuttle service from off site parking to the race.
-Challenges are for runners only-
Corporate Challenge
You will need at least 3 members of your corporation to participate in the 4 mile run, racing against other corporations and against one another.
You will be competing for overall fastest corporate employee and fastest corporation.
The fastest team will be determined by an average of the fastest three competitors, so the more entrants you have the better your chances.
School Challenge
You will need at least 3 teachers from your school to partake in the challenge.
You will be racing against other schools and against teachers in your school in the 4 mile run, competing for overall fastest school and overall fastest teacher.
The fastest team will be determined by an average of the fastest three competitors, so the more entrants you have the better your chances.
Police Challenge
Need at least 3 officers who hold badges to participate from each department.
You will be participating in the 4 mile run, competing for overall fastest officer and overall fastest department.
The fastest team will be determined by an average of the fastest three competitors, so the more entrants you have the better your chances.
Military Challenge
You will need at least 3 armed force members from your branch or organization to participate in the challenge, racing against other teams, organizations or military branches for overall fastest armed forces member and overall fastest military team.
You may create your own teams as long as you let the race organizers know how you are planning on participating, the fastest team will be determined by an average of the fastest three competitors, so the more entrants you have the better your chances.
Firefighters Challenge
You will need at least 3 members from your fire company or organization to participate in the challenge.
You will be racing against other fire houses and each other, competing for overall fastest fireman and overall fastest fire company team.
The fastest team will be determined by an average of the fastest three competitors, so the more entrants you have the better your chances.

Walk is now 4 miles around the lake instead of a 5 K out and back.
Route 300, Newburgh, NY 12550
Videos of past Lap4Life events
1st Annual Lap4Life 2009 Event
2nd Annual Lap4Life 2010 Event
Dr. Angelo Casabianca Memorial Video
Lap4Life Campaign 2011
3rd Annual Lap4Life Run/Walk 2011 Event
Click below to see photos from past Lap4Life events.
Please visit lap4life.smugmug.com to view more photographs and to purchase your own copies. All proceeds go to The Angelo Casabianca Desmoid Tumor Research Fund.
Race day photos 2009
Race day photos 2010

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Race day photos available at lap4life.smugmug.com. |
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Race day photos available at lap4life.smugmug.com. |
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This year we want to give everyone a chance to help join in and support our cause.
One way to do that is to encourage people to obtain sponsors for their trek around the lake, there will be a very nice prize for the person who collects the most sponsorship support (in terms of total dollars collected).
2013 Sponsors.
Silver Sponsors
Supporters
54 North Plank Road,
Newburgh, NY 12550
(845)325-3685
madd@lap4life.org

Race Director:
Maddalena
Casabianca-Reade

Race Co-Director:
Brian Reade

Race Director:
Paul Fritz
Secretaries:
Gena O’Brien
Gwen Borsenberger
Treasurer:
Caterina Agnello
Race Course Coord.:
G Pinheiro
Members:
Neal Fino
John Ponessa
Tracy Shuta
Lynn R Warren
Community Outreach
Kelly Cunane
Photographer:
Madelyn Garstak
Creative Designer:
Trisia Tomanelli
Website Designer:
Martin Azevedo
Webmaster:
Tom Greco
This year we want to give everyone a chance to help join in and support our cause.
One way to do that is to encourage people to obtain sponsors for their trek around the lake.
There will be a very nice prize for the person who collects the most sponsorship support (in terms of total dollars collected).
Please let us know if you need more information to help you collect sponsorships.