Hi! For those who don't know me my name is Ash and I am raising money for LAM Action on behalf of my sister Donna who in December 2008 was diagnosed with Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) for info read http://www.lamaction.org/aboutlam and tubular sclerosis (TS).

 

LAM affects just over one woman in a million and causes the lungs to deteriorate. There is no cure, nor treatment for the disease.

 

TS strikes between seven and 12 people per 100,000 and causes non-malignant tumours to grow in the brain and on other vital organs.

 

Donna was 13 weeks pregnant when she suffered massive internal bleeding from a tumour haemorrhage on one of her kidneys and her life hung in the balance.

 

A few days later one of her lungs collapsed and surgeons fought to re-inflate the organ. Donna underwent eight excruciatingly painful chest drains and two major lung surgeries before doctors were able to stabilise her.

 

Against the odds Donna and the baby survived the ordeal and her daughter Lily (my naughty niece) is now thriving and full of energy.

 

Many people played a big part through this difficult time for my sister including specialists, doctors, and nurses and not to forget her partner Matt who showed immense love and support in her time of need. Now I want to do something to help raise some money and awareness for LAM action so they can continue to research and develop ways to help, cure or support those affected by LAM, as I enjoy a challenge I would like to run the 2011 London marathon for this important charity but to add an extra incentive to my sponsors I am cycling the 100 mile + from Birmingham to London the day before the marathon.

With my fitness background and further training I can make this challenge possible. It is so important that we raise funds and awareness for a charity so small but so valuable to people like my sister.

Just because LAM is incredibly rare it doesn’t mean it’s any less devastating for women who are struggling to live with it.