OWINGS, Md. – Mike Downey is a longtime resident of Owings, Maryland and is in the process of completing a series of 50 marathons in 50 weeks in hopes to raise donations for his bigger mission of helping children get access to clinical trials when diagnosed with Medulloblastoma. This trek of marathons is in memory of Ella Bresee, a member of his family who passed away due to Medulloblastoma.
Medulloblastoma is a “common type of primary brain cancer in children, with a frequency of about 500 children diagnosed in the U.S. annually and about a 5 year survival rate.” stated by the Mayo Clinic
“Ella Bresee was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor at 14 years old, she fought for 17 months before cancer took her from her family. Ella was a fun loving girl who loved basketball, her family, and friends.” Ella underwent brain surgery, numerous amounts of chemo and radiation before she passed but Downey states, “Ella at her worst times would tell people to smile and push through, I just want to do what I can to hopefully provide a chance to push through.”
Downey started running “about 10 years ago as a way to deal with anxiety, as I started to realize the benefits I just increased the distance of my runs.” He continues, “After several marathons I went on to run 20 or so 50-mile runs and about 4 100-mile runs.”
Downey is currently gearing up for his 44th marathon this week and states, “It has been challenging both physically and mentally but in the grand scheme of things I have the easy part. There are children that can’t run and I hope I can provide children the care to enable them a better life.”
Downey also states, “Every weekend, friends and family have helped me in spreading the word, donating to the cause, and even joining me on my runs. Their support has been incredible and pushes me to keep going.”
On November 16, 2024 at the Northern High School track in Owings, Maryland Downey will be running 52.4 miles on the track and states, “People can come out and walk/run a couple of laps to support the fundraiser. We will also be collecting old running shoes and the money raised from the shoes will be donated to ELLASTRONG.”
For those wanting to support the ELLASTRONG cause please go to https://giving.childrensnational.org/site/TR/FundraisingTR/CommunityEventsandPersonalFundraising?px=1752318&pg=personal&fr_id=1325#donations to learn more about Ella and to donate, and continue to show your support to Mike Downey as he completes this momentous goal for an amazing cause.
All photos courtesy of Michael Downey.
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