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On December 17, 2011, Bill Wells ran 31 miles and raised $45,000 in the Seth’s Fat Ass 50k race in Springfield, MA, in honor of Celia LaBarbera who lives with NF2.  Below is Bill's account of this experience.

"I came across Celia LaBarbera’s situation a few years ago when I happened to see a flier regarding an Oktoberfest in Celia’s honor. After writing a story for The Republican about the fundraiser, I knew that I wanted to do something significant to help Celia and her family. However, I didn’t know what to do.

"In December of 2010, on a whim, and out of shape, at the last second, I entered the Seth’s Fat Ass 50K in Springfield, MA. I ran halfway: 15.5 miles. That night at a fire pit in my backyard, I realized how I could help Celia and her family: I decided I was going to run in the 2011 Seth’s Fat Ass 50K, and I was going to try to raise $50,000 for research toward neurofibromatosis (NF).

"Starting on Jan. 2, 2011, I ran every other day throughout the year. With the exception of the two weeks I was injured that autumn, I never missed a day of running.

"On the morning of the race, Dec. 17, 2011, I didn’t know how the race was going to go. But I was highly motivated, and with Celia and her family at the race, I told myself I was going to keep moving forward as long as I could stand.

"I felt very good through the halfway point, but my thighs started to get tight around mile 20 and I grew concerned some old injuries were going to pop up. At mile 22 a hill threw a pretty good punch and slowed me down. I then asked Celia if she prayed. Celia, who was riding on the back of her family’s two-seat bike, said she did. I told her I needed strength and I asked her to say a prayer for me.

"A mile later, feeling rejuvenated, I told Celia her prayer was working. She smiled, and at that point I knew I was going to finish. I never walked, completing the 31 miles in 4:58:18.

"More importantly, through many generous donations, mostly from strangers, we’ve raised close to $45,000."

To donate to Bill's fundraising site, please click here.