(ROCKWALL, HEATH, TX – Nov. 16, 2015) When Cain Middle School cross country and football coach Brad Fichtel decided to run in the TCS New York Marathon for the second time, he didn’t have a specific goal in mind as far as how fast he wanted to run it. He simply wanted to finish once again for Sam Killian, a local kid who holds a special place in his heart. Fichtel has watched Sam struggle with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy throughout elementary school.
This year Sam became one of Fichtel’s very own students at Cain.
“I had tremendous support from the school administration and from the students,” Brad said. “So when Sam came to my school I just decided to run it again for him.”
Of course, Fichtel wasn’t alone in wanting to run the Nov. 1 TCS Marathon in support of Sam’s battle with the disease. Sam’s dad, John Killian, has run in the marathon every year for 10 straight years, having missed only once in that time span due to a leg injury he received in a car accident.
Fichtel spoke highly of John’s strong dedication and involvement in fundraising for the charity known as Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, an organization founded in 1994 by families of boys with Duchenne with the goal of aggressively pursuing treatments – and ultimately a cure – for this disease.
“To see the determination that Sam’s dad has, and the effort he goes through to raise awareness and money for the charity, is pretty inspiring,” Fichtel said.
Fichtel has taught and coached Sam’s older brothers and sister, and coached Sam’s brothers in cross country at Cain. He ran in the TCS Marathon about five years ago when asked by Sam’s family, back when Sam was still in elementary school.
According to Fichtel, having the opportunity to coach Sam at Cain this year made running in the marathon much more special.
“Once you meet the kid you never forget him,” Brad said. “He’s experienced so much in his life so far. He’s just a neat kid, and you could tell that from all the support from when I was fundraising. He’s the kid with the kind of personality that everybody knows and everybody likes.”
About Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Duchenne is a progressive disease that robs boys of their ability to walk by the age of 12-14, the use of their arms and hands by their late teens, and ultimately causes heart and lung issues that result in an average life span in the early 20’s.
About the TCS New York City Marathon
The TCS New York City Marathon (a.k.a. New York City Marathon) takes place annually and courses through the five boroughs of New York City, and is the largest marathon in the world. The first New York City Marathon, organized in 1970 by Fred Lebow and Vince Chiappetta, was held entirely in Central Park. Of 127 entrants, only 55 men finished; the sole female entrant dropped out due to illness. Winners were given inexpensive wristwatches and recycled baseball and bowling trophies. The entry fee was $1 and the total event budget was $1,000. The marathon has always been an exercise in community spirit, and that was especially true in November 2001, less than two months after the September 11 terrorist attacks. The race became a symbol of hope and renewal for participants, spectators, and all New Yorkers.
About Sam’s Family Fun Day
Every year during Sam’s Day at NorthPark Center in Dallas, folks from across the nation have a chance to contribute to a great cause and help find a cure for DMD. Sam’s Day was started in 2005 (when Sam was first diagnosed with DMD at age 10) by his friends. Since its start in 2005, Sam’s Day has raised over $1 million, all of which has gone directly towards funding a cure for DMD.
By Austin Wells, Blue Ribbon News staff writer.
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