BRAZIL —
Lecia Brown thought it was just an ear infection at first.
But Saturday morning inside Brazil’s Forest Park, there was no doubt about the battle under way against Wegener’s disease on behalf of Brown, waged by Wegener’s Awareness Warriors.
“They call it an orphan disease,” the Clay County mom said, explaining Wegener’s, an incurable form of vasculitis, doesn’t get much attention, hence the need for more research. Meanwhile, more than 350 participants had arrived to run and walk for the 5K event which would take them outside the park and through downtown Brazil. Many said they hadn’t heard of Wegener’s until their friend’s diagnosis, all the more reason to become involved.
An instructional assistant at Jackson Township Elementary School, where her 8-year-old and 5-year-old are students, Brown first encountered health issues in 2011.
Her symptoms led doctor after doctor to tell her it was either sinus or ear infections, but when she finally suffered noticeable hearing loss, it was clear to her that something else was wrong. On Jan. 12, she was diagnosed with Wegener’s Granulomatosis.
“I’ve had it for over a year,” she said Saturday, recalling how she woke up one day this past winter completely unable to walk. Her current treatments are administered through the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, and are expected to continue indefinitely. “I’ll have to be on chemo pills for the rest of my life.”
The disease is relatively rare, with only 1 in 30,000 people diagnosed, she said. Currently it’s being treated with cancer drugs, chemotherapy and hormones.
According to information distributed at the event, vasculitis is the inflammation of blood vessels, arteries, veins or capillaries. This inflammation can weaken or narrow the walls of blood vessels to the point of blockage. Organ and tissue damage can occur as a result, as can death.
Whether it’s hereditary, or something developed, no one knows for sure, Brown said. In addition to assisting with her medical costs, Saturday’s event also promoted the Vasculitis Foundation, providing print information with links to its website www.vasculitis
foundation.org.
The park hosted a full crowd, with more than 350 participants signed up to run, walk and jog. Brown’s emotions spilled over as she recalled how her five friends came up with the idea from start to finish.
“Having friends do this for us is just amazing,” she said.
Kylee Thacker took first place in the 5K run with a time of 20:33, followed by Brandon Sneeth at 20:53. Jeff Walker finished third at 21:20.
Brown’s sister, Reanda Kirchner, happily finished near the end of the pack, pushing her 14-month-old daughter, Stella, in a stroller alongside other moms.
“I was honored to complete my first-ever 5K for my sister,” Kirchner said, stating she didn’t remember her finishing time.
The theme of family was thick that morning, and intermingled amid the cousins and in-laws were hundreds of old classmates and childhood friends.
Ryan Turner, 20, said he’d graduated from Northview High School with Brown’s sister-in-law.
“I’m friends with a lot of her family,” the Indiana State University student said. “It’s a good cause. I’m happy to run for it.”
Brian Boyce can be reached at 812-231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.
Check it out
n To read Lecia Brown’s blog, visit www.wegenerswarrior.com.
n For more information about Wegener’s Granulomatosis or vasculitis in general, visit www.vasculitisfoundation.org.
Tribune-Star/Joseph C. Garza
Thank you: Lecia Brown thanks all of the participants in the Wegener’s Awareness Warrior 5K Walk/Run on Saturday before the start of the event at Forest Park in Brazil.
Tribune-Star/Joseph C. Garza
She’s got her back: Becky Jacob walks in the Wegener’s Awareness Warrior 5K Walk/Run on Saturday to support her daughter, Lecia Brown, at Forest Park in Brazil.
Tribune-Star/Joseph C. Garza
And they’re off: Three youngsters bolt from the starting line Saturday at the beginning of the Wegener’s Awareness Warrior 5K Walk/Run in Brazil.
Local & Bistate
Related Photos
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And they're off: Three youngsters bolt from the start line at the beginning of the Wegener's Awareness Warrior 5K Walk/Run Saturday in Brazil. Joseph C. Garza
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Supporting her supporters: Lecia Brown cheers on the participants in the Wegener's Awareness Warrior 5K Walk/Run Saturday at Forest Park in Brazil. Joseph C. Garza
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Believe, above everything else: Lecia Brown wears a necklace with the word "Believe" engraved on it during the Wegener's Awareness Warrior 5K Walk/Run Saturday at Forest Park in Brazil. Joseph C. Garza
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Thank you: Lecia Brown thanks all of the participants in the Wegener's Awareness Warrior 5K Walk/Run Saturday before the start of the event at Forest Park in Brazil. Joseph C. Garza
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Walk, run or ride: Eight-month-old Bowen Bidaman rides along as his mom, Jayme Bidaman, does the pushing in the Wegener's Awareness Warrior 5K Walk/Run Saturday in Brazil. Joseph C. Garza
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Lecia Brown at the Wegener's Awareness Warrior 5K Walk/Run Saturday in Brazil. Joseph C. Garza
Discussion
Warriors against Wegener’s: Clay County residents team up to battle rare disease, help one of their own
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