Capital Gazette | Wendi Winters | May 12, 2016
Local attorney turned author and advocate Al DeCesaris of Davidsonville has published his second book, “Running the Coast for a Cure,” which details his 93-day, 14 state, 1,935 mile solo run along the East Coast, from Lubec, Maine to Key Largo, Florida in 2014.
He ran an average of 22 miles a day, the equivalent of a daily marathon, to raise funds for research into finding the causes and a cure for Sturge-Weber Syndrome, a rare and life-threatening neurological disorder. His 11-year old niece Jenna Heck was born with the syndrome.
Attending an Anne Arundel County public school with the assistance of a full-time aide, Jenna has suffered seizures and undergone numerous surgeries and procedures.
The 366-page book includes a forward by former Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl XL Champion Alan Faneca, whose oldest daughter has Sturge-Weber Syndrome. Faneca joined DeCesaris recently at a book launch and signing party at Killarney house.
This is not DeCesaris’ first solo fundraising experience. Three years ago, he crossed the country on a bicycle as a fundraiser. Like the most recent journey, he was alone and carried all his supplies with him. There was no follow van. The memories of that 3,000-mile voyage were published in “Crossing America for a Cure.”
Since 2005, several DeCesaris family members have raised over $1 million for the cause by organizing an annual summertime Bands on the Bay concert and auction, held at Herrington on the Bay, in Friendship, Maryland.
All profits from the sale of DeCesaris’ new book will go to fund Sturge-Weber Syndrome. It is available for $19.99, including free shipping, at Amazon.com. For more information, visit www.runningthecoastforacure.com.
