Running for Taylor: 2015 in Pictures

Published: December 31, 2015  ~   2
By Laura King Edwards

When I set out to run a race in all 50 states to honor my sister and support one in 10 Americans suffering from a rare disease, I only wanted to build on the momentum of running 13.1 miles blindfolded, which I did at Charlotte’s Thunder Road Half Marathon in late 2013. Taylor’s story was too good, her courage too inspiring, and the success of the blind run too complete to call it quits.

I never imagined the ride would be quite like this.

As the year comes to a close, I’m taking a look back at an incredible 2015: nine races, seven states and enough memories to last a lifetime. continue reading →

Running for Taylor in 50 States: Pennsylvania

Published: December 7, 2015  ~   0
By Laura King Edwards

When I crossed the finish line of Charlotte’s Thunder Road Half Marathon blindfolded in November 2013, I knew the race would be a tough act to follow. But I didn’t intend to stop running for my sister, Taylor, and our fight against Batten disease and other rare diseases. That’s why I’m running a race in all 50 states – a feat not as rare as running 13.1 miles blind but one that I hope will help me spread our story far and wide.

When Taylor was diagnosed with infantile Batten disease in 2006, the doctor advised my parents to take her home and love her. “There’s nothing you can do,” he said.

But giving up wasn’t good enough for them or anyone in my family, least of all Taylor. continue reading →

A “Rare” Race, and Catching up with Philly Advocates

Published: November 8, 2015  ~   2
By Laura King Edwards

Four weeks from today, I’ll run my seventh race of an injury-shortened 2015, crossing off state number 10 in my quest for 50.

Along with my mom, Taylor’s Tale President Sharon King, I’m headed to The Keystone State’s largest city, Philadelphia. But I’m not running in a large event like the local Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon or Philadelphia Marathon. Instead, I’ll take on the Bryn Mawr Running Company’s Schuylkill River Loop Race, a cult favorite since its founding in 1972. continue reading →