Woman inspired to run by former Cooperstown resident

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July 5, 2012

Woman inspired to run by former Cooperstown resident

The Cooperstown Crier Thu Jul 05, 2012, 09:02 AM EDT

BY CHARLIE M. HOLMES

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Nov. 4, 2012, is going to be a big day for former Cooperstown resident Liz Galietto. On that day she’ll be fulfilling one of her dreams running in the New York City marathon.

For more than four hours Galietto’s body and spirit will be put to the test as she pounds 26.2 miles of pavement, but Galietto’s got two secret weapons that she’sconfident will help her make it to the end another former Cooperstown resident, Jared Thomas Good, and Team Boomer.

Galietto said her friendship with Good was the extra push she needed to compete in the New York City marathon. On the surface, the friendship looks ordinary. Like most kids, the two spent many of their summer afternoons in Cooperstown playing tennis, and then would head to Pop’s Place for an ice cream afterward. Underneath, though, the two had developed a connection that is rare, due in part to the way Good dealt with his cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis is one of the most common chronic lung diseases in children and young adults, according to the United States Library of Medicine. It is a disease passed down through families that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, digestive tract and other areas of the body.

“Jared was great because he really loved to play [tennis], there were times he would get frustrated, but he never let CF get him down too long, he always ended up back out on the court,” Galietto explained.

Good was a member of the National Honor Society while in high school and on the National Dean’s List while in college. He received a number of scholarships and participated in several school activities, including varsity tennis and the Madrigal Choral Group. Good also organized the first annual Clark Sports Center table tennis tournament. His numerous academic, athletic and leadership accomplishments prove Galietto’s point Good wasn’t a quitter. Despite that, Good won’t be able to physically stand on the sidewalks of New York to cheer on Galietto because his life was cut short by cystic fibrosis a little more than 10 years ago.

“The NYC Marathon is the perfect way to honor Jared’s memory,” Galietto stated. “The marathon is a special experience, it is a tremendous challenge and I know he will be there to help carry me through the 26.2 miles.”

Good’s mother, Margaret Welsh, said she continues to be amazed by the impact her son made on people during his short life.

“I always knew Jared’s friends were all very special...lasting, lifetime, dedicated and truly committed to him,” Welsh said. “It was such a pleasant surprise to hear from Liz and about her news! We are so very proud of Liz and thank her for dedicating this race to Jared’s memory, his life, and for supporting the CF community on Boomer’s marathon team!”

Like Welsh, former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Boomer Esiason has a son who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, and Esiason’s son is the reason The Boomer Esiason Foundation was formed in 1994.

The foundation’s main objective is to fund research aimed at finding a cure for cystic fibrosis. Team Boomer is one of the ways they are making that goal a reality. Each member on the team picks an athletic or sporting event to compete in and then sets a fundraising goal for that event. Galietto’s goal for the New York City marathon is $2,500.

“They promote exercise and healthy living,” Galietto pointed out when speaking about Team Boomer. “It’s been proven that CF patients who exercise regularly live longer.

There are Team Boomer members who have cystic fibrosis that are on the marathon team. These members are so inspiring because when you’re out for a long run feeling tired and unmotivated you’re reminded of how these people are out there fighting for every breath. Your perspective can’t help but change when you’re faced with that reality.” Galietto has run other longdistances races, but the New York City marathon will be her first full-fledged marathon.

“(That) is a huge part of why I find it a worthy dedication to Jared’s memory,” Galietto explained. “In order to train and complete something so few people even attempt, I’m fully dedicating myself to it for over six months. I know there is a lot of hard work ahead of me but I’m running for something that will continue to both motivate and inspire me throughout the entire grueling process.”

The hard work Galietto will have to put in to complete this task isn’t going unrecognized.

“We appreciate the many hours of training Liz has committed to for this event and know that Jared’s spirit will carry her through,” Welsh said. “We hope the community, which supported Jared throughout his life, will embrace Liz and generously support her cause.”

Good’s father, Tom Good, agrees. “I am touched that 10 years after my son’s death, one of his friends is running the NYC marathon in his memory and as a way to raise funds in the battle to find a cure for cystic fibrosis,” Good said. “Jared participated in many of Cooperstown’s Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides walkathons to raise awareness of cystic fibrosis as well as raising funds for research. I hope those that remember Jared will consider making a donation to Liz to support her marathon run.”

Galietto will be participating in the Boilermaker in Utica on July 8 as part of her training for the New York City marathon. To help her reach her fundraising goal visit http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/nyc2012/2012-ing-nyc-marathon.