Jill Kaufman is Running the Chicago Marathon for CdLS....

"BE KINDER THAN NECESSARY, FOR EVERYONE YOU MEET IS FIGHTING SOME KIND OF BATTLE."

NEXT TIME YOU HEAR SOMEONE IS FACING A PROBLEM AND THINK IT DOESN'T CONCERN YOU, REMEMBER WHEN ONE OF US IS THREATENED, WE ARE ALL AT RISK. WE ARE ALL INVOLVED IN THIS JOURNEY CALLED LIFE. WE MUST KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR ONE ANOTHER AND MAKE AN EXTRA EFFORT TO ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER.

Hi Everyone....

Take a minute. Absorb what is on the page. The photos, the video, the words and then read below what my motivation is these days...

I wanted to let you know that I have been training for the Chicago Marathon which will be my third marathon, but my first time running for CdLS.

This charity is called Cornelia deLange syndrome. Children who have CdLS suffer from many severe handicaps, including mental retardation, limb deformities, speech/vision/hearing loss and medical difficulties. Children with CdLS develop more slowly than their peers. Many have serious digestive and heart problems than can affect quality and length of life if untreated. You can read more about this syndrome on the left-side of my blog. or visit http://www.cdlsusa.org/.

Why did I choose CdLS? At the beginning I was just going to run to see if I could complete another marathon after having multiple foot surgeries. Then one day I was running and something came over me and I thought if I was going to run, I should do it for a greater purpose. After reading about many charities, CdLS struck a chord. I was greatly affected by these families and their amazing strength in the midst of such hardships, something I am very familiar with. I know that sometimes it's the little things that make a difference when you are trying to find the light at the end of a dark tunnel.

So, my goal is to raise $750.00 before October. Any way that you could contribute would be greatly appreciated. On the left-side of this page is a secure online donation form. Just follow the instructions. It's as simple as that. I can assure you that your contribution will make a difference.

I have included various elements on this page that I believe give you some insight into who I am, in case you didn't already know. Take your time reading it and enjoying it. Come back and visit between now and October, as I hope to give you updates.

If you do one thing after you exit this page, hug someone close to you and tell them you love them.... we are not promised tomorrow!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart and God bless you,
Jill Kaufman


This is why I am doing this....

Read these comments from families who are actually living this experience...


My son, Jack, has CdLS and is 4 months old. The doctors have given him less than a year to live. This means SOOOO much that you and people like you care about all these people who are affected by this syndrome. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Karen VegaNew Braunfels, Texas
-Thank you Karen for your words. I wish the doctors were wrong and that Jack could grow up before your eyes. I too have a special Jack in my life...Both of them will be on my mind as I run Chicago. Jill