Muscular Dystrophy Marathon, the Run for Our Sons Published Sept. 14, 2007 By Senior Airman Ali Flisek Public Affairs Hurlburt Field, Fla. -- "I can't do that, my muscles aren't as strong as yours. I have M.D," is what 8-year-old Cody Reckart says when he is asked to play tag or climb a tree. At age 7, Cody was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a genetic disorder that weakens the muscles including the heart and lungs. Muscular Dystrophy affects mostly little boys and is fatal, few live beyond their early 20's. Cody is the son of 1st Lt. Brenda, 1st Special Operations Contracting Squadron and Dennis Reckart. Last year a teacher at Cody's school expressed concern and suggested they have him evaluated. The diagnosis was a shock to the Reckart's. "We talk about it until it starts to get us down," said Mr. Reckart, a stay at home dad. Although there is no cure for the disease, the Reckarts are doing all they can to help their son sustain his muscle strength. Cody attends physical therapy sessions and wears leg braces at night to keep him walking as long as possible. The Run for Our Son Marathon Team will lace up their shoes, Jan. 5 through Jan. 7, and head to the starting line for the 2007 Walt Disney Marathon and Half-Marathon. The annual marathon was founded by the Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the treatment, quality of life and long term outlook for all individuals affected by DMD through research, advocacy, education, and compassion. Four Hurlburt Airman will participate in the Run for Our Sons Disney World Marathon event. They will be members of "Cody's Team" to raise money for PPMD. Brenda and another friend will also register for the marathon but will only be running in spirit. "After meeting Cody, I felt inspired to help in any way I can," said Airman 1st Class Thomas Findlay, 1st Special Operations Civil Engineering Squadron, who will be running in the marathon on "Cody's Team" in January. "I want him to have the best treatment possible." Before the teams can run they must raise $1,200 in registration fees for each of the six participants. To help, a Golf Classic for Muscular Dystrophy will be held Oct. 18 at the Fort Walton Beach Golf Club. The cost for the four-person scramble is $45 per person and includes lunch. "PPMD is wonderful," said Lieutenant Reckart. "They are truly dedicated to finding a cure through extensive research and we believe a cure is on the horizon." If you would like to help Cody and the other 15,000 young men living with DMD please contact Brenda Reckart at 884-7628. Or you can email her at Brenda.reckart@hurlburt.af.mil . You can also make a direct donation for the marathon entry fees at: www.parentprojectmd.org/goto/teamcody.