California Man Inspiring America once again on his Epic 3rd Run across the United States

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - June 3, 2015 - PRLog -- Noah Coughlan has just over 800 miles and 31 days remaining on his epic 3rd Run across the continental United States from New York City to San Diego spanning 3,000 miles- the 2015 Run for Rare. After 2,200 miles and 96 days, Coughlan will soon reach Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Coughlan took Wednesday June 3rd off of running to meet with Governor Susana Martinez at the State Capitol in Santa Fe to share about his run to raise mass awareness for the 30 Million Americans affected by a Rare Disease or Disorder.

Noah, who is also a Napa Valley Police Academy graduate, will dedicate Friday June 5th, Day 98 of his Run, to New Mexico’s fallen Police Officer Gregg Benner, a retired USAF Master Sergeant and 4-year veteran of the Rio Rancho Police Department. As Noah runs through Albuquerque on Friday, he will dedicate his 30 miles to Officer Benner by proudly flying the American Flag and meeting with local police and Kirtland Air Force Base officials.

Flying high above the jogging stroller Coughlan pushes waves a large American Flag given to him by the United States Air Force and recently flown over Iraq from a base in the United States Central Command’s Area of Responsibility during a combat mission in October 2014.

Coughlan runs solo while pushing an 80 pound jogging stroller of supplies. He carries the Flag as symbol of unity, a symbol of hope, and a statement that we are stronger together. To Coughlan, the Flag provides protection and what her stars symbolized—the heavens and the goals to which humankind aspires. His respect for his country, his unwavering patriotism, his genuine desire to serve others, and positive activism is remarkable and refreshing. Coughlan now runs through New Mexico and toward Arizona  with the Flag while lifting the spirits of every town, city, community, and state he enters.

In his recent stop in Oklahoma City, Governor Mary Fallin personally presented Coughlan with a Governor’s Commendation and recognized his efforts at the state Capitol, Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett issued an Official Citation, and even United States Senator James Inhofe wrote Noah a personal letter of support encouraging and thanking him for his efforts to help his fellow Americans.

Coughlan was also welcomed to the Arkansas State Capitol to meet with Governor Asa Hutchinson in April and even Kira Kazantsev, the current 2015 Miss America, sent Noah well wishes and encouragement as he ventures West for the final third of his Run for Rare.

Every day, Coughlan dedicates his daily miles to a different child or adult battling a different Rare Disease. He runs an average of 25 miles per day battling adverse weather conditions, encounters with dogs, physical exhaustion, and traffic dangers. Coughlan was even struck by a vehicle in Knoxville, TN, but luckily walked away with no injuries. Coughlan has had a few encounters with the rattlesnakes and large spiders of the Southwest and is preparing for the triple digit heat of Arizona.

His monumental effort to rally support for the 30 Million Americans affected by a Rare Disease is making a profound a lasting difference and serves as a prime example that one person can make a positive difference in the lives of so many.. “I am running for the one in a millions. Every life matters.” Coughlan states. Noah has been interviewed by dozens of media outlets, met with lawmakers, engaged patients and families affected by a Rare Disease, and rallied support for the scientists and researchers attempting to find cures and treatments.

He has passed through the America’s most iconic place and landmarks from the Statue of Liberty, to Independence Hall, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, the Pentagon Memorial, through the Civil War battlefields of Virginia and Tennessee, across the Mississippi River via Memphis Police Department escort, through Arkansas, and safely through the violent tornado outbreaks and floods of Oklahoma and Texas. He is running across New Mexico now for the second time.

The impact he is making is profound, unique, and undeniable.

After receiving a Statement of Congressional Record at the U.S. Capitol in March, Coughlan stated, “30 Million Americans affected by a Rare Disease or Disorder. 1 in 10 Americans. This is not a small issue. These are not just statistics or numbers. These are real people with real challenges. It is imperative that We, as A Nation, and as a People, address their plight. I have listened to their stories. For the vast majority of these families, a common thread has emerged. They, or their children, have a Rare Disease. There is no treatment. There is no cure. There is minimal to no research taking place and little Hope for those affected. This is why I continue to run. Now in 2015, I run for the entire Rare Disease community."

“Families across America are suffering from rare diseases. We can and must find cures through accelerated research and development. Noah’s remarkable feat reminds us that Americans can accomplish great things. I am proud to call Noah my constituent and to lend my voice to this effort to find 21st Century Cures,” said Congressman Garamendi.

“By marking Noah’s incredible accomplishment we highlight yet another advocate who has given their time, energy, talent and voice to our effort.  We need everyone to join us in our ongoing fight for better, faster cures and to bring attention to the struggle of millions battling rare disease,” said Congressman Lance, co-chair of the bipartisan Rare Disease Caucus.

“Noah’s advocacy on behalf of rare diseases patients is truly remarkable. Thirty million Americans suffer from a rare disease, and if we come together, we can get them better cures, faster,” said Congressman Bilirakis.

In 2011, Coughlan became the 222nd person to cross America on foot after running 2,500 miles from San Diego, CA to Jacksonville, FL for 132 days on the 2011 Run for Research for Batten Disease.

In 2013, Coughlan became just the 28th person to Run across America- TWICE- after running 3,100 miles from Half Moon Bay, CA to Boston, MA for 108 days on the 2013 Run Coast 2 Coast also for Batten Disease. Noah was escorted with a Presidential Police escort though Boylston Street in Boston on his final miles and saluted by the USMC as he took his final step into the Atlantic Ocean.

In 2015, on July 4th, Noah Coughlan will take the final step of this 2015 Run at the Pacific Ocean at Ocean Beach in San Diego where he began the first Run in 2011. He will become just the 3rd person to ever cross America on foot a total of 3 times. He will join the elite group of just two men- Swede Bjorn Suneson and American Ed Kelley- who have each run across America 4x.

Coughlan has partnered with Luminous Pictures and award winning Director/Producer Ezio Lucido for a full feature length documentary titled Run for Rare for an anticipated premiere of early 2016.

To learn more about the Run for Rare please visit https://www.run4rare.org