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Follow on Google News | ![]() California Man is Inspiring a Nation on his Epic 3rd Run across the Continental United StatesMore people have walked on the surface of the Moon than have crossed the United States on foot a total of 3 times.
By: Run for Rare Noah has been interviewed by numerous media outlets from coast to coast, spoke alongside members of the United States Congress at a joint press conference at the steps of the United States Capitol in Washington D.C., met with leaders of the National Organization of Rare Disorders, and even received a phone call of encouragement from England from world class rock band Papa Roach’s lead singer Jacoby Shaddix. Coughlan has engaged conversations with families, healthcare professionals, parents, state delegates, civic groups, and everyday strangers. Noah remains humble, focused, and devoted to his mission- to raise awareness for the plight of 30 Million Americans and 350 Million people globally affected by a Rare Disease or Disorder. Everyday, Coughlan highlights a different Rare Disease and dedicates his miles to a specific child or adult all while running 25 plus miles per day through adverse weather conditions and stopping to meet with media outlets and impacted families. Coughlan’s genuine commitment to honor millions of Americans serves as a prime example that we can all work together to help our fellow citizens. As Coughlan stated at the U.S. Capitol last week, “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 stand in support of this bipartisan effort to make their lives better. If you are affected by a Rare Disease, I will do the best I can to help bring your cause out of the darkness and into the light and spread the word to others as a missionary and as a messenger.” Coughlan runs solo while pushing an 80 pound jogging stroller of supplies. He is not alone however. Flying high above the stroller waves a large American Flag given to Coughlan by the United States Air Force and recently flown by the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron over Iraq from a base in the United States Central Command’s Area of Responsibility during a combat mission in October 2014. 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. The Flag has become something more to him, and it has quickly become a beacon of hope to the American people. Coughlan now runs through Virginia and toward Tennessee, Arkansas, and Oklahoma with the Flag while lifting the spirits of every town, city, community, and state he enters. Public officials of every rank and title -Local, State, and Federal- have taken notice of Coughlan’s mission on this 3rd Run. Coughlan has been publicly and officially recognized with proclamations from his home State of California, the State of Maryland, The Governor of Maryland, State of Virginia Senate, and more. Last week, the State of Virginia gave Coughlan a Virginia State Flag flown over the Capitol Building in Richmond in honor of the Run for Rare. Also last week, U.S. Representatives John Garamendi (D-CA), Leonard Lance (R-NJ), and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) presented Coughlan with an Official Statement for Congressional Record on behalf of the United States House of Representatives and Congressional Rare Disease Caucus for helping bring attention to millions of Americans. “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 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 the Run Coast 2 Coast also for Batten Disease. The unscripted journey took Coughlan through America’s most hallowed grounds. In the final month, Coughlan visited the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, PA. In the final week, Noah spoke to the Newtown high school students at Sandy Hook, CT. On the final day, Coughlan was honored with a large Presidential Police escort by the State of Massachusetts and Boston Police Department as they escorted him past Boylston Street and to the Atlantic. On the final step, the United States Marines Corps saluted the American Flag as Coughlan stepped into the Atlantic Ocean. Noah ran an average of 30 miles per day through 17 States, 9 mountain ranges, and 3 deserts. On July 4th, 2015, Noah Coughlan will reach the Pacific Ocean at Ocean Beach becoming just the 3rd person to ever complete the monumental achievement of crossing America on foot a total of 3 times and joining the elite rank of just two men- Swede Bjorn Suneson and American Ed Kelley- who have each run across America 4 times. Coughlan has partnered with Luminous Pictures and award winning Director/Producer Ezio Lucido for a full feature length documentary titled Run for Rare with an anticipated premiere of early 2016. To learn more about the Run for Rare please visit https://www.run4rare.org To contact Noah Coughlan, email info@run4rare.org End
Page Updated Last on: Mar 24, 2015
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