California Man’s epic 3rd Run across America continues West in Dramatic Fashion

FORT SMITH, Ark. - April 29, 2015 - PRLog -- After just 60 days, Noah Coughlan has traveled solo on foot through 7 States and 1,400 Miles on his 3rd Run across the continental United States- the 2015 Run for Rare. His monumental effort to rally support for the 30 Million Americans affected by a Rare Disease is working in remarkable ways. Coming off the heels of a joint press conference at the steps of the U.S.Capitol with U.S. Congressmen in March, Coughlan has continued his impressive efforts into the Southern states into April.

He runs an average of 25 miles per day battling adverse weather conditions, getting chased by dogs, physical exhaustion, and traffic dangers. Coughlan was even struck by a vehicle in Knoxville, TN, but luckily walked away with no injuries. He has just entered “Tornado Alley”, and will reach the Oklahoma state line on Sunday, May 3rd after passing through Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Coughlan seems to be making a dramatic impact everywhere he goes with every step he takes. He has become a large voice for many Americans.

Upon leaving Washington D.C., the State of Virginia presented Noah with a State Flag flown over the Capitol Building in Richmond. Upon leaving Virginia, world class rock band Papa Roach’s frontman Jacoby Shaddix flew to Nashville,TN to greet Noah and run with him through the Music City. Upon leaving Tennessee, Coughlan was escorted over the Mississippi River and into Arkansas by the Memphis Police Department. This week, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson welcomed Noah to the State Capitol in Little Rock to wish him luck for the rest of his Run for Rare campaign. Even Kira Kazantsev, the current 2015 Miss America, has sent Noah well wishes and encouragement as he ventures West for the second half of his 3rd run across the continental United States.

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 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 toward Oklahoma with the Flag while lifting the spirits of every town, city, community, and state he enters. When towns see Noah coming, they see inspiration coming.

Noah has been interviewed by numerous media outlets, and has engaged public officials of every rank, title, and position. So far on his 2015 trek, Coughlan has passed through the America’s most sacred grounds from the Statue of Liberty, to Independence Hall, to the White House, to the Lincoln Memorial, past the Pentagon Memorial, through the Civil War battlefields of Virginia and Tennessee, into the South.

This larger-than-life attempt to help 1 in 10 Americans affected by a Rare Disease is working. Noah remains humble and focused on his mission. He will be the first to tell you that it is not about the running, but rather putting a human face on the rarest of diseases. It’s what he is doing when NOT running that is making all the difference.

He is personally engaging patients and families affected by a Rare Disease, and rallying support for the scientists and researchers attempting to find cures and treatments. Everyday, Coughlan highlights a specific child or adult or disease. Noah’s attitude and positivity is unique, remarkable, and refreshing and serves as an example that we can all work together to help our fellow Americans.

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 stand in support of this bipartisan effort to make their lives better. I’ve met with them in person on the Road and in their Homes. 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.

In 2015, on July 4th, Noah Coughlan will take the final step of this 2015 Run at the Pacific Ocean in San Diego where started the first Run. 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

To contact Noah Coughlan, email info@run4rare.org