On Sunday June 3, 2001, my wife Denise and I ran in the Gold Country Races, to raise money for the National Necrotizing Faciitis Foundation. We were especially pleased when our friend and family physician, Dr. Scott Kellerman told us that he and his wife, Carol, would like to join us. We all participated in the 5K race and had a lot of fun jogging through our scenic Gold Rush town, Nevada City.

It was such a privilege to run with those who played such a huge role in my survival, my treatment and rehabilitation to benefit an organization, NNFF, which is doing so much to educate, to comfort and to prevent the devastation that comes with the flesh-eating bacteria.

This is one of many ways those of us affected by necrotizing faciitis can help the NNFF, particularly we who have survived. Because of the "tabloid" coverage and virulent nature of the disease, it gives us a unique platform through the media and other non-profit organizations to talk about it and to solicit donations for "the cause." It may be a race or an auction, a yard sale or a bake sale, the sales of a book or the sale of some stocks, there are a variety of ways we can really make an impact in the lives of those affected by NF.