August has been a very busy month for the friends and families of the Myocarditis Foundation. We have had four amazing fundraisers take place, hosted by friends and families affected by myocarditis.
The first event was the Timberman ½ Marathon, completed by Nathan Hagglund in memory of his good friend, Devin Kravitz. Nathan contacted the Myocarditis Foundation back in April with the goal of raising funds in memory of Devin who “was like a little brother” to Nathan. Devin Kravitz was an avid dirt-bike racer and had just been selected for the Police Academy, when on October 26, 2006 Devin passed away in his sleep due to Viral Myocarditis. The Kravitz family has become near and dear to the hearts of those involved with the Myocarditis Foundation over the years, and that is why when Nathan contacted the Myocarditis Foundation, they jumped at the opportunity to support him in his ½ Ironman. Nathan completed his ½ Ironman in 7 hours, 23 minutes, 12 seconds. We could not be prouder of him. Read his recap of his accomplishment here. Thank you Nathan and all of those who supported you in your race.
Carly Davis, sister of Myocarditis Foundation Director, Lindsey Davis, completed the next event: a bike ride down America’s West Coast. Carly Davis graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in the spring of 2013 with a degree in exercise science and sports psychology. She and three of her classmates decided that they wanted to bike from their school in Tacoma, WA to San Diego, CA all in the name of myocarditis awareness.
Carly talked with local businesses and friends and family to raise money for the Myocarditis Foundation. On July 23rd they departed from Tacoma and started their adventure riding down the West Coast arriving at the Mexico boarded on August 18th. Read about their amazing adventure and see all their pictures here.
On August 25th, Maggie Ostoyic held the event “Rylan’s Cookie Moon is Flying High for Myocarditis.” Maggie and her family tragically lost 4-year-old Rylan on May 3, 2012 to Viral Myocarditis. Rylan was a sweet, kind boy and “he loved life and he loved all of those around him.” Maggie has become a beloved member of the myocarditis family and this summer she turned her grief into action as she organized and planned her first fundraiser for the Myocarditis Foundation.
Held in Saugerties, NY, Maggie sought out business sponsors and donations for the family-fun event. We thank Maggie, her friends and family, and the Saugerties community for raising money for the Myocarditis Foundation to continue in their mission of funding research and raising awareness.
The 7th Annual Devin Kravitz Memorial 5K was held this year on August 31st in Leicester, MA. As said above, the Kravitz family is amazing and they are one of the first families to become part of the Myocarditis Foundation. The Devin Kravitz 5K has transformed over the years to become a huge community event for all ages; a true declaration for the love Devin’s friends, family, and community have for this amazing young man.
Visit their website to see the photos from this year’s successful race. Thank you Kravitz family for your ongoing support and brining a high-level of awareness of myocarditis to your community.
