Ready to run the Rock 'n' Roll

Running a half marathon is something East Rockaway resident Kenny Meyer, 35, never thought he would do — especially now, a year after he had surgery to avoid cancer.

Meyer will celebrate his new-found good health by taking part in the Rock ’n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon on Sunday, as a member of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s Team Challenge.

Team Challenge is the foundation’s half marathon training program, in which participants get themselves in shape to run or walk a half marathon while helping raise funds to find a cure for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. In exchange for their commitment, the foundation offers them several months of training with professional coaches, transportation and lodging on the weekend of the race and the chance to share a life-changing experience with a group of caring people.

“I am running to give hope to those who suffer from Crohn’s and colitis because I know the pain of living with ulcerative colitis,” Meyer said. “I know the depression, panic and sadness that come with these diseases. I hope in some way to inspire others to not give up.”

When Meyer was first diagnosed 11 years ago, he was forced to leave his job, resign as a volunteer firefighter and put school on hold to deal with the disease. Last year his large intestine was removed after doctors discovered pre-cancerous cells during a routine colonoscopy. He soon underwent a second surgery, and then began the recovery process.

Meyer is among 1.4 million Americans who suffer from Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis and who are often left with no other option but surgery in order to live a normal life.

Four months ago, Meyer and his fiancé, Jennifer Ebert, joined Team Challenge and began training for the half marathon. They have also committed to help raise funds to fight the diseases, a cause that is close to their hearts.

“On December 6, along with my fiancée and best friend,” Meyer said, “I will have the honor of crossing the finish line with thousands of people all with the same goal: to put an end to Crohn’s and colitis, once and for all.”

Teams are forming now on Long Island for the 13.1 Boston in June, part of the CCFA’s national 13.1 Marathon series, and the Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon in July. For more information, including sign-up dates and event schedules, visit

www.ccteamchallenge.org or call (516) 222-5530.

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