Running The Coast For A Cure: One Man's Journey For His Niece With Sturge-Weber Syndrome

This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. I also share in Al's goal of finding a cure and or better treatments for Sturge Weber Syndrome; my granddaughter Lola was diagnosed at birth 11 years ago. This book chronicles the journey of Al running from Maine to Key Largo (who can physically actually do that!). We were blessed to hang out with Al for 4 or 5 days as he ran through our area of Florida. He would hobble into the house after running yet another daily marathon and then get up in the morning and do it all over again. Simply amazing! Al does a great job in Running The Coast in sharing those times that were both exhilarating and those that were both physically and emotionally draining. To me what it showed most is his commitment to his Niece and helping her have a better life. Al is a one of a kind person and this is a one of a kind must read book! Great job Al!

This inspirational journal of hope, pain, and accomplishment during a 1,935 mile run of the east coast meticulously describes what was endured by the author to raise awareness for Sturge Webber Syndrome, a condition that his niece battles daily. Detail about the sites and people encountered when crossing 14 states on foot keeps you anxiously awaiting to hear what the next steps would bring, and how the love of his niece was the most valuable fuel needed to achieve this most difficult mission!

It's hard to believe you tackled this unbelievable journey alone. Al, what a roller coaster you had me on from the very beginning. Once I started the book, I couldn't put it down. You painted such a clear picture of everything you went through on a day to day basis that I felt I was there. Can't believe what you overcame during this journey in the name of spreading the word about Sturge-Weber Syndrome. You're truly an inspiration to us all. You're a great author, but an even better man.

Al's follow-up book does not disappoint (don't miss his first book and adventure Crossing America for a Cure). Al has a knack for story telling and his journey to raise awareness and help find a cure for those with Sturge-Weber syndrome is inspiring. This feel good book is a great read for anyone.

After his accomplishments in "Crossing America for a Cure", Al DeCesaris sets out again to raise awareness for Sturge-Weber Syndrome by undertaking an epic coastal run. An enjoyable read about the trials and tribulations of Al's impressive athletic feat spurred by his desire to help find a cure to SWS. A motivational story and a truly wonderful cause.

This is an amazing story of one mans courage to tackle an unthinkable challenge in order to shed light on Sturgeon Weber Syndrome. His run, dedication to his family and the humor throughout all of the challenges to complete this awesome task make this book a very quick/inspiring read!

A fascinating book very well written this is a true story the author is telling us about his run from Maine to Florida to make people avair of a devastating diseases Sturge Weber Syndrome His niece and many other children are fighting this disease and this courageous author fighting with them by running this very long marathon. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this very special book

This is a must read and must buy for a great cause. I was inspired by this man's journey. Well written story of overcoming hurdles and injuries and stopping at nothing to raise awareness for Sturge-Weber Syndrome.I finished the book in less than a week and truly felt like I was running right beside him.

This book is so worth the read!!! I love the cause and hope he gives!!! Totally recommend this book!!

Al DeCesaris is a risk taker. A big one. He must be the last child in a family of 17—based upon what he experienced and accomplished in Running the Coast for a Cure. Risk takers are brave and adventurous. Al is also selfless. In Running…, as he did in Crossing America for a Cure, Al successfully sacrificed his time and talents to raise money and awareness for Sturge-Weber Syndrome.* Al’s niece Jenna suffers from Sturge-Weber, as do 1-in-20,000 other people. In his preface, Al wrote that SWS “is a congenital, neurological disorder that causes abnormal blood vessels to develop in the skin, eyes, and on the surface of the brain.” The syndrome affects individuals in various neurological and physical ways. In running from Maine to Florida, Al suffered more pain and danger than he did in cycling from California to Maryland. He learned that he has more physical and mental strength than he ever thought. When confronted by severe problems, he knew he couldn’t quit. He worked through them—thanks to his determination, his wits, his family, his friends, and his new friends he met along the way. His writing in Running… conveys the dangers, the tenseness, the gutsiness of those situations—especially the unexpected physical pain and the dangerous traffic. Though Al’s readers know he succeeds, it’s like watching a danger-filled movie for the umpteenth time. One already knows the favorable outcome, but one’s heart and pulse still bang away as one re-watches each danger-filled scene. Not all of Al’s days are danger-filled. His writing also takes us through restful country, filled with beauty and tranquillity. His descriptions of those places invite us to drop everything and head straight to them. Once again, the new friends he made and who helped him along his run were a God-send—especially the employees of numerous stores of a well-known drug store chain who served as Al’s drivers down the coast. At the last minute, Al's driver couldn’t accompany Al to drive Al’s car for the three-month endeavor. Al had to rely on family, friends, and new friends to pick him up at his evenings’ stopping points, take him to his nights’ lodgings, and return him to his original stopping points the next mornings. Al’s one-person treks, are not one-person accomplishments. In reading about Al’s adventures in Running… and Crossing…, one gets to know Al, his family, his friends, and his new friends. All are selfless people who accomplished much for a needed cause. These are people we want to meet, and Al’s excellent writing helps us to know them. To know the people, and to learn the name of the drug store chain, read Al’s books. *Al’s cycling, running, and charitable events have raised over $1,000,000 for Sturge-Weber research and he donates all profits from Running… and Crossing… to research.

This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. I also share in Al's goal of finding a cure and or better treatments for Sturge Weber Syndrome; my granddaughter Lola was diagnosed at birth 11 years ago. This book chronicles the journey of Al running from Maine to Key Largo (who can physically actually do that!). We were blessed to hang out with Al for 4 or 5 days as he ran through our area of Florida. He would hobble into the house after running yet another daily marathon and then get up in the morning and do it all over again. Simply amazing! Al does a great job in Running The Coast in sharing those times that were both exhilarating and those that were both physically and emotionally draining. To me what it showed most is his commitment to his Niece and helping her have a better life. Al is a one of a kind person and this is a one of a kind must read book! Great job Al!

This inspirational journal of hope, pain, and accomplishment during a 1,935 mile run of the east coast meticulously describes what was endured by the author to raise awareness for Sturge Webber Syndrome, a condition that his niece battles daily. Detail about the sites and people encountered when crossing 14 states on foot keeps you anxiously awaiting to hear what the next steps would bring, and how the love of his niece was the most valuable fuel needed to achieve this most difficult mission!

It's hard to believe you tackled this unbelievable journey alone. Al, what a roller coaster you had me on from the very beginning. Once I started the book, I couldn't put it down. You painted such a clear picture of everything you went through on a day to day basis that I felt I was there. Can't believe what you overcame during this journey in the name of spreading the word about Sturge-Weber Syndrome. You're truly an inspiration to us all. You're a great author, but an even better man.

Al's follow-up book does not disappoint (don't miss his first book and adventure Crossing America for a Cure). Al has a knack for story telling and his journey to raise awareness and help find a cure for those with Sturge-Weber syndrome is inspiring. This feel good book is a great read for anyone.

After his accomplishments in "Crossing America for a Cure", Al DeCesaris sets out again to raise awareness for Sturge-Weber Syndrome by undertaking an epic coastal run. An enjoyable read about the trials and tribulations of Al's impressive athletic feat spurred by his desire to help find a cure to SWS. A motivational story and a truly wonderful cause.

This is an amazing story of one mans courage to tackle an unthinkable challenge in order to shed light on Sturgeon Weber Syndrome. His run, dedication to his family and the humor throughout all of the challenges to complete this awesome task make this book a very quick/inspiring read!

A fascinating book very well written this is a true story the author is telling us about his run from Maine to Florida to make people avair of a devastating diseases Sturge Weber Syndrome His niece and many other children are fighting this disease and this courageous author fighting with them by running this very long marathon. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this very special book

This is a must read and must buy for a great cause. I was inspired by this man's journey. Well written story of overcoming hurdles and injuries and stopping at nothing to raise awareness for Sturge-Weber Syndrome.I finished the book in less than a week and truly felt like I was running right beside him.

This book is so worth the read!!! I love the cause and hope he gives!!! Totally recommend this book!!

Al DeCesaris is a risk taker. A big one. He must be the last child in a family of 17—based upon what he experienced and accomplished in Running the Coast for a Cure. Risk takers are brave and adventurous. Al is also selfless. In Running…, as he did in Crossing America for a Cure, Al successfully sacrificed his time and talents to raise money and awareness for Sturge-Weber Syndrome.* Al’s niece Jenna suffers from Sturge-Weber, as do 1-in-20,000 other people. In his preface, Al wrote that SWS “is a congenital, neurological disorder that causes abnormal blood vessels to develop in the skin, eyes, and on the surface of the brain.” The syndrome affects individuals in various neurological and physical ways. In running from Maine to Florida, Al suffered more pain and danger than he did in cycling from California to Maryland. He learned that he has more physical and mental strength than he ever thought. When confronted by severe problems, he knew he couldn’t quit. He worked through them—thanks to his determination, his wits, his family, his friends, and his new friends he met along the way. His writing in Running… conveys the dangers, the tenseness, the gutsiness of those situations—especially the unexpected physical pain and the dangerous traffic. Though Al’s readers know he succeeds, it’s like watching a danger-filled movie for the umpteenth time. One already knows the favorable outcome, but one’s heart and pulse still bang away as one re-watches each danger-filled scene. Not all of Al’s days are danger-filled. His writing also takes us through restful country, filled with beauty and tranquillity. His descriptions of those places invite us to drop everything and head straight to them. Once again, the new friends he made and who helped him along his run were a God-send—especially the employees of numerous stores of a well-known drug store chain who served as Al’s drivers down the coast. At the last minute, Al's driver couldn’t accompany Al to drive Al’s car for the three-month endeavor. Al had to rely on family, friends, and new friends to pick him up at his evenings’ stopping points, take him to his nights’ lodgings, and return him to his original stopping points the next mornings. Al’s one-person treks, are not one-person accomplishments. In reading about Al’s adventures in Running… and Crossing…, one gets to know Al, his family, his friends, and his new friends. All are selfless people who accomplished much for a needed cause. These are people we want to meet, and Al’s excellent writing helps us to know them. To know the people, and to learn the name of the drug store chain, read Al’s books. *Al’s cycling, running, and charitable events have raised over $1,000,000 for Sturge-Weber research and he donates all profits from Running… and Crossing… to research.

Having crossed the country by bicycle to raise awareness and research funding for Sturge-Weber Syndrome, Al DeCesaris next set out to run from Maine to Florida to further support the cause. Imagine running a marathon. Then imagine running a marathon every day for three months, taking a day off only for a rainstorm (and even then, only occasionally!) Al says in this book that he never could have accomplished this feat if not for the inspiration of his niece, Jenna, who has Sturge-Weber Syndrome, and the support of a network of people helping him along the way. In fact, Jenna and the search for a cure for this disease are the reason for Al's quest. Al chronicles the ups and downs of his trek with brutal honesty. Along the way he encounters many wonderful people, and, sad to say, a lot of jerks on the roads. (When he escaped South Carolina, i breathed a sigh of relief!) Al's account of his journey again is straightforward and conversational. Since he is moving more slowly on foot than on bicycle (as in his previous book), we get a bit more detail about his travels in this book, which is welcome. Want to go for a jog from Maine to Florida? No? Me neither. The next best thing (maybe even better) is to buy this book. Read it, enjoy it, and pass it on, please...

This is a story of one man's incredible perseverance to make a difference in the fight against the life threatening neurological disorder of Sturge-Weber Syndrome. Al's niece, Jenna, suffers from this disorder and Al, along with his family, are doing everything within their power to raise money and awareness for research to find a cure. Running The Coast chronicles Al's 1,935 mile solo run to do just this. I met Al just days after he had finished this run. He was traveling back up to his hometown and stopped by to visit with one of his medical team (Bryan Springer) who was running the Kiawah Marathon. Al decided to unofficially run the race with Bryan so they could catch up! I had the pleasure of hearing first hand about Al's marathon journey. Being a runner myself I am totally amazed and in awe of Al's strength of character to "keep on keeping on" through all the injuries, dangers on the road (sadly crazy drivers actually trying to hit Al are included in this category), loneliness, challenging Google directions and overnight accommodations just to name a few. In many respects I believe Al downplayed how difficult this run actually was. Read the book. You will be inspired by Al's dedication and perhaps it will spur you on to make a difference in someone else's life just as Al has done and continues to do.

First off, this foundation is so near and dear to my heart. My niece Anabelle has Sturge Weber Syndrome just like Al's niece Jenna. And my family has joined Al in his efforts to raise awareness and funds to further the efforts in finding a cure for those suffering this devastating disorder. Needless to say I love this book and everything it supports and represents. This book has day by day accounts of Al's journey while he was Running the Coast. You learn about all the wonderful people he met, the trials and struggles he was faced with, how he overcame them, and most importantly the awareness he created for Sturge Weber Syndrome. I am forever thankful for what Al has done for my sweet Anabelle and everyone else suffering from this. This book is an inspiration and I recommend it to anyone and everyone who wants to help a good cause or gain some insight into this disorder. We will find a cure!!! Thank you Al! Cheryl Faneca Truett

This was such a fun read for a great cause! His journey is broken up into short chapters. I often found myself saying just one more chapter and reading at least 5 more. I was eager to see what the next day held. He vividly describes the scenery of the east coast with quite a bit of fun history injected. It was interesting to here his account of running through areas I have been to and drive (not run) through often. It amazes me how, as he calls himself, an inexperienced runner was able to run such long distances day in and day out for over 90 days. He is an inspiration to us all. I am touched by all the wonderful people he met on his journey. Just in talking to all those people he educated so many about Sturge-Weber Syndrome. What a selfless man who truly loves, and adores his niece. We're all routing for you, Jenna!

I can't believe Al ran all the way from Maine to Florida!!! After reading his first book, Crossing America for a Cure...., I was in awe of what Al would do for his niece. It was simply amazing and inspiring to read of his efforts and what strangers would do for him. Then I read this book! The same thing happened. Jenna is very lucky to have an uncle as decided as hers. It was uplifting to read of his efforts for the cause of Sturge-Weber syndrome and how friends, family, and strangers would all help him in his journey down the coast. This book sure does make you want to get out there and do something! And help those effected by Sturge-Weber syndrome. Thanks for documenting your journey to share with us all, Al!

If you are ever looking for some motivation or a sense purpose, look no further then running the coast for a cure. The book captures the true essence of taking on causes bigger then ourselves and our individual ability to make a difference. The book is well written and details Al's 2,000 Mile running journey down the entire east coast to raise awareness for Sturge Weber Disease. Al's book truly captures all of the wonderful things people are capable of. Additionally, the books is quite humorous and serves as a quasi travel guide for some places you may or may not want to visit! Overall, the book is a great quick read that leaves you with a positive feeling and a desire to help others.

I enjoyed reading about Al and his run, but found the reason he took this challenge to be inspiring. I have been working on identifying my why and finding a cause to support and this book has helped me to re-focus on my goals. It also inspired me to go for a much needed and overdue trail run. I enjoyed reading about the small towns and interactions he had along the coast, especially the small main towns where I have visited over the years.

In this heartfelt sequel to DeCesaris' first book, he leaves his bike behind and runs from Maine to Florida to raise awareness for a disease his niece, Jenna, suffers. If you've ever considered helping others on a grand scale, this is the book for you. DeCesaris is not a runner. In fact, he'd had never run a marathon before deciding to run nearly a marathon a day for three months. Most of us wonder how we can do good works in the world without special skills or extensive support. DeCesaris proves that determination beats experience. This book makes you root for Jenna and Al. I hope we find a cure to Sturge-Weber Syndrome soon!

Well, Al amazed us again!! As if riding his bike from coast to coast (Crossing America for a Cure) was not enough!!! Now he tackles RUNNING the east coast to raise awareness for Sturge-Weber Syndrome and honor his niece, Jenna. It is a wonderful story of how he pushes himself physically (and mentally) to keep running and the wonderful people who help him along the way. All the while, Al manages to educate others about Sturge-Weber one person at a time! I can't even imagine what he has planned next1 :-)

This is such an inspirational story. If you aren't motivated to keep getting up and trying every day, this book will get you in that zone! Not only does the book bring awareness to Sturge-Weber Syndrome, but also highlights one man's determination to fight for a cure for his niece no matter how much it hurts! You won't regret buying this book....a great read and it supports a great cause.