Southbury Mom Fights Through Rare Disease to Run Marathon for Her Son: Report

SOUTHBURY, CT — A Southbury mom battled through a disease that left her temporarily unable to walk to complete the California International Marathon in honor of her son, reports the Republican American.

After being diagnosed with Guillian-Barre syndrome earlier this year, Owens completed the 26.2 mile track in order to raise money for the Children's Tumor Foundation for research in honor of her four-year-old child Alex, who has neurofibromatosis. The disease rendered her temporarily quadriplegic, causing muscle weakness and a loss of sensation in the arms and legs.

Owens' first race was the Haiti 5k at Sacred Heart Church in Southbury, and had a goal to run three races in 2016. Her and her husband Jeff have raised nearly $70,000 for the Children's Tumor Foundation, according to the report.

Read more from the Republican American here.

Photo Credit: Martineric via Wikimedia Commons