Jersey Shore Native Trains for 130th Boston Marathon® Despite Heart and Blood Disorder

The Jersey Shore is recognized for its resilience and strong sense of community, attributes exemplified by Elizabeth Megill Lang. A native of the region, Elizabeth graduated from Wall High School, where she was an accomplished member of the varsity soccer team. During her senior year, Elizabeth participated in the prestigious Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange Program, studying abroad in Germany and living with a host family. This formative experience shaped her future—she continued to study German throughout college and later applied her language skills in her professional career.

But even the strongest among us face unexpected trials. In 2006, this Wall Township alum received a diagnosis of heart arrhythmia—a startling wake-up call for someone with a family history marred by heart disease, including a grandfather who succumbed to a heart attack and a mother who continues to manage atrial fibrillation after suffering a stroke. At that time, unhealthy habits prevailed, but under a doctor's guidance, the journey toward better health began. Old routines gave way to disciplined exercise, proper nutrition, and renewed commitment. Despite these efforts, years of electrocardiograms (ECGs) continued to show concerning extra beats.

Yet perseverance prevailed. After nearly two decades of dedication, the long-awaited news arrived: a perfect ECG, clear of the irregularities that once cast a shadow over every checkup. Gratitude filled the moment, a testament to the transformative power of healthy living.

Still, the journey was far from over. In the summer of 2025, an intuition that something was amiss led to further medical investigation. Persistent advocacy for answers resulted in a referral to a rheumatologist and, ultimately, a diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), a rare autoimmune blood disorder that increases the risk of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, and chronic fatigue. The diagnosis was daunting, but clarity brought empowerment—a roadmap for management that includes healthy habits and lifelong blood thinners.

Selected to run the 130th Boston Marathon® with a charity bib for Tedy’s Team, Elizabeth Megill Lang is on a mission to raise $10,000 for a cause that hits close to home. Running Boston for the first time and aiming to complete the Abbott WMM Six Star challenge, the experience is a powerful platform to raise awareness about stroke, heart health, and inspire anyone facing similar challenges. Every stride and every dollar raised supports Tedy’s Team’s mission—improving quality of life for stroke survivors through research, education, and community outreach.

The foundation’s namesake, Tedy Bruschi, himself a survivor of stroke in 2005 at age 31, created Tedy’s Team with his wife, Heidi, to shine a spotlight on stroke awareness and prevention. Their efforts, and those of the runners who join them, honor both the survivors and those lost to heart disease and stroke—leading causes of death and disability in the nation.

As training for the Boston Marathon® continues, one can often find Elizabeth running the Edgar Felix and Wall bike paths. If you see her out there, feel free to give a wave or say hi. It’s a simple way for the community that helped raise her to show support.

Now, the call goes out to the Jersey Shore and beyond: this is the biggest challenge yet. Step by step, donation by donation, together we can make a difference. Every contribution, large or small, brings hope and support to those fighting heart disease and stroke. Consider adding your support today because every mile truly matters.

If you’d like to help Elizabeth reach the Boston Marathon® start line, you can contribute at https://www.givengain.com/project/elizabeth-raising-funds-for-tedys-team-112888.

For more ways to support, including options for company or small business sponsorships, please visit https://www.lizzyruns.com.