The Running Man

Posted: Nov. 18, 2009

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SCOTT ASH/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Hartland native John Jerge is running for a good cause in December, competing in his first marathon in an effort to fund a cure for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

SCOTT ASH/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Hartland native John Jerge is running for a good cause in December, competing in his first marathon in an effort to fund a cure for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

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It seems entirely appropriate that before John Jerge hits the streets of Las Vegas, he's asking people to help him make a bet.

Jerge's self-imposed "double or nothing" concept fits in neatly with the environment of the Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon on Dec. 6, which will mark his first-ever marathon. He's running for a good cause, upping his mileage by double to represent the challenge of doubling his fundraising goal.

Competing for Team Challenge, the Hartland man has been hard at work raising money for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, hoping to aid the cause for a cure. His wife of more than 11 years, Amanda, is stricken with ulcerative colitis.

"My wife registered online for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, and I didn't even know they had this (racing program)," Jerge said. "It was like a gift to me. Finally, I could do something for her and everybody else. It's been the most humbling experience and helped us both deal with this disease.

"I ran 24 (miles) two weeks ago just to see if I could run 3 1/2 hours straight. Even if I'm missing an arm or leg, I'll cross that finish line."

The bets are in

Jerge, 39, has been participating with Team Challenge in a half-marathon training program, but he vowed to double his goal from $3,600 dollars to $7,200 - and in return run the event's full marathon instead of the half.

He met his goal and is now seeking even greater heights.

"I'm dedicating my race to everyone I come across suffering from this disease," he said. "I add them to my jersey and run for each and every one. I had up to 37 people that I'm running for this year, with the youngest being 2 years old. It affects people all across the board."

Crohn's and colitis are painful, unpredictable diseases that attack the digestive system, ailments that affect 1.4 million Americans. Amanda was diagnosed in 2005 and though she manages the illness with medication, she needs long and expensive treatments every eight weeks for the rest of her life.

"The drug is given to her via IV and takes three to four hours each time to receive," John said in a letter to potential donors. "The possible long-term side effects are scary. It is extremely expensive and has become a financial burden on our family. While there is no cost too great for her health, I cannot sit by and do nothing."

Jerge said the best way he could describe his wife's case was her immune system trying to attack the colon. Some patients have their colon removed; others have portions removed.

Last year, he began running regularly for the first time in 20 years. His last regular experiences came with the cross country team in high school.

Raising the stakes

Jerge has coordinated the support of numerous local businesses to exceed his original goal by well more than double - he has already raised more than $10,000, and his team is well over $50,000 raised - with a goal of achieving at least $60,000.

Still, Jerge is hoping for more. He has pledged 83 percent of the $7,200 raised to CCFA, as well as every penny he raises beyond that stated goal.

The event itself begins and finishes at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas and tours the streets of Sin City.

"We're lucky to have such a passionate person on our team," said CCFA Wisconsin Executive Director Tyler Hillstrom. "In addition to raising important money for the foundation, he is also helping us raise needed awareness for these diseases."

How to donate

Interested in contributing to Jerge's cause? Donations can be made directly at his Web site at active.com/donate/lv09wisconsin/vegas09JJerge or by sending a check made out to CCFA Wisconsin chapter, 1125 S. 70th St., Suite S210A, Milwaukee, WI 53214.

Local giving

Numerous local businesses have given to Jerge's cause, including:

• Air Quality Controllers

• Bil-Bar Trailer Sales in Nashotah

• Boston Store

• CHR Hansen Inc.

• Dr. Tim Seifert, optometrist, Hartland

• Hartland Barber Shop

• James Craig Builders

• Kesslers Diamond Centers

• Lake Country Lawn Care, Pewaukee

• Maple Court Apartments, Hartland

• Poly Tech Pipe

• St. Dominic Congregation

• Knights of Columbus Council 3702

• Taylor Islo of Intrigue Salon & Spa, Delafield

• Town Bank, Hartland

• Anton's Salon, Delafield