Tully Girls Run for Dad

Sarah and Emily Tully have cheered their parents, Deb and Keith, on from the sidelines of the Boston Marathon for nearly a decade as they ran for Team ALF. Last Fall, the torch was passed on to them as Mom and Dad took some well-deserved time-off.

Sarah ran the Boston Marathon in October and Emily completed the New York City Marathon in November. Together, they raised over $50,000 dollars for ALF in honor of their dad, Keith. Immediately following their respective marathons, the girls began training for the 2022 Boston Marathon which they ran together and raised an additional $65,000.

The Tully’s became involved with ALF in 2007 after Keith was diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC), a rare autoimmune disease. Unfortunately, there is no cure and he’ll soon need a liver transplant.

FAST FACTS ON PSC

• PSC is a chronic cholestatic liver disease primarily affecting middle-aged men.
• Approximately 80% of patients with PSC have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• While lifestyle changes can help manage PSC symptoms, there is no cure.

Emily said, “He was the one who encouraged me to start running in the first place! He has been my biggest supporter throughout the years and he’s always the one cheering the loudest.”

Over the years, ALF has become an adopted family for the Tully’s. Sarah said, “with so many incredible relationships formed at water stops, on training runs and during marathon weekend celebrations, these relationships have not only fostered lifetime friendships, but hope and support as well.”

Meeting other patients and families affected by liver disease and hearing the stories of those who have had successful liver transplants, has given Sarah and Emily confidence that their dad will soon have a successful liver transplant and come out even stronger.

While the Tully’s have always loved running, finishing a marathon in honor of their dad was, in Emily’s words, “so much more meaningful and empowering with the purpose and community of the ALF behind us”.

This Father’s Day, learn more about PSC and how you can help protect the dads in your life. If caught early, regular screening and symptom management can slow the disease progression. Learn more on our website.