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Awareness run

Paul Owen of Westlake recently stopped in Columbiana on part of his 414-mile run from Cleveland to Washington D.C. in support of the LivLyme Foundation. Owen has carried the burden of suffering from the debilitating effects of Lyme disease for more than three years, after a minor surgery activated the disease he contracted during his military service 30 years ago while doing basic training at Fort Dix in New Jersey. He began the 18-day, 414-mile run on June 8. As of Friday, he was in Pittsburgh en route to the nation’s capital after leaving Columbiana, where he stayed at Das Dutch Village Inn earlier in the week. His progress can be found on Twitter, @track-paul, or on Instagram, @polymefighter. Owen is on an aggressive treatment plan under the care of a Lyme disease specialist. His goal to bring awareness and resources to help — particularly the young and most vulnerable — is a driving force for his epic run, LivLyme said in a press release announcing the run. The Colorado-based nonprofit organization, founded by 13-year-old Olivia Goodreau, supports the work of researchers and scientists who are dedicated to finding a cure for Lyme disease. “I get asked all the time why I conceived of am running this solo/one-man ultra-marathon,” Owen said. “I”m doing it because I can, and should, help others. Simply put, it’s not about me.”

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