Driven by a Dream

Westfield's Laura McKamey and Hayli Hodsdon are training to overcome their respiratory diseases and run the New York City Marathon. 

When Laura McKamey and Hayli Hodsdon were assigned to room with each other last year at the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio, they did not know much about one another. 

Now, the two best friends share everything together, including different respiratory diseases and one big dream—running the ING New York City Marathon.

"We're compatible in every way,” Hodsdon said. “If I'm having a bad day, she's always having a good one to pull me up. It's almost like we were meant to meet each other, like soul mates.”

McKamey, a sophmore majoring in early childhood education, has had asthma her whole life while junior social work student Hodsdon has battled cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that causes thick mucus to build up and clog organs of the body, particularly the lungs and the digestive tract. 

Despite their health issues, the roommates have decided to run the ING New York City Marathon on November 7. The girls, who previously thought their physical limitations would inhibit them from accomplishing such a feat, are now training five days a week to prepare for the 26.2-Mile landmark that has already changed their lives. 

“It's a long process. We weren't runners before this, so we had to start from scratch,” McKamey said. 

Mckamey and Hodsdon are running to raise money for the Boomer Esiason Foundation, an organization that aims to heighten awareness of cystic fibrosis, stimulate research, and improve the quality of life for those affected by it. Hodsdon, who received a college scholarship from this foundation, came across this idea after being hospitalized several times throughout the first semester last year. 

"It was a really stressful time for Hayli emotionally because she felt like she was really beaten down by her disease," McKamey said. "She wanted to com up with a way to overcome it and do so in a way that inspired others. Once we started training, we got really excited and realized how great this would be."

Though it started out as a whim, the girls have already accomplished more than they imagined, both physically and financially.

They ran the Indianapolis Mini Marathon in May, and together they have raised about $3,000 for “Team Boomer,” more than half of the total that they need for the foundation.

 Of course, training has not been easy for the ambitious McKamey and Hodsdon. Mckamey's asthma kicks in during exercise, and the summer heat and humidity increase its severity. Hodsdon is susceptible to lung infections and must constantly monitor her breathing and nebulize before and after running, making early morning runs difficult. 

“Sometimes it's a struggle. We both have bad days and both have good days,” McKamey said. “On our bad days, we just relax, encourage each other, and say keep going.” 

Despite their difficulties and apprehensions, the unshakeable duo remains confident and knows that running the New York City marathon will be worth the hard work.

 “Since I started running, I've been much healthier,” Hodsdon said. “It's been hard on my body, but we have also both benefited so much just from the confidence and motivation it has given us. I know we'll be so proud of ourselves when we finish.”

 When they cross the finish line on November 7, Hodsdon and McKamey say they will not just be doing it for themselves or for the Boomer Foundation, but for everyone with similar afflictions. Along with their personal gains and fund raising, the girls hope to inspire others by doing what they once thought was impossible.

 “I just want to encourage people to try something that seems precarious,” McKamey said. “Even if you have physical limitations, you never know what you can do until you try.”

Originally published in the Current in Westfield on July 13, 2010. Link here.