New York, NY July 18, 2014 – Liam’s Lighthouse Foundation 5K to Fight Histio takes over Hudson River Park.

Sunday, July 20, 2014, 11AM - Hundreds are gathering from all over the United States, Canada and beyond to join Liam's Lighthouse Foundation at Hudson River Park, NYC. Get ready to be inspired, moved, and motivated when you run/walk in step with others affected by Histiocytosis (Histio) on Sunday, July 20, 2014 in Hudson River Park, NYC.  A virtual walk will take place in St.Louis, MO at 10AM. From the very start to the emotional crossing of the finish line, you will be amazed at the strength, power, and determination of our survivors, friends and family and Histio community.  Together, we run/walk to raise funds for ground breaking research, to increase awareness of a disease that all too often goes misdiagnosed, and to provide support to each other as we fight Histio. What started out 5 years ago as 3 friends trying to support a grieving mother who lost her 20 month old son to HLH, and gathering with posters outside the Today Show, has grown larger and faster than any of us could have imagined. Every step taken and every dollar raised brings us closer to the ultimate finish line...A CURE!

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis or HLH – has taken the life of little Liam and many others, but Michelle Schulze (Liam’s mommy) and the Histio family march on to fight for a cure. Patients and families often endure the same struggles as cancer patients due to rigorous therapies in attempt to suppress the disease. Currently, there is no cure. HLH and Langerhan’s Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) are the most common forms of Histiocytosis. Treatments for Histiocytosis can include high-dose steroids, chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants.

Those wishing to participate or help can do so by visiting the registration table at Pier 46 starting at 10 AM the day of the event. Registration is $40. Help us reach our goal of 100,000! Donations are tax deductible. Students from the Stuyvesant High School RC Club will be on hand to help manage the 300+ registrants.

The Icla Da Silva Foundation will provide information on the importance of becoming a bone marrow donor. Being a bone marrow donor is simple and easy. There is no fee or ‘big scary needles’! Come out to learn more and you could save a life! Sign up to be a donor at the event by simply swabbing your cheek.

On Monday, the many families will gather outside the Today Show to help bring awareness about the cause.

To learn more visit: www.LiamsLighthouseFoundation.org

Liam's Lighthouse Foundation (LLF), a non-profit, tax-exempt organization, was established to create and provide educational material and awareness about Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) including Histiocytic Disorders, and to distribute unbiased, factual information to physicians, hospitals, and the community regarding this disease. Our focus is also to bring families affected by HLH/Histiocytosis together and offer support through a variety of resources. We aim at raising much needed funds for continued education of physicians and research to develop safer and more effective treatment methods and ultimately a cure.  LLF is also dedicated to bring awareness to the community about the importance of becoming a blood and bone marrow donor.

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Sunday, July 20, 2014, 10AM - Team Claire & Team Jesica will join together to host a virtual 5K walk location at Longview Farm Park-the same time hundreds are gathering with Liam's Lighthouse Foundation at Hudson River Park, NYC. Together, we will walk to raise funds for ground breaking research, to increase awareness of a disease that all too often goes misdiagnosed, and to provide support to each other as we fight histio.

Claire Biangardi (age 4) was diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in 2013. HLH is a rarely diagnosed blood disease that is treated with chemotherapy, steroids and sometimes bone marrow transplants - just like cancer. Claire is currently undergoing periodic evaluations to monitor the HLH and determine if a bone marrow transplant will be necessary.

Jesica Barton Hellwege was diagnosed with Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) when she was a young girl in the early 80's. LCH is when a group of underdeveloped white cells that make up the immune system gather in an area causing damage rather than fighting infection. She has endured many rounds of steroids, chemotherapies and surgeries to keep the tumors from growing.

Claire & Jesica are one of a kind survivors. Due to the lack of government funding, Histiocytosis research depends on the generosity of private donations. Team Claire & Team Jesica welcome you to come down to join them and ask questions, so together you can help save a life from Histiocytosis. What started out 5 years ago as 3 friends trying to support a grieving mother who lost her 20 month old son Liam to HLH, has grown larger and faster than any of us could have imagined. Every step taken and every dollar raised brings us closer to the ultimate finish line...A CURE!

Those wishing to participate or help can do so by visiting the registration table starting at 9AM the day of the event. Registration is $30. Help us reach Liam's Lighthouse goal of 100,000! Donations are tax deductible.

To learn more visit: www.LiamsLighthouseFoundation.org

Liam's Lighthouse Foundation (LLF), a non-profit, tax-exempt organization, was established to create and provide educational material and awareness about Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) including Histiocytic Disorders, and to distribute unbiased, factual information to physicians, hospitals, and the community regarding this disease. Our focus is also to bring families affected by HLH/Histiocytosis together and offer support through a variety of resources. We aim at raising much needed funds for continued education of physicians and research to develop safer and more effective treatment methods and ultimately a cure.  LLF is also dedicated to bring awareness to the community about the importance of becoming a blood and bone marrow donor.

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