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"Not a serious runner," but a dad with a cause.
Scott Casmer plans to run a marathon for his daughter Kiara and Alpha-1 research.
He’s no Olympic gold medalist. He’s never participated in regional or national competitions. In fact, Scott Casmer doesn’t even consider himself a serious runner. He’s simply a father running for a cause.
Casmer’s daughter Kiara was born with jaundice that her pediatrician said “didn’t seem routine.” After running tests to find out why her yellowish skin wasn’t returning to normal, the doctor told Scott and his wife Susan that Kiara had Alpha-1.
Scott Casmer with his daughters Kiara, left, and Jordyn
“There were many awkward moments where we heard things like ‘she may not make it’ or ‘she will need a liver transplant’ – because the pediatrician didn’t yet know a whole lot about Alpha-1,” Scott said.
Today, at five years old, Kiara’s doing fine. Her liver enzyme tests are a bit elevated, but the doctors say they are nothing to be concerned about. She likes to put on princess dresses and parade around the house with her best friend; they play soccer together and tell each other deep secrets. Kiara also has a great ear for music and loves to play the piano.
Kiara’s parents keep careful track of her liver condition, including annual visits to a specialist for a full evaluation. “We are hopeful that medical research will lead to a medication that will control her disease,” Scott says.
That’s why he and five of his friends from across the US have signed up with Team Alpha-1 to run in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Scott and his teammates will take to the track for Alpha-1 this Sunday, Oct. 12. The goal was to raise at least $1,000 to donate to the Alpha-1 Foundation for research. So far, with Scott’s offer to match the first $500, the goal is already topped.
While he hopes to finish the race in less than four hours, Scott said that he will be happy to just finish. After all, this is his first marathon – and the course is 26 miles long. Scott has participated in many 5K and 10K races. He’s also competed in the Pike’s Peak Ascent.
Scott says these races are motivational. “Knowing that I have a race coming up has always kept me motivated to stay on an athletic track.”
Kiara is following in her father’s footsteps, running with her younger sister and the Pike’s Peak Road Runners, one of the largest running clubs in Colorado.
While there is always the possibility that her liver disease may worsen, Kiara’s family believes the best way to handle the situation is just to live a normal life. And of course, “We keep an eye on things and we remain up to speed with what is going on in research,” Scott says. “That’s all you can do.”
Jordyn and Kiara, with competition numbers, ready to run
