The ING New York City Marathon: Who Runs? Chris Johnson. Why Run? To raise awareness and money for the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation

What for? To honor his father, New York Giants Running Back, Ron Johnson, diagnosed in 2008 with early-onset Alzheimer's disease…

NEW YORK, Oct. 24, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This is one story of a runner with a reason. Thirty-one year old Chris Johnson, son of legendary New York Giants Running Back, Ron Johnson has taken up the cause to find the prevention, treatment and ultimately cure for a disease that once upon a time was as mysterious and taboo as cancer used to be. Why?

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131024/DC02907)

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130909/DC75486LOGO)

In Chris's own words: "Ron Johnson is my best friend, my life coach, my business partner, my inspiration and most importantly my father. I have not met a more humble, dynamic, and radiant individual in my lifetime. In 2008, Dad was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease at the age of 61. This terrible disease rapidly made daily life difficult for my father, forcing him to step away from his passions in business, tennis, and charity work. This period has been very difficult for my family as we cope with an uncertain future as my father battles this terrible disease. However, Dad always encouraged me to focus on helping others, to work hard to make life better for my fellow citizens. Today Alzheimer's affects 5.24 million Americans and that number, unfortunately, will continue to grow. There is no cure and no known treatments to slow the progression of the disease. I've often asked myself how I can help to make sure no one ever has to battle this horrible disease. I am running the 2013 ING New York City Marathon in honor of my father's lifetime dedication to helping others and this new mission to support the efforts to defeat Alzheimer's through drug discovery.   

I am a passionate advocate for the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF). An organization that is solely focused on accelerating the discovery of drugs to prevent, treat and cure Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. My run is dedicated to supporting the ADDF and its work it to save families from the hardship my family has experienced over the past five years." All funds raised will go to the ADDF, in which 100% will go directly toward Alzheimer's drug research and related programs."

Chris's Schedule:
September 29 - BMW Berlin Marathon
October 27 - IRONMAN 70.3 Miami
November 3 - ING New York City Marathon

Competing in last year's Malibu marathon for the very first time, Chris's goal was to raise $15.000.  He crossed the finish line in 3 hours and 18 minutes, coming in 23^rd out of 658 and raising an astonishing $83,422. He recently completed the BMW Berlin Marathon in 3 hours and 6 minutes.  This year his goal is to raise $50,000. As of today, he has raised over $16,000.

To learn more about Chris's story and see how he is progressing visit his page:   http://www.crowdrise.com/christopherjohnson.

Watch his story on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LIfsok9by8&feature=player_embedded

About the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF)
Founded in 1998 by co-chairmen Leonard A. and Ronald S. Lauder of the Estee Lauder cosmetics family, the mission of the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) is to accelerate the discovery of drugs to prevent, treat and cure Alzheimer's disease, related dementias and cognitive aging. The ADDF has granted nearly $60 million to fund 400 Alzheimer's drug discovery programs and clinical trials in academic centers and biotechnology companies in 18 countries. For more information please visit www.AlzDiscovery.org

SOURCE Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation