Oct. 18 race will raise money for ALS research

Vi Jones-Medusky lives with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease. While that may have slowed the accomplished runner, she's ready to fight back to raise awareness about ALS and call attention to the need for more funding for a cure in a race at 8:18 a.m. Oct. 18 at Kualoa Ranch.
Jones-Medusky will tackle the 4-mile course along jeep roads and cow pastures through the lush Ka'a'awa Valley in her wheelchair. Residents of all abilities and challenges are invited to participate.
Jones-Medusky has been living with ALS since 2004. She has finished marathons in Honolulu, Boston, New York, Portland, Los Angeles and Maui.

ALS progressively destroys nerve cells controlling muscles, ultimately paralyzing voluntary movement.

The entry fee is $18 and the deadline is Sept. 18 with participation limited to 280.

For more information or to sign up call the Muscular Dystrophy Association ALS Division 593-4454. or e-mail jli@mdausa.org

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Vi Jones-Medusky, 50 and an accomplished triathlete and surfer.

She recently qualified for the New Zealand Ironman Triathlon and has been spending 15 to 18 hours per week training. She also works full time as a nurse at Kaiser Medical Center.

"I just fit in training time whenever I can," she said. "If you want to live long, you have to lead a quality life. As a nurse, I see for myself every day what can happen if you don't take care of yourself."

Her daughter, Malia Jones, is a recognized international model and former professional surfer. Her sons, Mikala and Daniel, are professional surfers.