Ginger Cioffi-Carragher, of Naperville, ran in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon Sunday as part of the Lung Power Team, a group of athletes running in support of Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago.

Ginger ran her third marathon in support of people who have been diagnosed with Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1), specifically her friend Liz Veronda. Alpha-1 is a genetic disorder that can cause emphysema and liver disease later in life. It’s estimated that about one in every 2,500 Americans have it. Ginger said she chose to run in support of RHAMC because she’d like more people to know about symptoms and treatments of Alpha-1.

“I wanted to increase awareness for Alpha-1 so that if people are having respiratory problems they can pursue avenues for treatment, and know that there are successful treatments out there,” Ginger said. “My friend Liz, with Alpha-1, is truly a hero because she gets up and embraces life every day. The least I can do is run 26 miles.”

Lung Power Team athletes participate in races nationwide, and many are personally affected by lung disease. Each Lung Power Team member raises funds that support RHAMC’s lung disease research, advocacy and education. For more information or to support a runner, visit http://www.lungchicago.org/lung-power-team/.