Walk Strong Pittsburgh

Saturday, May 16, 2026

9:00 a.m.

Schenley Plaza - Oval Tent

4100 Forbes Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA  15260

RSVP HERE! https://forms.gle/osaZoVFuSjgBUWfh6

7 Marathons. 7 Years. One Incredible Journey.

**Update: Due to an unforeseen injury, Chris will not be running this season**

“You will never play sports again…” were words that were uttered only 18 days after I had competed in the pole vault at an indoor track meet at Pennsylvania State University.  I was expected to not only participate - but perform well – something that I did easily in athletics to that point in my life.  They were quipped by a doctor who gave little hope and loads of doubt to my future. I thank that person for that to this day…

I began my journey with Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM) in February of 2003.  I was a cocky 14-year-old that acted as if nothing could stop me in my quest for whatever the hell I thought I could do. Quickly, I found out that wasn’t the case. 

Treatment started with hospital trips to Chicago, experimental medications, organ shutdown, feeding tubes and injection ports. At the same time, I had an unbelievable amount of support from family and friends. Ultimately, I ended up at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh under the care of Dr. Steven Spaulding and Dr. Daniel Kietz. By February 2010, I heard them say, “You are now in remission.” It took 7 years to hear that the worry, fear, and the unknown was behind me. It was done, and it was time to move on – and move on I did. 

Fast forward to September of 2024, I was asked by Dr. Kietz to come to UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh for a “Family Day” with the Rheumatology Department. It was there I was able to converse with families and children who were afflicted with JDM just like I was.  I was honored to be there, and my wonderful wife and two beautiful children excitedly joined this open forum.  We met parents of children who were scared and who had that look that I knew all too well. It was then I realized I could - and needed to - give back...but how?

“7for7” is a venture my wife and I came up with.  “7for7” is a fundraising effort for the Cure JM Foundation – a foundation that provides funding for cutting edge research into the varying myositis diseases that plague children.  It also provides copious amounts of support to families who are enduring their battle with juvenile myositis – the horrible autoimmune illness umbrella that JDM falls under.

"7or7” is simply me running 7 marathons from April to August of 2026.  Each marathon represents a year of battling JDM. I will be running in Delaware, Michigan, Ohio, New York, Colorado, and Pennsylvania. I hope to be able to show newly diagnosed kids that their life will not end - it may be put on pause, but it most certainly isn't over. For the parents and all afflicted with this horrible illness, I want to inspire hope - and along the way, raise a boatload of money to fund research.

Help me help all who battle this terrible illness through these 7 marathons.  If you wish to meet up on the race courses, please reach out! Even if it is just for a couple steps on the course, come run part of these 7 races with me!

With gratitude,

Chris

 💙 Take a Step. Make a Big Impact.

 👉 Click “Donate Now” to help me reach my goal and be part of this powerful movement for change.

Prefer to donate by check?
Make checks payable to Cure JM and mail to:
Cure JM, P.O. Box 45768, Baltimore, MD 21297
(Please include Chris Barber's name in the memo line.)

Thank you for your generosity and support.  Together, we can fight back.  Together, we are the cure in progress.