The U.S. Campaign to Ban Landmines and Cluster Bombs, currently coordinated by Handicap International, is a coalition of thousands of people and U.S. non-governmental organizations working to convince the U.S. government to join the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty and the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions. These two friends are walking the marathon to raise money for three organizations that work to help improve the lives of people with disabilities worldwide. There are millions of people around the world who, like Raymund, strive to live active, normal lives. Handicap International is one of the three organizations Raymund and Vladim r have chosen to support. Raymund and Vladim r are raising funds Handicap International because they would like to support our work in Haiti and elsewhere around the world. Handicap International has been on the ground in Haiti since the violent earthquake struck on January 12, providing assistance to the injured, managing a humanitarian logistics program, producing temporary orthopedic devices for amputees, distributing emergency aid and setting up temporary shelters for victims of the disaster. "This race is not about us, but about helping our fellow citizens of the world who, for whatever reason, are challenged by a physical disability, " Raymund and Vladim r wrote on their blog. "We are committed to making this a successful fundraiser and see this event as a unique opportunity to help make the lives of many people with disabilities a little better." You can track their progress in the marathon by following updates on their blog or you can read about them on the Marathon des Sables Web site.

Padow, Rhoda B MD

Mordi, Roseline

Kim, Hyunji

Vesta Three Inc