Going to the European Masters Athletics Championships in Denmark

This campaign is being organized to give me the opportunity to represent Portugal this year at the European Masters Championship taking place in Denmark, where I intend to run the Half-Marathon on August 6th. Not only do I intend to represent Portugal but, most importantly, I want to show that a chronic autoimmune disease (Lupus) does not have to limit us to achieve great things in our lives.

The purpose of this campaign is to be able to represent Portugal at the European Masters Athletics Championships 2017, which will take place in Denmark, participating in the Half-Marathon, on August 6th, 2017. By getting involved I will be showing that there are no limits to achieve our dreams. I am an athlete with the peculiarity of having Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease. And by having Lupus I want to show that it is not impossible when passion moves us even if it turns into challenging the limits of our body. I want to share my life story because I believe it will make a difference in who, every day, survives a chronic autoimmune disease. And I believe that if I carry the cause across borders I will take an important step in witnessing that a chronic autoimmune disease does not prevent us from achieving great conquests, whether in athletics or in other activity. When it´s important to us it will make us happy to be alive. 

About the author

I am Marisa Costa and, among many things, I practice athletics for passion and because it helps me to live.

I started to practice athletics because, in fact, I always enjoyed exercising, although I had never been at a competitive level. I'm 37 years old and I was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 15. At this moment the disease is in remission, which has helped me in competitive practice. I was able to complete a sporting season in which I won several regional and national titles, and now a new season begins with a concrete objective, the European championship of masters.

I intend to represent Portugal in the European masters athletics that will be held in 2017, in Aarhus, Denmark.

All I can promise is my commitment, dedication, and willingness to set an example for all those who, like me, suffer from serious health problems. To show that everything remains possible when we believe and do not resign ourselves, nor do we lower our arms in the face of battle.

What we manage to do every day is within our reach and is up to us. Every day there are small victories to conquer.  

Budget and due dates

450€ - roundtrip

400€  - accommodation for 4 nights

350€  - for extras (example: food, transportation, etc.)

74€  - Commission costs of 5% of PPL + VAT

30€  – Commissions costs of payments of 2% + VAT

Images