When Lewisville resident Cindy Ogle-Martin runs the Dallas Rock N' Roll Half Marathon, she won't be picturing the finish line. With each pound on the pavement, she'll imagine her friend Kylie Earle smiling. 

At two months old, Kylie, now age 7, was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body. Since then, Cindy has participated in fundraisers and charity runs that raise neurofibromatosis (NF) awareness. 

"I've watched Kylie go through everything from tests, treatments and surgeries, and still she smiles with an endless persona of being unbeatable," Cindy said. "It's a huge inspiration. Her loving and fighting spirit is what gives me the push I need." 

Across the country, the Children’s Tumor Foundation NF Endurance Team participates in running, swimming and biking to raise awareness and research funds for neurofibromatosis. The foundation is currently seeking participants and sponsors for the Dallas Rock N' Roll Half Marathon on March 23. 

The cornerstone of the Children's Tumor Foundation is making the public aware that neurofibromatosis exists. NF affects one in every 3,000 people and can lead to blindness, bone abnormalities, cancer, deafness, disfigurement, learning disabilities and disabling pain. There is no cure for NF, but organizations like Children's Tumor Foundation NF Endurance Team are determined to find effective treatment. 

"One in 3,000 people have it, yet nobody knows about it," Angela Auzston, NF Endurance Community and Youth Events Manager and mother to Kylie, said. "Our volunteers are spreading the awareness factor as well. A lot of the volunteers I know are directly affected by NF, whether it's someone they know or in their family." 

Kylie was born with a plexiform tumor in her head and has undergone seven surgeries in her short lifetime. She is currently participating in a clinic trial chemotherapy regimen and facing another operation. Kylie's adversity has also inspired her mother Angela to participate in marathons and even the stenuous Ironman triathalon. 

"Angela is also an inspiration," Cindy said. "From day one [of doctors discovering Kylie has NF] this woman has never come close to quitting. I honestly believe ['quit'] is not in her vocabulary. Watching Angela put her body through marathons and the grueling 'Ironman,' all in the name of Kylie and NF, is enough to inspire me to help." 

The Children's Tumor Foundation also offers a Kids Program that allows youth and schools to get involved with any local event. Kids can participate in a lap-a-thon, local running race or any event they choose to raise money for the foundation and win their own prizes. "It's kids helping kids," Angela said. 

To prepare for the Dallas Rock N' Roll Half Marathon, Cindy has begun following a jogging and walking regimen. A recent injury has affected her running time, but she refuses to give up on behalf of Kylie. 

"A few months ago I tore a muscle in my leg and it's been a slower comeback than expected," Cindy said. "It will not stop me from doing my set and crossing that finish line for a little girl that I adore, and many more children that need help in their fight against NF."