Marathoner runs to keep 'Joints in Motion'

Mike Fischer has a lofty goal he's hoping his community will help him achieve - raising money for arthritis research.

"People think arthritis only affects seniors, when in fact it has affected about 3,000 children," said the Carson City Sheriff's Department deputy. "I've always wanted to run a marathon, and when this came across, I thought it would be good to raise money for a foundation."

In December, Fischer, 28, will take part in the National Arthritis Foundation's Joints in Motion marathon, a 26.2-mile run on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. In order to take part, Fischer must raise $3,500. Eighty percent will be donated to the foundation, and the remainder will go toward travel and lodging.

The cause is fitting: Fischer's father was recently diagnosed with the debilitating disease that affects the musculoskeletal system, specifically the joints

A five-year veteran of the sheriff's department, Fischer was in Honolulu twice when the Joints in Motion marathon was taking place.

"That's what really kind of inspired me to do this. I've always wanted to run a marathon, and when I was there last year and the year before, there were like 30,000 participants."

Born in South Lake Tahoe, Fischer is a Dayton High School graduate. He began his law enforcement career as a corrections officer before completing Police Officers Standard an Training Academy and becoming a deputy in 1991. In 18 months, he will receive a degree from Western Nevada Community College in criminal justice.

"I love my job. Every day is different," he said. "Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to be a cop. I always looked at them as role models. It's just something I've always wanted to do."

Anyone interested in joining the race can contact organizer Donna Johnson at (775) 825-7080 or e-mail her at d.johnson1713@sbcglobal.net. To make a donation on behalf of Fischer, send a check or money order to Mike Fischer c/o Arthritis Foundation, 2400 Harvard Way, Ste. 232, Reno NV 89502.

n Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.