On July 11, 2009, Norma became the fastest female in history to run seven extreme races on seven continents in seven months in support of blind and visually impaired people.
Her journey started on January 20, when she ran Brazil 135, a brutal 135 mile-race through the jungle.
At a young age Norma’s son Karl was diagnosed with Cone Rod Dystrophy, a progressive condition with no cure. As a single parent of two boys it was an emotionally draining experience and to relieve her stress Norma started running.
Norma was no stranger to challenges; she overcame poverty, rape, abuse and addiction.
Just over a three later, Norma run seven of the hardest ultra-marathons on earth as an ambassador for her son and the millions of people around the world living with visual impairments. Norma sees the experience as a metaphor for the incredible trials faced every day by the visually impaired. “Ultras are tough physically and emotionally,” admits Norma, “but the challenge is only temporary. After I finish an ultra, my life goes back to normal. But people with visual impairments have to keep overcoming huge challenges every day of their lives.” Norma finished her seventh race in Switzerland on July 11, 2009 and run 1272 kilometers in 7 months.
Norma has chosen to support CNIB, Foundation Fighting Blindness and Operation Eyesight Universal an international initiative to show her son Karl that he is not alone – that there are people around the world who are as strong and amazing as he is. She also believes her work will show both her children that we can all have a positive impact on other people’s lives and change the world around them.
