Gretchen's participation in these events coincides with March, Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month, highlighting the challenges those living with autoimmune conditions face. Autoimmune diseases affect one in 10 Americans. These diseases have no cure, and most treatments target the symptoms but not the actual cause of the disease. By supporting BRI, she contributes to the research that could one day lead to a cure for more than 110 autoimmune diseases, including Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS) and type 1 diabetes (T1D).
Established in 1956 and located in Seattle, BRI is at the forefront of immune system and autoimmune disease research. BRI takes a holistic approach to autoimmune diseases, studying the entire immune system and using insights about one disease to make progress against others. Over the decades, BRI has made significant strides in understanding the immune system, including the development of MHC class II tetramer technology in the 1990s, which revolutionized the ability to track specific immune cells. In recent years, BRI has broadened its mission to include personalized medicine and prevention strategies, emphasizing collaboration to accelerate the translation of lab discoveries into life-changing patient care.
"Gretchen’s remarkable achievement of completing two half marathons on two coasts in just two days is a powerful testament to the human spirit's resilience and determination," said Jane Buckner, President of the Benaroya Research Institute. “Like Gretchen, BRI is pushing the boundaries of immunology research. Her support and the awareness she raises are invaluable to our mission, helping us advance closer to our goal of understanding, treating, and ultimately curing autoimmune diseases.
About Gretchen Schoenstein
Gretchen Schoenstein is a half marathon runner, an autoimmune disease warrior and an award-winning speaker and certified coach with over two decades of experience in leadership development and talent management. Her career spans working with a diverse array of organizations, including large and small technology firms, non-profit entities, politics, startups, educational foundations, and companies in the retail, finance, hospitality, environmental and beauty sectors. Her inspirational journey from overcoming adversity to crossing the finish line of over 120 half-marathons informs every aspect of her life. She is the Founder and CEO of Finish Line Moments Coaching and Consulting.
