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http://m.kcci.com/news/former-candidate-says-new-fight-is-more-important-than-congress/30007654

Former candidate says new fight more important than Congress

DES MOINES, Iowa -
It's been a long 18 months for Jim Mowrer. In that time, the 28-year-old from Boone ran for Congress against Steve King and also learned his youngest son has a disease that will significantly shorten his life span.

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At first glance, Jack Mowrer is just a 4-year-old with interests ranging from having fun to having a good time. But while Jack doesn't seem to have a care in the world, it's only because his parents will wait until he's old enough to start answering some tough questions that are sure to come.

"We started keeping track of how many times he would fall down and he was averaging about 15 to 20 times a day," said Chelsey Mowrer, Jack's mom.

Jim Mowrer was in the middle of his campaign when he and his wife received the news. Jack had Ataxia-Telangiectasia or AT.

It's a very rare disease that takes away coordination, damages the immune system, and significantly increases the risk of cancer. The average life expectancy is only 24 years.

On bad days, Jack needs his walker. He will likely be wheelchair bound within two years.

Mowrer, who is currently looking for a job after leaving a position at the Pentagon last year to run for office, said this fight for his son is much more important than the fight for Congress.

Listening to him talk about his son and raising money for AT research, it's obvious the drive that pushed him as a politician still burns inside.

"I don't accept that this is the best that we can do. I don't accept the fact that there is no cure, so we're fundraising to help fund research and treatments because I feel we can do better. I feel we can find a cure," said Mowrer.

The Mowrer's said there are only 500 cases of AT in the U.S. and four in Iowa, so they are working hard to raise money for research.

They have a goal of $20,000 and they are a little over halfway there. If you'd like to learn more about AT or donate go to www.atcp.org/jackmowrer

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Eric D. Schwerin
eschwerin@rosemontseneca.com

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