What
is the history of the Scully Marathon?
Since
1998, the online community of X-Philes, through "GAWS",
the Gillian Anderson WebSite, has participated in an auction with
all the proceeds going to NF, Inc., a US organization which provides
both support and services to individuals and families dealing with
the genetic disorder neurofibromatosis.
In 1999, the OBSSE
joined GAWS in their fundraising and NF awareness efforts by hosting
and participating in "Scully Marathons". We gathered together
in cities all over the world and, after getting sponsors, spent the
day watching 13 of our favorite Scullycentric episodes of The X-Files.
The money raised from these marathons was donated to NF, Inc. as well
as a several international NF organizations.
What
is "Neurofibromatosis"?
Neurofibromatosis,
pronounced Neuro-fi-bro-ma-to-sis, (NF for short), is a genetic disorder
of the nervous system that causes tumors to form on the nerves anywhere
in the body at any time. This progressive disorder affects all ethnic
races and both sexes equally. NF is one of the most common genetic
disorders in the United States, (one in every 3,000 to 4,000 births),
even though not many people are familiar with it..
What
is NF, Inc?
NF,
Inc.
is a US organization made up of independent state and regional chapters,
providing support and services to NF families. In addition to assisting
individuals and families. NF, Inc. works closely with clinical and
research professionals who specialize in the treatment of NF.
Marathons
held outside the US will make a donation to one of a number of international
NF organizations including:
AUSTRALIA: Neurofibromatosis Association of Australia, Inc
BRAZIL:
Centro Nacional de Neurofibromatose
CANADA: L'Association
de la Neurofibromatose du Québec
JAPAN:
Asebi-kai (an NF support group)
NETHERLANDS:
VZRN - Dutch Neurofibromatosis Patients Association
UK: The Neurofibromatosis
Association
How
can you participate in a Scully Marathon?
Group
marathons:
The OBSSE hosts "group marathons" which are open to anyone
wishing to join us. These take place throughout the month of May in
cities
all over the world and, in most cases,
we watch between 10-13 "Scullycentric" episodes of The X-Files.
CLICK
HERE to view this year's marathon
lineup. People who attend are encouraged to make a donation themselves
as well as getting others to "sponsor"
them for the day.
Mini-Marathons:
Those who can't attend a group marathon are encouraged to hold their
own "mini-marathon" during May, either in the form of a
get-together or party with friends, or simply for their own viewing
pleasure. Again, we encourage getting sponsors
and once the donations are collected, you are asked to send them to
the designated collection
address.
Make a Donation:
If you can't participate in a marathon, we ask you to please take
a moment and send a donation to the designated collection
address.
Order a Marathon T-Shirt:
This year's t-shirts are being sold for US$18.00 which includes shipping
to anywhere in the world, and with, on average, over half the cost
going as a donation to NF Inc. CLICK HERE to
view this year's way cool original design!! and find out all you need
to know about ordering a t-shirt.
What
is the "OBSSE"?
The
Order of the Blessed Saint Scully the Enigmatic (OBSSE)
was founded in 1995 by fans of the FOX television show, "The
X-Files" who enjoyed the wonderful and enigmatic character of
FBI Special Agent Dana Scully. We're a group of people from all walks
of life and all parts of the world who find the strength of character,
loyalty, intelligence, faith, professionalism, compassion, and dedication
of Scully inspiring and something to be celebrated. There are far
too few role models for women of this caliber on television.
If the name of our organization seems a little funny, well that's
the point. Members of the OBSSE are valued as much for their sense
of humor as for their appreciation of Scully. We don't take ourselves
or "The X-Files" very seriously. What we do take seriously
is our relationship with NF, Inc. and these annual marathons. Early
in the history of the OBSSE the Order began to look for ways of expressing
our thanks to Gillian Anderson for giving us such a wonderful character
to "worship" and for bringing us all together. We decided
that donating to Gillian Anderson's favorite charity, NF, Inc. was
the way to go about doing this. The results the past two years have
been beyond our wildest dreams. We've raised over $38,000 for NF organizations
worldwide and this past year attended a Congressional Luncheon in
thanks for our efforts.
Our experiences with these events have encouraged many OBSSE members
to individually or in groups continue working with both the national
NF organization and local chapters. Our members have participated
in other fundraising events, assisted with auctions and symposiums,
designed shirts and Christmas cards to be sold for the charity, and
even stuffed envelopes. Everyone who has taken the time to meet and
work with the people of the NF organization has felt rewarded by the
experience.
The OBSSE is tremendously pleased with the success of these events
and encourages you to participate with us this May when, once again,
the Scully Marathons will be held in a city near you.
The OBSSE numbers over 2500 members from over 30 countries, with over
600 members subscribed to a mailing list dedicated to the discussion
of "All Things Scully" and making each other laugh.
