Hemochromatosis Patient Runs 150 Miles in the Sahara Desert to Save Lives

Baltimore, Maryland, April 4, 2005.
At age 44, Aran Gordon Baltimore resident and Vice President of T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. departs for Morocco to participate in the grueling 150 mile Marathon des Sable footrace in the Sahara, April 8-18. Six years ago Aran Gordon ran what he believed to be his last race. At age 38, he thought he was dying. He had chest pain, heart flutters, weight gain, chronic fatigue, depression, joint pain, an enlarged liver, and his skin was turning a rusty-bronze color. He did not know that his vital organs were filling with rust. Like countless others, Aran, was unaware of the cause for his suffering. Ultimately, information from the Iron Disorders Institute website led to the proper diagnosis of hemochromatosis and treatment.

The US Centers for Disease Control has determined that hemochromatosis is the most common genetic disorder in the United States. Hemochromatosis is an inherited metabolic disorder, that results in iron overload disease. Undetected it can be the underlying cause of any number of health issues, diseases and even death. It is often called the Silent Killer Disease because iron overload is often overlooked during examination and testing. Fatal early heart attack is one of the causes of death related to undetected iron overload.

It currently takes an average of 5 to 7 years after the onset of symptoms for the diagnosis of hemochromatosis to be made. Most medical books contain little, or outdated information about iron overload. Consequently, many physicians do not include iron when considering a diagnosis. As a result, too many people are misdiagnosed and suffer irreversible organ damage. Fortunately, Aran was correctly diagnosed soon enough for a full recovery to be made.


The driving force behind Aran Gordon’s willingness to undergo this torturous ultramarathon is to save lives by raising money for Iron Disorders Institute, an organization devoted to the prevention of disease caused by Iron-Out-of-Balance(TM). His goal of $100,000 is achievable if people understand the importance of his mission. Most companies will match donations made by employees.

Hemochromatosis is not something that can be cured, but Aran exemplifies those who can recover and lead a normal life with early detection and treatment.

Iron Disorders Institute will help facilitate interviews provide photos or video clips.

Contact Information

Cheryl Garrison

Executive Director

Iron Disorders Institute

Contact via E-mail