What is a Scully Marathon?

May is Neurofibromatosis Awareness Month, and for the fourth year in a row, the OBSSE is proud to be hosting and participating in Scully Marathons to benefit NF, Inc. and as our way of honoring Gillian Anderson (an active spokesperson for NF, Inc., and herself a member of an NF family) for her wonderful work on the X-Files.  Simply put, groups gather together in cities all over the world and, after getting sponsors, spend a full day watching episodes of The X-Files.  In addition to raising awareness about NF, the money raised from these marathons is donated to NF, Inc., as well as several international NF organizations. 

 

What is Neurofibromatosis?  And who is NF, Inc.?

Neurofibromatosis (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. It affects all races and both sexes equally. NF is one of the most common genetic disorders in the United States, with one in every 3,000 to 4,000 children born being affected.

NF, Inc. is a US organization that is dedicated to providing support and services to individuals and families affected by neurofibromatosis and related disorders, while also working closely with clinical and research professionals who specialize in the treatment of NF.  NF, Inc., has coordinated education, support, clinical and research programs, and promotes national, state, and local community involvement.  As NF, Inc., is a 501(c)3 organization, donations are fully tax-deductible. 

Marathons held outside the US will make donations to one of a number of international NF organizations.

 

Who are 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 and have currently raised over $90,000 for NF organizations worldwide. 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 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.

 

How can I help?

We welcome everyone who wants to join us for a day -- Colorado's Marathon is Sunday, May 19th, 2002 at Dave & Buster's in Westminster, from 11:00 AM until 10:00 PM.  Don't worry if you can't stay for the entire time; drop by and visit for however long you can.  Although it's not required, people who attend are encouraged to make a donation themselves as well as getting others to sponsor them for the day.

If you can't come, but would still like to participate, we encourage you to send a donation to the designated collection address.  In addition, you can also order a marathon T-shirt, coffee mug, or mousepad!   

Thank you for stopping by! 

 

A Note on D&B Policy

We welcome those of all ages who wish to attend the Scully Marathon, but ask that those guests who are under 21 abide by Dave & Buster's policy, as follows:

  • Guests under the age of 21 (legal drinking age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (a person 25 years of age or older who agrees to be responsible for the conduct and safety of the underage guests).
  • One parent or guardian can accompany up to a maximum of three underage guests.
  • Underage guests must remain with their parent or guardian.
  • Underage guests are welcome to stay until 10:00 PM on the night of the marathon (D&B has varying evening hours for minors).

We have a number of people who are willing to assist by serving as guardians. If you need to make special arrangements, please contact us!