Running with a Purpose
Charities I believe in
Focusing on Others
Life is fragile, and time is not infinite. If there’s any doing to be done in our lives, it’s best to get going. And in my going I will think of the people I know who have affected me positively, given me strength, or inspired me in different ways, but who are no longer going, or might be barely going, but the day-to-day grind is a struggle, and I will thank them. I think of people I know with mental illness, families touched by suicide, breast cancer, or even the wounded Veterans who have fought various wars that I currently know at the Veteran’s Home who are no longer able to use their bodies the way they used to. Each of those people are daily reminders that life is challenging, and that we are at the mercy of our environment and circumstance, and I must be thankful for my health and for each day.
Beyond running 50 ultra marathons for my own personal well-being, I am motivated to raise money for charitable causes that have inspired me on my journey. For the people I have met along the way that are no longer able to continue. I want to run for them, I want to run with a purpose.
Cancer Research
I see the effects of cancer every day and have lost several friends to cancer. As we get older the likelihood of getting cancer increases no matter how healthy our lifestyle. Immunotherapy is one of the most promising cures.
Military Veterans
I've watched my dad, a Vietnam Veteran, and his process of getting his veteran benefits which should be easy but it is not. His veteran advocate was essential in helping him navigate the process. I also work in a Veteran's Home as a co-medical director, and I am very familiar with the struggles of this population. Veteran's are often exhausted, traumatized and physically incapacitated and they need help accessing resources.
American Forests
Every year I witness the devastation of wildfires in the Pacific Northwest. It is crushing to see forests that I have grown up with burn. If we are to have a world that future generations can appreciate, we will need to restore the burned forests. Trees are essential for life.
Suicide Prevention
Last year my son lost a close friend to suicide. The emotional impact on families and friends is immense. We need to do what we can to reach out to those who privately suffer.