Thank you for taking the time to visit my fundraiser page!

     In January 2012, I competed in the Inaugural Louisiana Marathon.  This was my first marathon and I set a high goal for myself- qualify for Boston.  My age group qualifying time reflects 3 hours and 5 minutes.  With all of my hard work and support from family and friends, I knew I had a great shot in accomplishing this goal.  I finished the Inaugural Louisiana Marathon in 3 hours and 18 minutes- Just short of a B.Q. 

    Competing in triathlons and plans to complete my first Ironman 140.6 in 2013, it wasn't hard to catch the marathon bug.  I knew I wanted to run Chicago for my next 26.2 adventure.  With two older brothers living in the windy city, what a great fan base I would have.  Unfortunately, the Chicago Marathon sold out in approximately 4 days before I could register.  A friend and Team RWB (charity for wounded veterans) teammate, Jordi Goodman, registered in time and weeks later forwarded me an email saying I could still race in the Chicago Marathon.  I opened the email and read that I could compete as long as I joined a charity team and raised a minimum of $1000 for that charity. I knew immediately what charity I wanted to race for.

     I have always been inspired by Special Olympics.  I believe many of us take a lot of things for granted in this life.  Growing up with a baby sister having Down Syndrome has really made the person I am today.  Seeing her not able to do a lot of things myself and the whole world our able to do really makes you stop and think.  It teaches you to appreciate the little things, it reflects your personality and how you treat others, it teaches you to appreciate life itself and if you can help others along the way than why hesitate?

     Special Olympics helps bring more joy to life for these kids and adults with intellectual disabilities like my baby sister, Mandy.  I am proud to join the Special Olympics team for the Chicago Marathon.  Now, I have a new goal.  Will you help me accomplish $1000 towards the Special Olympics along with my hopes to qualify for Boston?

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.

Thank you very much for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!

 

-Andrew