11/16/09

Why Bricks4Hope?  Because it's my turn to make a statement and a contribution to our loved one's future in the fight against cancer.  

Why Bricks? Multisport training coined the phrase 'brick' to describe the heavy load of piggybackin' a big run effort right after a big bike workout.  I will challenge myself with a series of bricks (4 hours on the bike followed by 2 hours running) that will cover nearly 300 miles, nonstop, until the destination is reached.  I plan on leaving Lake Lanier, north of Atlanta, and traveling to the Tybee Pier in Savannah, with a goal time of 24 hours.  

Though the training has begun, I plan on keeping you updated on YouTube (and a blog, potentially) beginning in January.  At that time, I will add the link that will allow you to jump directly from this site.  For now, here's the website with more information  http://bricks4hope.weebly.com/

The circumstances that have motivated me to do this are not unique.  And that is why I'm joining the masses that have decided to try to make a difference in the future.  My mom was diagnosed with cancer in March, 09.  After six grueling months of the disease/radiation/chemo, she died on September 16th.  I realize that our doctors, facilities, and treatments have come so far in this fight.  But, it is so clear that we have so far to go.  I want our doctors and facilities to be armed with better 'weapons' against this disease.  I want treatments to be aggressive and effective against cancer, but I hope that there will be a day when that treatment doesn't take our loved ones to the brink each time they show up for their appointment.  In short, that is why I will push myself for those 24 hours.  Just to have one day where I know that I took my punch at cancer.

Of course, none of this effort happens without the loving support of my family.  My wife, Sheri, has been my anchor through everything.  Whether its been keeping the family afloat during years wrapped around endurance events, or holding my hand at a mother's bedside, I'll never be able to thank her enough.  But I sure will keep trying.  My kids, a little older now, are very excited to be a part of this and they have every intention of contributing to this event.  That'll be a blast!  

Dad, I'm thinking of ya, I love ya.