On March 3, 2012 I will embark on the longest and toughest physical challenge of my life. I will be paddling a canoe around the coast of Florida. Starting on the shore of Ft. DeSoto Park on Tampa Bay, I will head down the Southwest coast and cut through the Everglades to Key Largo. From there I will paddle up the Eastern shoreline to Amelia Island, turn Westward and proceed up the St. Marys river for 90 miles. At the little town of St. George, all racers are required to put their boats on portage wheels and tow their rigs on foot 40 miles to Fargo, GA where the Suwannee River awaits. From here it is 240 miles to the Gulf of Mexico and the final 120 miles back to Tampa Bay. Competitors have 30 days to complete the 1,200 mile challenge. It is a non-stop, unsupported race.

Earlier this year, when I committed to do this event - I thought it would be a great opportunity to raise funds for a worthy charity. I first visited the Give Kids The World Village in 2005. Their mission is to provide a stress free, week-long vacation for families with children facing life-threatening illnesses. There is nothing sadder then seeing a young child battling a terminal condition. Even as a parent, I can't imagine the pain of dealing with a situation like this. Since 1986, Give Kids The World has hosted more than 106,000 deserving families from all 50 states and more than 70 countries. Their 70-acre Village provides an unforgettable week of joy, hope and non-stop fun for these children.

Please join me in helping to insure that Give Kids The World Village can continue their mission.