It's a draw...

"The only way to achieve the impossible is to

believe it is possible." -Alice in Wonderland

Today was a long and tough day out there on the Guinness World Record Attempt course. Mike had it tough as the day turned into night...and he was still out there running. I had to work all day, so I couldn't get out there to see him until afterwards, but he still had a few hours to run.

By the time I got there, I saw a road-weary friend so I admit that a part of me was worried. Not about whether or not he'd finish (I knew he would), but about his body. Until I saw him run in -- If you haven't seen Mike run in smooth, ultrarunner, gazelle like strides, you are missing out on something amazing. The headlamps came out, Mike narrowed the team of runners on the course once it got dark, and we all waited to see him finish, staring into the darkness to look for any sign of a neon vest. When we saw them, there were cheers.

When Mike stopped for a second, I said, "Way to kick cancer's ass, Mike!!!" which was followed by claps from all those around the finish line. He smirked, shook his head wearily and said, "Today, I think it was more of a draw."

While I realize that Mike's too busy running to read my blog this week -- I'm still going to post a reminder about how this is nowhere near a draw. A star burns up it's very essence to bring light to others. It may have been a tough day, but Mike, you are bringing hope and inspiration to cancer fighters, survivors and families everywhere. You're raising thousands of dollars in the name of finding a cure for cancer (by the way, folks, click here to please help donate to LLS & help us reach the GWR goal!!). THAT is not a draw. THAT IS KICKING CANCER'S ASS. Sure, it's a tough day. But, you're helping us win this war on this freakin' stupid, deadbeat disease. For that, I am grateful more than you'll ever comprehend.

I thought I'd post a few reminders of the lives you've touched that are at the receiving end of those dollars you're raising. Perhaps these cancer fighters & survivors will provide a little inspiration for your run tomorrow. CURES ROCK. You are a rock STAR, Mike. Keep on truckin', my friend.















Pics:
1. Julie (Leuk survivor) & Grant (TNT Honored Teammate & 3 yrs old Leuk patient) *Hog wild!*
2. Best reception...ever. Talk about a family that kicked cancer's bootie!
3. Red. Need I say more?
4. The Gong at Cardons Children's Hospital

Happy Birthday, my friend.

Today was the 38th birthday of my friend, Mike. No, seriously, don't stop reading this blog post...trust me, he's awesome. I deeply wish that everyone had a friend just like him. Which, I admit, would probably be impossible because Mike is one of those special rock stars in life.

Today was not only Mike's birthday, but it was Day 4 of his Guinness World Record (GWR) attempt -- which, by the way, he's running in order to help raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). To date, ~$35,000 has been raised for this attempt...and his new goal is $38,000 (after all, he's 38 today) -- so, if you'd like to wish him a happy birthday...*hint*hint*....go to the GWR web site and donate $38...$380...or $3800! Get my point?

A sports writer called today who's writing an article on Mike's attempt at the GWR. Can't blame him...Mike's doing amazing things with his running gift. *karma points*

He asked me the typical questions...and then the writer faltered, re-phrased his question a few times, and then finally said, "I have to know... what emotions do you feel to know that Mike started all of this in support of you..." He, of course, made the caveat that he understands that Mike's mission is so much bigger now in this fight against cancer....but how did I feel about having someone do something like this originally years ago for me?...

Wow. I was speechless. Nobody has ever asked me that question. Here's my answer: I'm tremendously grateful, extremely humbled and honored to have a friend like Mike. The cancer community as a whole is better off for having him as an advocate. I think he's amazing. (And, yes, I'm biased.) We talked about how it would make sense if Mike were doing this for a family member or something...but for a friend and coworker? Even more unusual. At that point, I believe the writer began to understand the type of person that Mike is and the passion he has to fight cancer.

So, today, I wish Mike a happy birthday. You are a warrior with a heart of gold. I know you'll break this Guinness World Record. I know you'll reach your fundraising goal for LLS. On behalf of cancer survivors everywhere -- thank you. I am alive because of the funds you've raised. Maybe someday, ...that "lucky dollar" you keep searching for, will fund the research that will help find a cure for cancer so I can stop looking over my shoulder and find peace that it'll never come back. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.