"The meaning of life is to find our gift. The purpose of life is to give it away."

I've been a supporter of the IFOPA family since 2016 when Eli Wallace was diagnosed with FOP (fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva). His father Kyle called me from Philadelphia as the long and complicated diagnosis process had finally come to an end. The Wallace family now had their answer and, with that, had a request of me — would I be willing to partner my endurance race efforts with fundraising to help find a cure. The day I got the call from Kyle was the same day I registered to participate in the 2017 Ironman Wisconsin. Call it fate, a message from the universe or a serendipitous moment, I said yes, and I haven't stopped because a cure has not been found.

Over the last 7 years, I've leaned on Eli for inspiration to help me through some of my most difficult endurance and training events. From Ironman, 50ks, Ironman 70.3 World Championship, 14-hour last person standing run — I've tried to leverage my racing efforts and results with fundraising. If someone challenges me to go run a marathon for a donation, I'll do it.

For 2024 I want to go big. Eli has grown from that One Rare Boy into One Rare Man as he easily dwarfs me. Madison, WI is fortunate as it's been home to the full distance Ironman for almost 20 years. In 2021 they began a half Ironman the day before the full. A half Ironman is affectionately known as a 70.3 (the total distance of the race); the full is 140.6. I will be participating in the 210.9 challenge; Saturday's 70.3 followed by Sunday's 140.6. My goal is to raise $21,090 by race weekend in September.

#movingtokeepelimoving