Race Idea

Here goes.

Most of you know that my dear friend Ben Sullivan passed away a few weeks before Thanksgiving. Some of you may have been close with Ben too. If you aren’t, here’s some background. Ben and I went to High School together and remained good friends beyond that. Ben was an incredibly generous soul, a good man, and a person that loved others they way God commissions us to. I thank God everyday that I was blessed enough to know Ben. He taught me many things and I was just lucky to be friends with him. Although the tragedy of his death will continue to challenge my faith and to burden my heart, I have to do something positive for myself and more importantly, for Ben.

Ben’s parents established the Ben Sullivan Memorial Fund to provide money for researching and understanding depression better; to help others understand that depression is a disease, not a character flaw.

I think of the Beatitudes...Matthew 5:1-13 a lot lately. Another helpful article if anyone else is dealing with the loss of someone by suicide is by a Catholic priest named Father Ron Rohlheiser, a theologian and teacher. It's very smart and straight-forward. http://www.ronrolheiser.com/columnarchive/search_detail.php?rec_id=102

Since I am running my half marathon in February, I thought that in-between now and then I would try to gather donations as sort of a pledge drive. Whatever amount of money I have raised by the date of the Huntington Beach half marathon I will donate to the Ben Sullivan Memorial Fund. I will also be making a custom race shirt with Ben’s name on it. Ben was a competitive cyclist during his time at St. Louis University so I think it only makes sense that I will honor him by racing for him. Only I won’t be biking…close enough though :)

More details on how you can donate to come.