It’s Not About The Run

Posted on May 16, 2012 by Steve Cannon

Years ago, Lance Armstrong wrote a book called “It’s Not About the Bike”. I did not realize at the time that this book would change my life. If you have yet to read the book, I would suggest giving it a look. The title is true to the content. Bike riding is a part of the book obviously, but this is a book about LIFE.

28 Million people live with this disease worldwide. Staggering.

I have a couple “rules” I try my best to live by. IF, and that is a HUGE if, we are fortunate enough to have our health than we have 2 basic obligations. One is to honor ourselves by living our life as BIG and full as we can. Be the best Parent, volunteer, adventurer, the best you that you can be. Second, and I believe even more important is to use that health to benefit those who are not so lucky.

On May 27th I’ll begin a 40 day Run around Lake Michigan which will amount to a marathon a day; give or take. It’s not about THE RUN. It is about doing something that brings attention to the number one killer of our fellow man. While great groups like the American Cancer Society and the Leukemia/Lymphoma society raise millions to end this disease, The Lance Armstrong Foundation works to help those diagnosed with Cancer live, beat and sometimes lose the battle with Cancer on THEIR terms.

 

As I Forrest Gump my way around Lake Michigan it will not be about THE RUN. It will be about  40 days bringing attention to this disease and raising money and awareness to help all those who are or will be diagnosed with Cancer. I invite you to join me. Come run with me, share this with all you know, donate, whatever moves you. 

 See you at Lake Michigan….

LIVESTRONG

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Watch Out For This Girl!!!!

Posted on May 8, 2012 by Steve Cannon

I’d like you all to meet Jenn Gibbons..Bad a$$ rower, cancer fighter and VERY live wire!! (and our first guest blogger)

 

Recently Jonny Imerman of Imerman’s Angels introduced me via email to Steve Cannon-a man that is running 40 marathons in 40 days to kick cancer’s ass. Jonny connected us because while I’m rowing the perimeter of Lake Michigan this summer-Steve will be running it.  Good cancer fighting people connecting good cancer fighting people-you really can’t go wrong.
 
Starting June 15th I will row the entire 1,500 mile perimeter of Lake Michigan. This attempt will make me the first person to ever attempt and complete this very unique row.  As part of the challenge I am raising funds and awareness for Recovery on Water (ROW), a charitable organization that I co-founded and which serves as a rowing team for survivors of breast cancer giving them the opportunity to speed their recovery time and lower their risk of recurrence. You can read about our programs and the women we work with here: www.recoveryonwater.org/testimonials.
 
I think that one of the most inspiring parts of my journey-since the very beginning when I decided to do this trip (over two years ago!)-are the amazing people I’ve met along the way. I haven’t even left yet-and I feel as though my life has been changed forever.
 
After our email introduction, Steve called me and it seems that we “crazy adventure cancer fighters” (yep, I just came up with that) have a lot in common. An hour went by and everything from training tips and chaffing cream to planning meals and fundraising came up in conversation.
 
Steve’s trip is so inspiring. He’s starting from Chicago May 27 and running north along the Wisconsin coast. I wish I could catch up with him somehow-but along with a head start-he’ll also be running a lot faster than Liv and I can cover water.  He’s raising funds for the Livestrong Foundation and blogging at theruntocurecancer.com. To follow my rowing adventure, you can visit row4row.org. Follow our progress as we take on Lake Michigan—donate to either of our great causes—and get inspired to take on a challenge of your own! 

Thank you Jenn!! See you in Chicago Girl!! This is no ordinary girl and so you have an idea…this is no ordinary boat. She ain’t just rowing Lake Michigan..she will eat , sleep, and well you can fill in the rest, on this boat!! 60 Days on the water!!

Filed under: cancer, Lance Armstrong, Livestrong, Running | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

YOU’RE INVITED..AND SO ARE YOU AND YOU AND YOU

Posted on April 26, 2012 by Steve Cannon

On Sunday May 27th, the Run to Cure Cancer will kick off from Navy Pier. Show of hands….Who out there has had Cancer affect their life somehow? Has someone you love been taken; is your friend in the battle?  Do you know someone that has survived the disease? I can say yes to all three. I’ll bet each of you reading this can as well.

May 27th we will honor them all!! We’ll meet around 8 am at Harry Caray’s on Navy Pier with the run starting  at 9. The first day event is “Run a Marathon, Run a Mile”. If you are a survivor, battling the disease or running for someone who is, ALL are invited. Whatever your distance, whatever your pace it makes no difference. Each of us will run that day to celebrate life and show those that are in the fight that we are all in this together. If one person on this planet has Cancer than in some way we all do. We’re all connected.

See you there,

Steve

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YOU Are Changing…Saving People’s Lives

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Steve Cannon

When you make a donation to The Run to Cure Cancer, I wonder if you realize just what you are doing. I mean….it is an incredible thing to dip into your own pocket and give to something that does not directly benefit you or your family. That act in and of itself is something to be very proud of!! It struck me though just the other day that I wondered if any of you REALLY know what you are doing. Your donation improves and in some cases saves the life of someone diagnosed with Cancer. People are living longer, better, STRONGER because of YOU. Please take a moment and let that sink in. Someone, somewhere who you don’t know and will probably never meet will have a better quality of life after Cancer because of YOU!! In 2010 Nearly 29 Million Dollars went to the numerous programs that grassroot fundraisers like you help to fund. Over the next couple months we’ll be sharing with you some of those programs so you can see first hand the gift YOU are giving. The video is a piece on a program called “Livestrong at the YMCA”.

From Survivors everywhere, Thank YOU. YOU are amazing

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