THE MAGIC HAT

Posted on May 16, 2013 by Steve Cannon

It has been said that nothing great is ever accomplished alone. I believe that. Dr. Richard Deming, the founder of Above and Beyond Cancer has a saying I love. “None of Us is as good as ALL of Us.”

It was somewhere around the end of January that The Million Dollar Marathon was announced. A dream hatched up while running across Iowa had become a reality. The MDM had been brought to life because of others, not me. The Above and Beyond Family (which I am finding out is way bigger than the Brady Bunch), believed in the concept and gave it life. Even then, were it not for the efforts of others, The Million Dollar Marathon would be hanging out like Frosty the Snowman without his magic hat…lifeless.

Over 100 incredible cancer fighters and those who love them became The Million Dollar Marathon’s magic hat. They gave our event life, in so many ways. These people, many of whom have never run near a marathon, some not even a 5k stepped up and said, “I CAN do this…I WILL do this”. They show us that the only thing that limits us is, well….US. They show us that we are all capable of so much more than we know. You put one foot in front of the other and when things get tough you find a way to stay in the game, to take one more step and then another and another until the goal is reached.

I have heard Cancer Survivors say that if given the choice to go back and not have Cancer that they would not. They speak of the “gift” of Cancer and that they live a different life now.  They laugh louder, hug stronger and live each day to the best of their ability. It is a gift that they share with us all. My life is better because of these people and what they have taught me. They will always be my “Magic” hat.

Go Team Million Dollar Marathon!!!

 

 

Filed under: above and beyond cancer, american cancer society, cancer, Inspiration, Lance Armstrong, Livestrong, marathon, Running | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Hammer Nutrition!! Great Article!! Thank You!!

Posted on October 9, 2012 by Steve Cannon

If you are an Endurance Athlete wanna be (of which I consider myself a proud member) there are few higher honors than getting featured in Hammer’s Endurance News. It is a 112 page magazine that is incredibly well done. Hope you enjoy the read!! Check out PAGE 82 !!!

Might be someone you know.

Find the incredible adventurer within each of you!!!

 

Livestrong!!

Filed under: cancer, Lance Armstrong, Livestrong, Running | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

YOU SAVE LIVES!!!!!! ( A Letter to Me and YOU)

Posted on September 27, 2012 by Steve Cannon

Dear Steve,

It’s easy to remember the crucial factor that helped me finally get my life, and myself, back after cancer—people.

After four months of intensive chemo, I was lost. Felt tired all the time. My hair still wasn’t growing back. I couldn’t get used to my “new normal”—and I didn’t want to. Thanks to two amazing Lance Armstrong Foundation programs that connected me with other survivors going through the same thing, I didn’t have to.

They gave me a network of support—people who had my back and let me know it every day. That made all the difference in my fight. And I’m proud to report that I just completed my first triathlon ever!

This LIVESTRONG Day, you have the chance to be there for millions of survivors like me, all around the world, in an incredibly powerful way. But you have to act quickly.

Share a message for cancer survivors today and it will automatically post to your Facebook account on LIVESTRONG Day—next Tuesday—as part of a historic outpouring of support.

On LIVESTRONG Day—October 2—people around the world are coming together to do something extraordinary. For one full day, we’ll share more than 100,000 personal messages simultaneously on Facebook and Twitter in the largest global show of support for survivors in history.

Even better, every message means another dollar will be donated to the Lance Armstrong Foundation to put into programs like the ones that turned my life around—Cancer Transitions and LIVESTRONG at the YMCA.

As a cancer survivor, I can tell you it’s going to be an amazing moment for survivors and supporters everywhere. But we all need to get involved to make it happen.

Share your message of support to be a part of an unprecedented global support network for the world’s 28 million cancer survivors:

LIVESTRONGDay.org

I can’t wait for this massive LIVESTRONG Day event because, quite honestly, if it wasn’t for the substantial work of the Lance Armstrong Foundation I wouldn’t be where I am today. I hope you take part.

Thank you for all you do to support the Foundation and survivors like me,

Alyson Achorn

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

THE MILLION DOLLAR MARATHON

Posted on September 11, 2012 by Steve Cannon

Hello Everybody!! Hope you are having a great day!!

It is said that the only thing better than accomplishing your dreams is to help others accomplish theirs!! Next summer (2013), sometime around June 1st I will do that….117 times!!!!! I have been fortunate enough to realize many of my running dreams, each of them with the help of others!! I ran my first 5k in Manitou Springs in 1998 (granted that one was more to meet girls), my first 10 miler later that summer in the Garden of the Gods, The Chicago Marathon in 2000, Iowa Crossing in 2009 and Circumnavigating Lake Michigan this past summer. Each journey was similar in that all were a venture into the unknown. Can I go that far, what if I can’t, how do I do it?? It is an awesome journey to take, setting a goal beyond that which you know to be possible. When you accomplish that goal, the high is almost indescribable and best of all you are perched to then go even HIGHER!! I’d like to help YOU do just that.

It is just over 3000 miles to cross the United States from New York City to San Francisco California. It will take 117 runners, each running a marathon and handing the LIVESTRONG baton to the next runner, about 28 days to cross the U.S.. The baton will never stop. Each participant will have a fundraising goal of $10,000. When we get to San Francisco, if we have all reached our goal, that is $1.17 Million dollars raised for the 28 Million Cancer Fighters worldwide. I’ll be in the support RV cheering and helping each runner the entire way.  In doing so, WE will help all those in the fight for their lives.  You want in on this????

Stay tuned….

LIVESTRONG

Filed under: cancer, Lance Armstrong, Livestrong, Running | Tagged: , , , , | 4 Comments »

A Walk…er, A Run down Memory Lane

Posted on August 28, 2012 by Steve Cannon

Hello everybody!!

Thought I’d share with you a few more images from the run around Lake Michigan. It has been an exciting time since returning from  Navy Pier. Many of you know Jenn Gibbons, who rowed Lake Michigan’s perimeter shortly after I finished running it. If you don’t, then google search her and be ready to be amazed at the story of her journey. Jenn and I are  joining forces to share our adventures,  speaking around the country. She’ll be here with me in October at Pioneer.  I am excited to be headed to Cedar Rapids to speak at Rockwell Collins soon. Will also be speaking with the LIVESTRONG group here in Des Moines at the Mercy Clinic. Thank you Dr. Deming (google search that man also!!). No group is to big or to small to share the story and continue to raise funds and awareness for those in the Cancer fight. If you  would like to set up a speaking engagement, drop me a call at 515.707.0170. Enjoy the photos. (Thanks Tobin Bennett!! Great Pics bro!!)


 


More Photos coming soon….

PS… I need 125 people who would want to run a marathon and be a part of the largest fundraiser in LIVESTRONG grassroots history. You could be part of a non stop relay across the United States. 3000 miles in 28 days.  Think you got 26.2 miles in those legs??? I DO!!!!

Filed under: cancer, Lance Armstrong, Livestrong, Running, Uncategorized | Tagged: , , , , , | 5 Comments »

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

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

YOU PROVIDE ANGELS

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Steve Cannon

Each and every one of you is incredibly busy in your life.  You are a successful business person, an all star parent, a volunteer in your community, the list can go on and on. I am honored that you take a few valuable minutes to check out The Run to Cure Cancer. Once here, you may be moved for whatever reason to click on the “Donate” button. If that is a choice you make, then let me personally say Thank You from the 28 Million people worldwide who fight this disease every day.

I believe that we as Human beings are always eager to see the good in others and hesitate to pat ourselves on the back; to allow ourselves to say “I did that, and I’m damn proud of it”, even if just to ourselves. Many of you have already donated to this years run and because of that people who you will never meet will have a better life.

The group in the video is called Imerman’s Angels. What they are doing moves me to tears every time I watch it. When your done, pat yourself on the back…even better give yourself a GIANT hug. Your donation helps to fund groups like these. YOU PROVIDE ANGELS!!

LIVESTRONG

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

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

Why Run 40 Straight Marathons

Posted on March 1, 2012 by Steve Cannon

Why Run 40 Marathons in 40 Straight Days

You get asked many questions when you decide to do something like this. One that always gets asked…..WHY?

I’ll run for the 1500 people who will die from Cancer TODAY
….and the thousands more who will fight it

I’ll run because I miss my Grandma
I’ll run for My Aunt Barbara who Cancer took at 44 years old. I’m 45
I’ll run for the adventure and the challenge

I’ll run for my friend Darin. Cancer Survivor AND Ironman
I’ll run around the world’s 6th largest lake to raise $250,000
I’ll run for my friend Drennan, A Mother, Wife and breast cancer survivor who’s not even 40 yet

I’ll run because it scares the hell out of me
I’ll run because I can…and because others can’t
I’ll run for everyone YOU know that has won or lost to Cancer

Join the fight…Share what we are doing…Together we can do anything!!  Thank You

Filed under: Lance Armstrong, Livestrong, Running | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

70,000 YOUNG ADULTS DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Steve Cannon

Take a moment and remember your college years. Your in your late teens, early twenties, not a care in the world…remember??? What about YOUR children, do you have kids entering that awesome, carefree, possibilities endless phase of life? Now imagine YOU at that age, or your kids now being told THEY have Cancer. I cannot even imagine the shock and then the reality of not having a clue what the hell to do. Your donation to The Run to Cure Cancer helps fund LIVESTRONG initiatives like Planet Cancer.

From Livestrong.org…Planet Cancer was founded by young adults in their 20s; either in the midst of or barely out of treatment for cancer. Not only had they endured the incredible indignity of a cancer diagnosis in what should have been the best years of health, they had also all suffered from an immense void in services and support for young cancer patients. The majority of the other patients they encountered were separated by mental, emotional and physical lifetimes. As young adults with cancer, they felt that they had fallen through the cracks, and they wanted to reach out to others having the same experience.

 

 

Every year, nearly 70,000 young adults between 18 and 40 will be diagnosed with cancer in the U.S., representing nearly 7 percent of all cancer diagnoses. The young adults served by Planet Cancer are marginalized in a medical infrastructure that does not have a “home” for them, lacking specific resources geared toward their unique needs and issues. Survival rates for this age group have not improved in over 30 years, yet the medical community still doesn’t recognize young adults as a specific group in need of unique medical, emotional and psychosocial tools.

Planet Cancer exists to provide a critical community of peer support and advocacy for young adults with cancer.

We’re here to connect young adults with each other, to empower them and to help them access support and resources they wouldn’t have known about otherwise. We’re also here to raise our voices in the medical and research communities on behalf of young adults; to say: Young adults do get cancer. We do have unique needs. Our survival rates are not improving. Don’t let us fall through the cracks for one more minute.

Planet Cancer is a LIVESTRONG initiative

Your donation changes/saves these peoples lives!!!!

Filed under: Livestrong, Running, Uncategorized | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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