I'm going FUNDRACING for MS research! Will you help me bring encouragement to the world of MS and beyond?

My Story, My Race
My good friends and family will know I have struggled with health and weight-loss for several years. Despite countless diets, lifestyle changes, moving to new cities, trainers... nothing has ever stuck. Until now.

In late November, 2015, after watching the brith of my second child, I said to myself, no more. I want to live to be 100. I want to play hard with my kids, and their kids someday. So, with the inspiration of my sister-in-law who is an avid runner, and the advice and council of friends, mentors, and my beautiful wife, I chose to go big or go home. 

I started in December training with the Couch to 5K app. As a lifelong asthmatic, it was difficult at first, but I ran my first full length 5K in early March. The next day, I bought a bike, and two days later jumped in the pool. I still have a long road ahead of me, but the weight is beginning to slowly come off, and my body is beginning to transform. I'm getting stronger, more energetic, my lungs feel better and better, and I grow more confident in myself each day. I know this is the beginning of a new life for me, to be a healthy role-model for my boys, to enjoy life and all it's many joys to the fullest. 

I will compete in the Sprint Triathlon (400m swim / 15 mile bike / 5K run), Saturday, September 3, 2016. 

My Encouragement
Not two weeks after making the decision to race in the Bentonville Trifest benefiting the Rampy Research Foundation, in walks Scott and Jo Rampy to The Gathering at First United Methodist Church | Downtown Bentonville where I serve as Director of Music and Worship Arts. The Rampys are a wonderful, inspirational couple I'm thrilled to call friends. I'm encouraged by them every single week. 

I'm encouraged by my boys, Aidan and Coleman, and my beautiful wife, Casey. And by extended family and friends who constantly are checking in to see how I'm progressing. 

Dedication
I dedicate my race to my long-time friend, Nick Page, with Muscular Dystrophy, and to my new friend, Jo Rampy. 

About the 2016 Team Endurance for MS
People with MS endure and encourage us onward, despite circumstances. It is our aim that we capture that spirit and share the encouragement forward through participating in endurance events. No matter what brings us to the starting line, we cheer each other to the finish line - in sport, in health and in life.

How It Works
Team Endurance for MS is an endurance sports team organized by the Rampy MS Research Foundation. When you join the team, you commit to a fundraising minimum. Upon joining, we connect you with fellow team members and help equip you with fundraising tips and tools. Oh ya, we also hook you up with some cool swag!

How You Can Help

• Donate. Encourage us on with whatever you feel called to give. Consider giving a $1 (or $5 or $10...) for every mile I'll complete.  (18 miles) 

• Share. Read our stories and tell your friends and family about our effort by posting them to Facebook and Twitter.

• Join my fundraiser. Click "create your own fundraiser" and join my fundraising team or create your own fundrace.  

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Train. Race. Give.

This is what we do - all in the name of MS research. We call it fundracin' and you can help.  

Support the 2016 Team Endurance for MS
People with MS endure and encourage us onward, despite circumstances. It is our aim that we capture that spirit and share the encouragement forward through participating in endurance events. No matter what brings us to the starting line, we cheer each other to the finish line - in sport, in health and in life.

Team Endurance for MS is an endurance sports team organized by the Rampy MS Research Foundation. Anyone can join the team. You name the race, and we support it! Currently, we offer participation in four ways:

When you join the team, you commit to a fundraising minimum. Upon joining, we connect you with fellow team members and help equip you with fundraising tips and tools. Oh ya, we also hook you up with some cool swag!

Ironman triathlete, Ryan Dagly, is the 2016 Team Captain. I'm also fundracin' with 50+ other athletes dedicated to this effort! Together, we aim to raise over $30,000 for MS research. How can you use what you do to encourage the world of MS and beyond? Learn how you can get involved.

Know the Numbers

• MS is most commonly diagnosed in young adults.
• 80% of MS patients develop MS between the ages of 16 and 45.
• Women are more frequently diagnosed with MS by at least 2 to 1.
• MS is the leading cause of disability in young women and the second leading cause of disability in young men.
• About 350,000 people live with MS in the United States. 200 new patients are diagnosed, every week. If each person diagnosed has just one family member, friend or caregiver, that's 700,000 people impacted.

About MS
MS is a progressive and unpredictable disease of the central nervous system that disrupts communication between the brain and other parts of the body. The severity of the disease and its symptoms vary from person to person. The cause is unknown. There is no known cure--yet.

About the Rampy MS Research Foundation
We bring encouragement to the world of MS and beyond through the power of endurance sports, community and research. You can help. Join us and help change lives to save lives.

Swim. Bike. Run. Encourage!