I just want to take a few minutes and mention a few quick updates that have unfolded within the last few weeks. Things have been busy, but good busy.  There is a show on Comcast Sportsnet called “Net Impact” that has expressed an interest in telling my story. The show features human interest stories about people and their journey above and beyond sport. I met with show host Gregg Murphy and his camera guy Brian  last week and we shot interviews as well as some training in the pool. The cool thing was that I got to wear a head mounted underwater mini camera. I can’t wait to see how that footage turns out. We will film one or two more sessions over the next couple of weeks and the show should air in March on Comcast Sportsnet. Gregg is a great guy and I am looking forward to our next session. I will keep people posted.

We shot those Net Impact interviews and swim footage at the YMCA in Delaware County PA where I am a longtime member and board member. As it turns out, Gregg Murphy is also on the board of his local YMCA in Gloucester County New Jersey. A couple of days after we filmed, Gregg approached me about being their keynote speaker for the 100 year anniversary celebration of their YMCA. It took me about 6 seconds to think about my answer, after which I responded with an enthusiastic, “I would love to do it. Count me in. And THANKS”. That will be in March and details are still pending. It should be a nice night. And I always welcome the opportunity to connect and network when it comes to the YMCA and all of the good that organization does.

Registration is now OPEN for the Brad Schoener Memorial 5K and Music Marathon which will be held on May 19th. I am directing this race again and hope to treat you all to some new surprises this year – as soon as I figure out what they will be.

I am also working with the legendary and renown band Chico’s Vibe in helping them “orchestrate” a new 5K which will benefit hunger relief. This is still a work in progress and nothing is definitive yet but November 17th, 2012 in Havertown PA is looking very probable. Complete details will be announced once they are confirmed. Expect a FUN event, with registration and timing handled by Tim Krueger’s Run the Day. The band’s front man Dennis Chiccino, and I go back to the mid 1980’s and if the first planning meeting is any indication, this is going to be one heck of a fun trip.

Other than that, not too much is “new”. Training is going well. I feel good. Team in Training is in full swing. Our St. Anthony’s triathlon team is just starting to hit their stride and we started recruitment for the Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon this week. Summer will be here before you know it.

Also, to help get you over the winter hump, please don’t forget to visit this year’s Endurance Sports Expo. The Philly area local event will again be held at the Oaks (Pennsylvania) Convention Center the weekend of February 25th and 26th.  Other locations have also been booked in the region. Be sure to visit www.endurancesportsexpo.com for complete details.

I once again can walk above the clouds with clarity and confidence . On January 23rd I had my semi-annual routine blood work with my oncologist. The weeks leading into these appointments are always filled with angst and anxiety for me. I always find myself asking all of the wrong “what if” questions. But I am happy to report that the results were spot on perfect once again. I had a great appointment and chat with my oncologist.

Also, I have just signed on to work with Philly Health Watch and am very much looking forward to this partnership. My regular monthly contribution will probably be centered around multisport racing and training. BUT I will also have the platform to be able to interview and feature some of the amazing individuals and organizations that I am connected to. And will be able to do so via a couple of different media channels. More very soon on this!

Click to Donate

Many of you know that I have been nominated to run for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Man of the Year award.  The Man & Woman of the Year is a national campaign to raise funds to cure leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.  In case you are not aware of my story, I will give you a few of the highlights. I have been an athlete my entire life, and have been racing endurance sports for close to 25 years so I am also living proof that cancer doesn’t play by any rules.

On February 24th 2006 I was diagnosed with leukemia; a diagnosis that came completely out of the blue for me. I started chemotherapy treatment right away and my doctor almost immediately referred to me as a “responder”. I quickly reached complete remission which is where I intend to remain.

I made two very important decisions immediately following my diagnosis. The first was to continue to train through and around my treatments, using my passion for fitness as a weapon in my treatment arsenal. On days that I felt strong, I often ran home from my chemo treatments. I did so to send a message to myself, my loved ones, and my cancer that I had zero intentions of lying down and just “letting this happen”.

The second important decision that I made came only a couple of days after my diagnosis and that was to get involved with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as a triathlon coach in their Team in Training program. It has given me the opportunity to work with so many eager and enthusiastic people, sharing my passion for the sport, as they raise funds and awareness for my blood cancer. It’s a partnership that just doesn’t get any better.

So I didn’t need too much time to think about accepting the nomination to run for Man of the Year. This is simply another chance to help control my own destiny, and the destiny of many others that I will never even meet by continuing to work with an outstanding organization.

Here is how you can help:

1. Simply make a 100% tax-deductible donation to my online fundraising page by CLICKING HERE or by mailing a check (made payable to LLS) to me or directly to LLS at 555 North Lane, Suite 5010, Conshohocken, PA 19428 (please be sure to write my name in the memo section so that I get credit for your generous donation!);
2. Sponsor me and LLS at the Grand Finale Celebration and receive special sponsor benefits including advertising and tickets to the  Grand Finale Celebration (sponsorships from $2,500 – $25,000 available);
3. Join me where the winners will be announced at  the Grand Finale Celebration by purchasing tickets ($100 per person);
4. Purchase an ad supporting me or promoting your business ($250 for a quarter page ad; $500 for a half page ad; $1,000 for a full page ad).

My campaign is shaping up nicely and starting to gain some momentum. We also have scheduled a few key events that will be fun, and should raise great awareness and funds for the cause.

Check out a few of the things we have planned, and come join us…

What: Beef & Beer at the Sheffield Tavern
When: Saturday April 17th from 5-9 PM
Where: The Sheffield Tavern 4501 Sheffield St. Philadelphia PA 19136
Cost: $20 at the door entitles you to food, beer, and a donation to a great cause. Plus we will offer additional fun raffles, drawings, etc.

What: Jewelry Show & Sale Featuring the Unique Creations of MG Brown
When: Sunday April 25th from 1-4 PM
Where: 115 Ellis Rd. Havertown PA 19083. A portion of all sale proceeds will benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

What: Beef & Beer featuring  “Chico’s Mini Vibe” and a special set performed by Dennis Selfridge
When: Sunday May 2nd from 2-6 PM
Where: Frankie’s Café 25 South Eagle Rd. Havertown PA 19083
Cost: $30 at the door entitles you to food, beer, GREAT music by true music legends, a donation to a great cause…. Raffles, door prizes, and more.

No doubt there is something here for everyone to help make a difference in the lives of so many. Please do what you can today.

Thank you for your continued support.