When I started this amazing adventure back in 2010, I had no idea how many people would have such a truly significant and profound impact on my life. This is especially illustrated as two of our young people, Brandon Loughridge and Tyler Blanton, have committed to fulfill a dream of mine in my place. This is not to say that I do not continue to have that dream and that I hope to someday accomplish it, but these young men have committed to race the 2015 Ironman Texas in my name. Amazing. It is quite easy to say that you want to do something, but another matter entirely to actually do it. In a few short months, I have seen these young men transform themselves and train with true passion and dedication. They are both college students (with economics and architecture majors – not light study loads), yet they take time each day to train hard to make sure that they will accomplish this dream … my dream. I’m so proud of these young men. While I have known Brandon since he was in high school, I met Tyler the day before last year’s MS150, where he and Brandon road in my name. The compassion and dedication of these men has truly touched me. Their desire to help others selflessly is astounding. Because the costs associated with equipment and training for a race such as Ironman is extensive and because these are college students, they have even taken it upon themselves to start a fundraising campaign. When I read Brandon and Tyler’s fundraising site, I nearly fell out of my chair. Not only do they want to raise the money necessary to get their equipment and training materials, they want to raise a substantial amount for multiple sclerosis research. I’ve said it before and I will say it again, our young people absolutely amaze me. Please take a moment to go to their site and read their amazing story. I assure you that it will put a smile on your face and foster the positivity that we have always talked about here. If you’re able to please donate something, anything, to this worthy and noble cause. The site is www.gofundme.com/fupsvg. Please join our team in supporting these fine young men.
