He was born with cystic fibrosis, a chronic progressive disease characterized by a thick, sticky mucous that clogs the lungs. Each day, he takes 50-70 pills. And he hooks himself up to a machine called the vest that shakes his upper body for 1-1.5 hours a day to loosen the mucus from his lungs. All this – – so he can run. He’s run 6 marathons, five of which have been under 4 hours. Why does he do it?
“I do it because I want to prove to myself that I can…I run because one day I might not able to.”
Source: Thank you lybio.net
He both inspires and breaks my heart – what a tenacious, awful disease and what determination to live fully despite its challenges. Wow.
Yes, wow. The strength and fortitude that this man has is awe inspiring…
This really hits me, as I had a dear friend growing up who had CF and I witnessed firsthand how pernicious this disease is. It requires the person to be in “battle mode” virtually every day, just to live. And yet, my friend Gwen was the happiest, sunniest soul–she took NOTHING for granted–every day was viewed as a gift and an adventure. She’s gone now–CF eventually won, but what a lesson she imparted– stays with me to this day. Good for him. May he run for many years….
What an incredibly uplifting story. Our day to day struggles are so insignificant in comparison. Thanks for sharing Lori.
Very inspiring.
I have the same excuse you do–thanks for the inspiration!
:). Yes!
A new perspective for today – thanks for that!
A piercing one at that! 🙂
Remind me never to complain again.
Me too!
I agree. Remind me to never complain again, as well. This points out the things we so easily take for granted.
Yes, message hit me in the chest too after watching the clip.
For someone whose early diagnosis was “failure to thrive”…this extraordinary human being THRIVES. You know how this touches my heart, David. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, yes I do Carol. Thanks.
Reblogged this on Wholeheartedness.
Thanks for sharing Todd
What a story, David. He’s an amazing man.
Awesome! It is remarkeable the number of people overcoming difficulties passing me in marathons.
It is awesome Pat. And awesome that you run marathons. Hope you and family are doing well.
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