A one day endurance paddling challenge
Course:
San Clemente Island to Coronado, ~75 miles (TBA, pending approval for access to
locations)
Goal: To
raise funds and awareness for the ALS Association and the Navy Seal Foundation.
My Story:
I have been an avid waterman since my early teens, and have
had the honor of serving as an Ocean Lifeguard with the County of Los Angeles
Fire Department since 2001. I swam through high school & College/University
and have been able to continue competing in or on the water to this day. These
experiences have exposed me to some of the greatest people and places I could
imagine. I have had the honor of rubbing shoulders with and shaking the hands
of Giants, Warriors, and Heroes.
In 2010 my Mother, Gladys A. Carlson was diagnosed with Amyotrophic
Lateral Sclerosis, more simply known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. A mouthful
of nomenclature to be sure, my summary of the disease is this: the progressive
paralysis of the body from the outside-in. A more complete explanation of the
disease can be read here. 2 years
later, her battle with the disease ended. Throughout her fight with the
disease, her resolve to Never Surrender to the disease was unwavering – a
resolve that she passed on to our family and beyond.
Throughout her life Gladys had a positive influence and
impact on everyone she met, our family not withheld. “QUIT”, was a
‘Four-Letter” word…just like “Can’t” and “Won’t”. These words were simply not
an acceptable part of our vocabulary. “Nothing is impossible…” This unalienable
truth has been weaved into the very fabric of my humanity, and I strive to
carry and pass on that legacy.
ALS and the ALS
Association:
Commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, Amyotrophic
Lateral Sclerosis, is a silent disease with no known cause and no known cure.
The ALS Association is the only national non-profit organization fighting Lou
Gehrig’s Disease on every front. By leading the way in global research,
providing assistance for people with ALS through a nationwide network of
chapters, coordinating multidisciplinary care through certified clinical care
centers, and fostering government partnerships, The Association builds hope and
enhances quality of life while aggressively searching for new treatments and a
cure. More information about the ALS Association and ALS can be found here.
Navy Special
Warfare and the Navy Seal Foundation:
Warriors. Heroes. Human. Family. All of these titles are
accurate of the individuals who answer the call to serve our country as part of
the US Navy Special Warfare and US Navy Special Operations Units and as part of
their supporting infrastructure. On September 11th, 2001 the world
was forever changed, and the need for more Special Warriors to protect this
Great Country’s Freedoms and way of life was paramount. These warriors, Heroes,
sometimes sacrifice everything in order for us to continue the pursuit of our
dreams and our chosen way of life. The Navy Seal Foundation works to support
these Heroes and their families. The Navy SEAL Foundation stands behind all
U.S. Navy SEALs, Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen, Naval Special Warfare
support personnel, and their spouses and children. The Foundation coordinates
closely with NSW commands to support critical needs of active-duty operators
while also providing resources for NSW veterans. Our work is focused on three
key areas: family services and command support, educational programs, and
legacy activities. More information about the Navy Seals and the Navy Seal
Foundation can be found here.
Conclusion:
As part of carrying on the legacy of “NEVER SURRENDER” I want
to raise funds and awareness for those battling ALS and for those who have
chosen to serve my country as part of Naval Special Warfare, some of whom I am
proud to call friend. I want to MOVE for those who no longer can, and suffer
& sacrifice a little for those who have given so much.
Never Quit, Never Give
up, Never Surrender
Honor Them
