Lesson 3,598: People will always continue to surprise you...

Last week, I received some incredible news, just at the point when I needed it the most. I've had a cold that has kept me down for the count for about two weeks on my training, and pressures from my job that seemed completely overwhelming. With recommitment looming, my fundraising goal seemed to be moving further and further out of reach. My conviction was faltering, and I was starting to seriously consider bagging this whole idea, wondering who I thought I was to be able to take on such a task? In the face of an economic crisis the likes of which have not been seen since the Great Depression, who am I to ask this of my friends, coworkers, and loved ones? But last Monday, something happened that changed the game.

I drove into work, the whole time thinking about how to approach the topic with our local LLS chapter directors, and about whether or not continuing on the path to the race was really a good idea. I got in, turned on my computer, and there sat an email - from the Vice President of RPI's Lambda Chi Alpha (LXA) and Class of 2009 President. LXA had just been recognized by the Rensselaer Alumni Association with its annual Community Service award - a $500 donation to the charity or charities of LXA's choice... and LXA had decided to award that entire $500 donation to me and my race. When I read the email, I couldn't decide whether to laugh or to cry. Any thoughts of quitting the race were quickly put to rest. If a group of young men - almost all of them complete strangers to me - could believe in me and my cause, then I needed to stop doubting myself and do a little believing as well.

Tomorrow night, Casey, Mom and Dad will join me at the Houston Field House on the RPI campus as the Engineers take on UMass... and LXA hands me a "big check" out on the ice. Hopefully I won't fall on my face... and hopefully I'll have some great pictures to share with you all! With the $500 donation from LXA and my pledges that are currently en route to the processing center, I am officially at just over $1,500 - about 40% of my fundraising goal, and almost halfway there! I have a long way to go, but my hope is renewed... and now I have to get down with some serious training!

~RSF