Just became an Uncle! January 10th, 2008. Kaitlyn Cecilia. 6lbs. 2oz. Nice going J-Nell!!! Always striving to be more. Live by the motto Keep On Keeping On! Simply stated....NEVER GIVE UP! If you fall down, get up and ask for more. If you go all out, go all OUT! No wimps. No excuses. In the summer of 2005, I took off the month of August (My boy Kunicks took off 2 weeks to be with me!) to increase awareness for Cerebral Palsy. What was the event? A one-man run, covering 717 miles between Orlando, FL and Chicago, IL. (My high day was 42 miles and it was over 100 degrees!) I also authored a book (Keep On Keeping On) about my relationship with Mike, a student who has Cerebral Palsy (but is a brother to me). Mike truly is a special soul and someone who has touched my life in a way that can't be described. Our story was actually on the front page of the Chicago Tribune on October 1st, 2005. Since then I have started a new foundation with two of my friends called the Keep On Keeping On Foundation, NFP 501 (c) (3). We will be helping families that have a child or children with cerebral palsy or other disabilities they were born with. We have just started laying the groundwork for a successful organization, that will have the ability to help thousands of families. What's next? I will be running a 24 hour race. My goal is 3 marathon's in those 24 hours. 78.6 miles! KeeponKeepingon.org
Mike and I are also co-authoring a book. This will be a book to help close the gap, increase understanding, and awareness. Our goal is to have it completed by Fall 2008.
When I was 5, I wanted to be Batman. Not because of the tights, but because I wanted to help people. I no longer want to be Batman, but I still love to help people. Probably stems from my parents both starting their careers as teachers. Couldn't have asked for better role models. They definitely shaped me. I don't take myself too seriously, find fun in just about anything I do, whether it be running by the lake, reading a book, or getting my hair cut. Always in a good mood! Even on a Monday morning. Sometimes it annoys people. Every day above ground is a GREAT DAY! Funny, Adventurous, Determined, Passionate, Confident, Aggressive, Trail Blazer are good descriptions of me. Can be a beast while competing, but also know how and when to turn it off. Love seeing live performances...Ravinia, Improv Comedy, or a dive bar, love the thrill and excitement of sports, love exploring new places, Bed and Breakfast in the country (nothing like a brisk walk when the leaves are changing colors) or an Exotic Resort, maybe Horseback riding along the ocean? Love being by large bodies of water and there is something about the wet sand in between my toes. Life is too short so I enjoy what I can! Been known to leave crazy-random voice messages. I have many voices. Some of them funny, some of them annoying. So you have been warned. My time is precious to me and I try not to waste a second. That is why I value my family and friends so much, and why I pick and choose who I spend my time with carefully. Interesting Fact #1 about me: Dan Lauria (The Father from Wonder Years) once gave me a ride to the Denver Airport. Wanna know more? Just ask.
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http://youtube.com/watch?v=vX3OQyju860
http://youtube.com/watch?v=7gADi7Rv6sk
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