The LampStrong Foundation, Inc.

"I have a good feeling about 2020" - me/every other human being on planet earth January 1st - March 13th...

God weren't we a couple of jokesters!

But here we are.  Reading what the heck I'm writing and trying to make the most of what we have in a year defined by turbulence, activism, and dare I say, and hear me out... politics?

"Oh no, is he about to go political?!

You're (canceled) fired!"

Boy... We have fun. But let's chat about why you're here.

For the past some odd years, September has been a special month for me and one I've come to circle on my calendar (not actually, but you get my drift). Why? 

Simple. It's Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month - An opportunity to show support and raise awareness to anyone and everyone battling an unforgiving and ruthless disease.

What about pediatric cancer get's me all fired up you ask?

To not give you a long-winded answer, I believe everyone should have a chance at living up to their fullest potential unimpeded by physical inabilities, and whenever I hear or see a kid taking on cancer, it feels like a Mike Tyson-esque punch right to my gut.

I, like so many of us reading this, have been the recipients of good health - something I appreciate every single day. And with my health, I want to do what I know I can to help those that haven't been as fortunate.

Which brings us to this fundraiser.

You see, running has been my way of connecting my talents and charisma to those individuals, families, and institutions delivering life-saving treatments, albeit many of these instances have been half-stupid and a full send on impulsivity.

Whether it's been running 361 miles in September to raise money for pediatric cancer awareness month, running from Chicago to Michigan to raise money for the Carris family whose son, Adler, is battling inoperable brain cancer, running has been my outlet that has opened so many doors, friendships, and opportunities to give back ( was that too much flexing and #sickbragging? LMK in the comments). But, staying true to my stupidity and impulsiveness, I will be setting out to run 7 marathons in 7 days from September 19th - 25th to help raise money for the Lampstrong Foundation, a charity focused on providing difference-making financial, emotional and motivational support to cancer patients and families in all the stages of cancer treatment and recovery.

Now how did this all come about you ask? What's with the 20 questions?!

One human that I've met through running is my dear friend, Carina Vallejos. She might be the most caring and thoughtful person I know and as we were chit-chattin' one afternoon sippin' a cup of joe, she told me about her friend, Matt Lampson. Hearing her describe their friendship, his story, and then doing some research into who the heck this cat is made me instantly inspired. Here's Matt's backstory:

- At 17 he was diagnosed with Stage IV Hodgkin Lymphoma.
- Battled it
- Overcame it
- Went on to start the Lampstrong Foundation

Oh my b... I forgot to mention that after he overcame cancer, he went on to win numerous accolades as goalkeeper for THEE Ohio State University, sign an MLS deal with the Columbus Crew (and current player for), and maybe most importantly, has won MLS Humanitarian of the Year three times and launched his charity to keep his ties and roots to those patients and families battling cancer.

Matt - you inspire so many more people than you realize both inside and outside hospital settings. My faith has and will always be in authentic people doing what they thought they can't for those that they can. 

DISCLAIMER: I was going to do a charity run - Run 51 - back in April for those that have memories like an elephant but like... COVID. So this will be the substitute for that run. Thank you for all those that have already donated. I haven't forgotten about you.

So that it’s my people. I can’t thank you enough in advance for what’s to come. Any donation or support is so so appreciated.

And don't be afraid to make impulsive half-baked decisions. Trust in you. Only you know you. Blah Blah Blah enough pep-talk shenanigans. See you on the streets in September.

Wishing you all nothing but health and happiness,
Peter

Times and Courses:

Saturday, September 19th: Chicago Marathon Course. 4am-8am

Sunday, September 20th: Lakefront 4am-8am

Monday, September 21st: lululemon Freezing Fifty Route 8:45am - 12:45pm

Tuesday, September 22nd: Chicago Marathon Course Pt. 2 9:45am-12:45pm

Wednesday, September 23rd: Lakefront Pt. 2 4pm - 8pm

Thursday, September 24th: Freezing Fifty Route Pt. 2 4pm-8pm

Friday, September 25: F*ck it. Whenever I want to run a marathon. Probably 9:30am-ish. Ending location: Bucktown lululemon store. ETA TBD.