Hi everyone,

Our dad, Rich, passed away on February 20, 2022. It's hard to believe it's been over three years! We miss him every day! We’re continuing what’s become an annual tradition to honor dad’s memory, and running David Goggins’ 4x4x48 challenge (48 miles in 48 hours). This year we’ll be starting the run at 5pm on Friday, March 28 and finishing up with our last run at 1pm on Sunday, March 30.

We started this fundraiser to raise awareness and assist in finding a cure for neuroendocrine cancer shortly after dad passed away. We’ve raised almost $20,000 in the three years, and we cannot express our gratitude enough to those of you that have donated either monetarily or through your kind words and support.

The first time around there were two of us running (me and Big Curt). Over the years we've added to that number when Tommy O’Rourke and Dave Bodner joined in the run. This year, Frank Zangari will be joining for at least a portion of the run! We couldn't do it without Mama O'Rourke's home cooked meals throughout the weekend (there's nothing like homemade chicken soup after a 1 a.m. run in freezing temperatures!).

The affirmation I repeat to myself over and over throughout the race is simple, ‘it’s only temporary.’ Any pain, soreness, fatigue, hunger, or any other obstacle I might experience throughout the race is only temporary. The pain will pass, I’ll get rest and eat eventually. That mindset helps me to navigate the most difficult and challenging parts of the race. And any pain I experience pales in comparison to what dad went through in his nearly 5-year battle with neuroendocrine cancer.

He was diagnosed with this horrific disease in September 2017, and we didn’t think he’d make it through the month. He underwent numerous chemo, radiation, and immunotherapy treatments only to have the cancer come back quicker and more aggressively each time. Our father fought a truly impossible battle for over 4 years.

Running 4 miles, every 4 hours, for 48 hours (48 miles total) seems manageable after thinking about what dad went through … my struggle is only temporary. It’s all about perspective! We all know someone who has battled cancer. Some are able to win their battle, many are not. As hard as dad fought, he could not win his battle.

If you choose to donate, whatever the amount, big or small, it will aid in the research to find a cure for this horrible disease. If anyone is local and wants to join us in running a portion (or more) of this race, we’d welcome the company and support. We’ll be running from 5pm Friday, March 28, with our last run at 1pm Sunday, March 30.

If you’d like to donate in another way, please join us at The Jetty in Long Beach to celebrate after the run. There will be a $60 Open Bar from 2pm-5pm on Sunday, March 30th, with $20 from each person going directly to the cause!!

We hope to see you all on Sunday afternoon!

With Love,

Jay Supple