Hi everyone,
Four years ago, on February 20, 2022, we said goodbye to our dad, Rich. Somehow, it feels like both yesterday and a lifetime ago. Not a day goes by that we don’t think about him. Grief has a way of changing shape over time, but the love, and the missing him, never fades.
To honor Dad and the fight he gave everything he had to, we’re continuing what has become an annual tradition: taking on David Goggins’ 4x4x48 Challenge: running 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours, totaling 48 miles.
This year, we’ll start at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 27th, and finish with our final run at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 29th.
We began this fundraiser shortly after Dad passed to raise awareness and support research for neuroendocrine cancer, the devastating disease he battled for nearly five years. In the four years since, we’ve raised almost $25,000. That number humbles us. To everyone who has donated, sent a message, shared the page, or simply checked in, thank you! Your kindness has carried us more than you know.
The first year, it was just two of us, me and Big Curt, the OGs, running through the dark, the cold, and the quiet hours of the night. Since then, this has grown into something bigger than we ever imagined. Tommy O’Rourke and Dave Bodner joined the mission. Last year, Frank Zangari ran 32 of the 48 miles with us, and this year he’s going the full 48. We’re fired up to have another Lawrence Football alum, Rick Cusumano, lacing them up. And we’re hoping to inject some young blood into the madness with AJ Caronia listed as probable.
There’s something powerful about suffering together for a purpose.
We also have to give a huge, heartfelt shoutout to Mrs. O’Rourke, who keeps us fueled all weekend long. There is absolutely nothing like homemade chicken soup after a 1:00 a.m. run in freezing temperatures. It’s those small acts of love that make the hardest miles manageable.
On a personal level, there’s a phrase I repeat to myself over and over during the race: It’s only temporary.
The pain is temporary.
The soreness is temporary.
The exhaustion, the hunger, the doubt … it’s all temporary.
Eventually, I’ll rest. I’ll eat. I’ll recover.
But when I think about what Dad endured, the chemo, the radiation, the immunotherapy treatments, the setbacks, the crushing news each time the cancer returned more aggressive than before, I’m reminded that his battle was anything but temporary. Diagnosed in September 2017, we didn’t think he’d make it through the month. Yet he fought. He fought bravely for four and a half years.
Running 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours doesn’t seem so daunting when you measure it against that.
It’s all about perspective.
Every one of us knows someone who has battled cancer. Some win. Many don’t. Dad gave everything he had, but this disease was relentless.
If you feel moved to donate, whether it’s $5 or $500, every dollar goes toward research to help find a cure for neuroendocrine cancer and to support families fighting this unimaginable battle. If you’re local and want to join us for a leg (or more), we would love the company. We’ll be out there from 5:00 p.m. Friday, March 27th through 1:00 p.m. Sunday, March 29th.
And if running isn’t your thing, we’d still love for you to join us afterward to celebrate Dad and the finish! We’ll be gathering from 2:00-5:00pm on Sunday, March 29th at The Cabana in Long Beach.
There will be a $60 per person open bar and buffet, with a portion of the cover charge going directly to the cause! We’ll also be running a 50/50 and an NCAA Tournament box for a few extra chances to donate and have some fun!
Whether you ran, walked, cheered, or just came to support, we hope you’ll celebrate with us!
This weekend is about more than miles. It’s about love. It’s about resilience. It’s about honoring dad and his fight.
We miss you, Dad. Every mile is for you.
DON’T LET THE HARD DAYS WIN.
With love,
Jay Supple