Hi, my name is Alexander Witte

 

I'm currently embarking on a journey of self development and improvement through a program called 75Hard. 75Hard is a 75 day mental toughness program designed by 1st Phorm CEO Andy Frisella. It's designed to sharpen skills like discipline, grit, fortitude and perseverance. Think of it like an Ironman for your brain. In the time of writing this I am on day 49.

https://andyfrisella.com/pages/75hard-info 

 

The last few days have really had me thinking about what this journey has taught me so far and how I want it to impact myself and others going forward. Seeing as there is about a month remaining I've decided that I want to end the 75 day program with a BANG.

 

That is why I have decided to start training for the 4x4x48 challenge. The 4x4x48 challenge is a 4 mile run, every 4 hours for 48 hours. Sounds pretty hard right? The challenge designed by ultra marathon runner and motivational icon David Goggins has been done for multiple years now by him and his following. This year it took place on March 4th, 2022. I unfortunately missed it this year as I've only just heard about it. I've decided that despite this, I will be completing this challenge starting on June 24th, until June 26th, 2022. https://www.gogginschallenge.com/ 

 

That brings me to the what and why I've decided to raise money for SickKids hospital. Twelve years ago on February 5th, 2010, I lost my brother Ethan. I've included his story below, please take the time to read this incredible story of true strength and perseverance.

                                   ETHANS STORY

 

 

Ethan Jakob Witte was born August 15th, 2000. He was born three months premature and the complications from that started from day one. By the time he was 3 years old, he had been diagnosed with a rare condition known as Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIP). Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIP) is a rare disorder in which intestinal nerve or muscle problems prevent food, fluid, and air from moving through the stomach and intestines. The child experiences the symptoms of an intestinal blockage, though no actual physical blockage exists. Over time, children with CIP can become malnourished because their gastrointestinal tracts are unable to absorb food and get nutrition. Less than 100 children are born with congenital CIP in the Canada each year. for more information on CIP I've included a link - https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/chronic-intestinal-pseudo-obstruction/

He was equipped with a colostomy bag which separated his stomach from his digestive system and was tube fed for his entire life. In the 9 years of life he lived, most of them, were in SickKids on hospital on floor 6A. This floor of SickKids specializes in children who stay in hospital for prolonged periods of time. he would spend months at a time and sometimes as long as a year bed ridden receiving treatment everyday at SickKids. 

                ^Ethan pictured with his favourite nurse at SickKids.^

Ethan was a part of the SickKids Make-A-Wish Foundation. This foundation helps children with long term or terminal illnesses live full lives through amazing experiences organized by the foundation. He was able to attend games and meet with Sports teams, Athletes, and celebrities. He was able to go to amusement parks, water parks, and travel to meet other amazing kids just like him. He really did live a FULL life.

              ^Ethan at the Starlight Children's Foundation gala in 2007.^

Ethan's story of life is one of true strength, perseverance, Bravery and Courage. Ethan got up everyday, despite EVERYTHING, and lived life to the fullest! There was nothing or no one who could BREAK the joy and passion for life that he lived with EVERYDAY. Ethan will forever and always be my hero.

 

What the 4x4x48 challenge represents than, is (which in my mind still holds no comparison) a typical 48 hour period of Ethan's life and other kids lives who spend it in hospital being tested and poked and operated on endlessly at all hours of the day. Except they do this for YEARS. I'm only doing it for 48 hours.

 

My goal is to raise $1000 for the SickKids foundation so that they can continue to help kids like my brother live as normal to a life as they can. 

Please join me for a run (or two) starting on Friday, June 24th, 2022 at 8pm every 4 hours until Sunday, June 26th, 2022 at 8pm.

More details to follow shortly on route information and where to meet me on my runs and events being held throughout the fundraising period.

 

If you've made it this far, please consider donating anything you can to this cause. Even if it's just a dollar. It would mean so much to me and my family.

 

I appreciate your time today and thank you!