Update on Steve and his family from his running friends, David, Kaitie and Cassandra:

After a courageous battle with cancer, Steve passed away Saturday at UW Hospital. Please keep his family (Julie, Lincoln and Evie) in your prayers as they grieve the loss of Steve and try to figure out how to live life without his presence. The beneficiaries of this fundraiser will be the Salt Family. We are raising money that will be used to help support both kids' college education funds. They are an incredible and sweet family that needs a lot of support and prayers at this time. Please find it in your heart to donate if you feel led. Thank you for being an important part of supporting the Salt Family through this difficult time.

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Note from Steve:

Three years ago I started seeking help for depression. I was told running might help so I bought a pair of shoes from Fleet Feet in Sun Prairie with the help of a young lady name Kaitie. On the way out the door I noticed a large chalkboard advertising a Pub Run at the Great Dane. Kaitie explained to me the idea of meeting new people, running, and enjoying food and beverages after. I could see the appeal. After my first try, I started going to pub runs more often, for “accountability”. At pub runs and other fun runs, I got to meet people and found Community in a group of wonderful misfits all willing to listen or talk and help each other out. Running helped me with fitness while the Community helped with depression. Soon I found myself targeting loftier goals. I had struggled through a Thanksgiving 10k, but wanted to prove to myself that I could more. What could I push my body to do? Could I push the depression out? So I signed up for a Half-Marathon in the Fall. Word got around about my race, and soon Coach David spoke to me about getting ready for that run. I signed up for Speed Play and ran my heart out. I utilized all Fleet Feet could offer: clinics, workshops, community events, advice/employees. There was full acceptance with a come-as-you-are atmosphere. I felt like part of a second Family. There was little room for Depression. The tighter knit group of runners supported me in my running and mental goals, even if not all knew my struggles. I kindled friendships with people whose faces I see here today and others who are across the nation.

I ran my way through two half-marathons and four marathons. This Fall my target was a 50k Ultra followed by a 50 Mile Ultra in the Spring (or whenever I recovered). But this summer chronic stomach issues escalated to a trip to the Emergency room. Unbelievably, I was diagnosed with Cancer. I was devastated. Depression reared its head again and this time I couldn’t run to help fight it off. A sickness and a condition where i can’t use my greatest offensive weapon against. My friends, family, and co-workers all stepped up, but I’m addressing my running community here. Those faces I mentioned earlier I see attached to helping hands, behind dishes of food, and through text, email, and hand-written encouragements.

You could often find me at the Great Dane sipping whiskey or beer, devouring Jaimie’s tacos while reading CS Lewis or running books, or hanging with friends. It seems very appropriate to have this evening with you, my misfit family, here at the Dane because this is where running really started for me, and now I face my hardest race, one where I can’t see the finish line. But what i do see, is many of your faces all along the course, cheering me on.

I can’t thank you enough.