Dr. Sharn Mentz - Paddle race for ALS

A PERSONAL JOURNEY

When someone you know has ALS you lose them slowly a little each day. You inevitably lose a little bit of yourself as well ... For people closest to those suffering from the disease, absolute mental and emotional strength is needed to overcome the day-to-day struggles, otherwise madness would ensue. My friends Jeff and Danielle somehow managed to ward off the madness and remain positive.  How?... I'll never know, but with Danielle's support and all they went through, Jeff managed to stay humble and lived the remainder of his life in a way most able-bodied people can't even imagine #bemorelikejeff!!! We can't help but realize in these moments the fragility of our own lives. Life is short -- Time waits no one!
 

Jeff inspired me to do what I do in the ocean. Each time I felt lazy or uninspired,  I would think about Jeff and his condition and realize that I had the power and ability to live my best life.  Four years ago, with that in mind,  I flew to Hawaii to compete in a downwind standup paddle race. It was a life changing experience that kept me wanting for more. 

On June 9th, 2019, (for the fourth year in a row), I will be back racing downwind in Maui in the 2019 Olukai Ho'olaule'a. Each and every time I have participated I have thought of Jeff for inspiration and motivation. This year my goal is to raise $5,000 for Caymanians suffering from this horrible disease.  ALS is a degenerative fatal disease with no known cure. It also picks at random.... So please, please, please donate to this GOFUND ME campaign and/or #alscayman and/or #ALSAwarenessMonth2019. I have already covered the cost of my own accommodations, flight and entry fees out-of-pocket therefore 100% of the money raised from this campaign will go directly to those in need. Together we are stronger!!!