Competing in my first full Ironman (2.4 mile swim, 116 mile bike, 26.2 mile run) in September has reminded me of how fortunate I am to have my health. This past year was difficult for many people, including myself. One of our close family friends suffered a stroke and has been fighting his way through a long recovery process. Many of you know Tim and know he is giving it his best, strong-willed effort to recover from this setback! His biggest challenge has been managing a side effect called aphasia. Aphasia impairs the expression and understanding of language as well an interfering with reading a writing. Aphasia was definitely unknown to me before Tim’s stroke, so with my race being just a few months away, I’d like to compete in Tim’s honor and hopefully make others aware of the impact aphasia has had on Tim’s every day life. I will be raising funds for a donation on Tim’s behalf to The University of Michigan Aphasia Program. They work with patients, like Tim, to help them develop communication skills again. For every donation received we will match the given amount. The generosity of Tim is like none other so let’s step up and give back on his behalf.
https://mari.umich.edu/ucll/umap