We’re Not Done Yet: A Journey of Strength and Resilience

At 62, I’m taking on Spartan Races to prove that strength has no age limit.

After facing down life’s toughest challenges — from life-threatening illness to devastating loss — I’m pushing forward with a mission: to inspire others to rise up, reclaim their power, and live fully.

I’m not just running races. I’m carrying a message. That we’re not done yet.

Your support will help cover race fees, travel, and filming — and together, we’ll show the world what resilience really looks like.

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My Full Story — How I Got Here

My career began at Hallmark, where I was a contributing founder of the Mahogany line, celebrating Black culture. After building and selling my own business, I went on to run an interactive agency for a decade. I later returned to corporate America, working with Fortune 100 companies like IBM, Oracle, and MetLife.

But even as I achieved success, life brought unexpected challenges.

In the middle of running my agency, I was diagnosed with acute panic disorder. Then, years later, I was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis, a rare autoimmune disease that stripped me of my strength. I couldn’t lift a pencil, scratch my head, or even breathe on my own. I was intubated, unable to speak or write — a devastating experience for someone whose life was centered on communication.

But I fought back.

My wife was my rock through it all, helping me regain my strength. And when she became sick, I left my corporate career to care for her full-time. In the quiet moments of caregiving, the idea for Mikal Strong was born. I couldn’t go to the gym, so I worked out in my living room, filming polished workouts that symbolized resilience and determination.

Now, I’m carrying that spirit forward. Taking on Spartan Races isn’t just about competing. It’s about proving to myself and others that we’re not done yet. It’s about showing that life — no matter what it throws at us — is meant to be lived fully.

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How You Can Help

Your support will help me cover the costs of this journey, including:

• Race Fees & Travel: Spartan Races in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia

• Filming & Documentation: Capturing the full experience — the grit, setbacks, and victories

• Gear & Training Support: The tools, equipment, and recovery I need to show up strong

• Living Expenses: Helping me stay focused on training and storytelling while seeking contract work

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Join the Journey

This is about more than races. This is about resilience. It’s about proving that strength has no expiration date.

Your contribution won’t just help me cross finish lines — it will inspire people who feel like giving up to keep going.

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What’s Next: One Race Was Just the Beginning

After completing my first Spartan Race, I realized I wasn’t just proving something to myself — I was igniting something bigger.

I’m now setting out to run Spartan Races in every state, starting with North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

This GoFundMe fuels that mission — covering race fees, travel, gear, and filming for the next 10+ races.

Each finish line isn’t just a win for me — it’s a message for anyone who’s been knocked down and is ready to rise again.

We’re not done — we’re just getting started.

Together, we can show the world that no matter our age, size, or circumstances — we rise.

Because we’re not done yet.

Thank you for standing with me.

— Mikal