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Anyone who had the privilege of meeting Coach Horyn knew immediately what an exceptional person he was. His tremendous enthusaism for American literature and the vigor he conducted classroom conversations with was met only by his unbridled love for running and the energy he brought to practice every day. At any track meet, Coach Horyn's trademark "MOOOOOVE!" could be heard from across the stadium. The legacy of Dan Horyn lives on in the hearts and minds of the many students and runners whose lives he touched.
Established in 2014, the Daniel M. Horyn Foundation supports the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University in research into and the introduction of new treatments for esophageal cancer. It is hoped that, through the work of Dr. Victoria Villaflor and the Lurie Cancer Center, the impact of this terrible disease may be reduced and lives like Dan's may be saved. The Dan Horyn Skokie Swift 5K, held annually in June, has done an amazing amount of work in raising money and awareness in the fight against this disease, and it is by now a staple of summers in Skokie.
On top of being a passionate English teacher and elite-level runner (Dan ran competitively at the University of Illinois), Coach Horyn was an avid backpacker. He spoke with great awe about the beauty of nature, frequently referencing the humble works of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, whose writings he introduced to us in class.
On Friday, May 12, I will embark on a three month journey from the U.S.-Mexican border at Campo, California to Manning Park in B.C., Canada. Carrying nothing but the clothes on our backs and the supplies in our backpacks, my hiking partner and I hope to complete the 2658 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail in 90 days, and I hope to carry the spirit of Dan Horyn with me as a metaphorical torch for guidance and inspiration. It is my hope that something greater can come of my own personal journey and that I may honor the impact Coach Horyn had on my life in the process.
I have therefore decided to turn my hike into a fundraiser for the Daniel M. Horyn Foundation. I have already financed and purchased my gear and supplies, and so 100% of funds raised through this campaign will go directly to the Foundation in its battle with esophageal cancer. I plan for this campaign to last until the completion of my journey in August, and I will be posting live updates via social media at every town I stop at along the way. While I may be absent for the 5K on June 4, I hope that through this journey, I may do something equally meaningful to remember and honor Coach Horyn's amazing legacy.
Established in 2014, the Daniel M. Horyn Foundation supports the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University in research into and the introduction of new treatments for esophageal cancer. It is hoped that, through the work of Dr. Victoria Villaflor and the Lurie Cancer Center, the impact of this terrible disease may be reduced and lives like Dan's may be saved. The Dan Horyn Skokie Swift 5K, held annually in June, has done an amazing amount of work in raising money and awareness in the fight against this disease, and it is by now a staple of summers in Skokie.
On top of being a passionate English teacher and elite-level runner (Dan ran competitively at the University of Illinois), Coach Horyn was an avid backpacker. He spoke with great awe about the beauty of nature, frequently referencing the humble works of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, whose writings he introduced to us in class.
On Friday, May 12, I will embark on a three month journey from the U.S.-Mexican border at Campo, California to Manning Park in B.C., Canada. Carrying nothing but the clothes on our backs and the supplies in our backpacks, my hiking partner and I hope to complete the 2658 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail in 90 days, and I hope to carry the spirit of Dan Horyn with me as a metaphorical torch for guidance and inspiration. It is my hope that something greater can come of my own personal journey and that I may honor the impact Coach Horyn had on my life in the process.
I have therefore decided to turn my hike into a fundraiser for the Daniel M. Horyn Foundation. I have already financed and purchased my gear and supplies, and so 100% of funds raised through this campaign will go directly to the Foundation in its battle with esophageal cancer. I plan for this campaign to last until the completion of my journey in August, and I will be posting live updates via social media at every town I stop at along the way. While I may be absent for the 5K on June 4, I hope that through this journey, I may do something equally meaningful to remember and honor Coach Horyn's amazing legacy.