Raising Funds For Shawn Mills: Running Ambassador

Every once in a while you hear the story of a person's life that makes you want  to be a part of their journey. This happened to me, on your average Tuesday night preparing for a group run when I noticed a new guy in the group. At first, he didn't have a lot to say, but once he got comfortable let's just say I got to know him relatively quickly. He was a talker, but he also knew when to listen. Over the last several years, Shawn became a core member and ambassador of the running community, and a great friend to many. There is no one single person I know that can  motivate  people and rally them to  join his quest of  eternal health and happiness in the way that Shawn can. I want to share Shawn's story to enlist everyone to help keep this ambassador doing what he does best - run and inspire. 

Shawn grew up in a modest home in Owen Sound and by the time he was done high school he was one of the best runners in the province. A running scholarship was on the table, but he denied. Funny some of the choices we make in life. From there, life got busy working full time in special education and working part time in a seniors residence - both physically and emotionally demanding jobs in which he puts the needs of others in front of his own. Shawn soon found he was unable to find the time to exercise and eat healthy... Fast forward 15 years and 200 pounds. Shawn's doctor finally gave him an ultimatum that sent him back on the road to health and fitness. With the help  of his loving wife and children, his weight loss battle began and continued  pound by pound for over 3 years. Shawn lost a remarkable 150 pounds, is back to running on the road and in the trails, has qualified for the Boston Marathon, and has completed Iron Man Muskoka!

Shawn has a whole myriad of special qualities that come with his running abilities, but perhaps most notable is his ability to make everyone else join in his crusade to get outdoors, stay fit and be healthy. There is no way Shawn would spend his families hard earned money on his vanity, and so for many years has been putting off a costly surgery to remove the excess skin that remains after his drastic weight loss. I want to see Shawn continue spreading positivity, inspiration and encouragement to the running community and to all other areas of his life. I hope that together we can help to raise funds to support this surgery for Shawn.