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TriStrong

"How can you tell if someone is an Ironman?"
"Don't worry, they'll tell you!"

In my quest to achieve the title of Ironman I have been inspired by two young men who have shown me what true strength and a fighting spirit is all about!

At the age of 17, John Michael Night suffered a devastating stroke just two weeks after committing to play Division 1 Lacrosse for Mercer University that coming fall. He was diagnosed with Locked-In Syndrome that left him cognizant but unable to move any voluntary muscles. His initial ability to communicate was limited to eye movements. John Michael worked tirelessly at Shepherd Center on his initial rehabilitation and now continues his intense therapy schedule in his home state of Florida working on basic movements that most of us take for granted.

Noah Hays was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, cancer of the muscle and bone, and was told that rather than spend his junior year of high school with his friends he would be in and out of the hospital enduring 52 weeks of chemotherapy. Noah completed those 52 weeks with courage and strength and was cleared to return to school his senior year and Captain his lacrosse team as starting Varsity goalie. After a routine scan in March, 2017 Noah and his family were told his cancer had returned. He would once again start a new round of cancer fighting treatments and cut short his senior year both in the classroom and on the lacrosse field.

John Michael and Noah have inspired a community of support with their optimism, bravery and strength in the face of adversity.

The Casey Powell World Lacrosse Foundation offers "support moments" to injured and sick lacrosse players. I first learned of this foundation on John Michael's Facebook page when I saw that Casey Powell himself had visited John Michael during the early days of his rehab at Shepherd. If you know lacrosse you know that Casey Powell is a superstar of the sport with records/awards at both the collegiate and professional level. HIs most recent honor is his induction into The National Lacrosse Hall of Fame.

When I learned that Noah's cancer had returned I decided to reach out to the foundation to see if they could offer some type of "support moment" for Noah. I mentioned that his senior night for the lacrosse team was quickly approaching and asked if they could send him a note or a t-shirt. Within 10 days of my initial email not only did Noah recieve a t-shirt in time for senior night but so much more with the highlight being a video with well wishes from current collegiate, professional and retired goalies from across the country! Truly amazing and done with such speed that I know those that were asked to participate must have dropped everything, made their video and sent it in for the foundation to put together! They all had encouraging and heartfelt words for Noah.

The Casey Powell World Lacrosse Foundation did not hesitate to offer their support to John Michael or Noah and continue to support them today.

Not once did the foundation request a donation from me for their efforts.

Ironman triathlon consists of three sports:  a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run all done in that order within a 17 hour time limit. I will be competing in Ironman Maryland, October 7, 2017 in Cambridge, Maryland. I am dedicating my training and race to these two young men and requesting donations to the Casey Powell World Lacrosse Foundation so that they may continue their good work creating support moments for sick and injured lacrosse players. An equal portion of the funds will go directly to John Michael and Noah to help cover some of the mounting expenses that a prolonged illness can create.

I am asking you to support John Micheal, Noah and the Casey Powell World Lacrosse Foundation by making a donation! All funds raised will be divided equally amongst the three. 
TriStrong!
I thank you in advance and please know that any amount is appreciated.

With gratitude, 
Annie Morelock
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Donations 

  • Andrea Powell
    • $50 
    • 6 yrs
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Organiser

Anne Devlin Morelock
Organiser
Clover, SC
Casey Powell World Lacrosse Foundation Inc
 
Registered charity
Donations are typically 100% tax-deductible in the US.

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