Description
My brother, Marc Kane, passed away on November 16, 2018, after a long battle with substance use disorder. On May 5, 2019, I hosted Marc's Mile in Tempe, AZ and it was a gathering of family and friends to do a one mile walk in his honor. I planned to do the same this year, but 2020 had different plans for us all. So, I decided to come up with something new with a little more meaning.
Since Marc has been gone, it has been incredibly difficult for myself and my family. However, November is particularly difficult since it is the month he passed away and the start of the holiday season. The holiday season has not been the same for me and it's incredibly difficult to enjoy any of it, as it is glaring reminder that Marc is missing in all of these holidays that he loved. I want to look forward to something in November. I want something good to happen in his honor, in some hopes to ease the pain of his absence.
"Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes." This saying is a reminder of the importance of empathy and I feel empathy is more important now than ever. We will never know what it was like to walk in Marc's shoes. However, if we can set aside some time to really be mindful and reflect on what struggles Marc might have went through, my hope is that empathy and understanding for Marc and anyone who suffers from substance use disorder will increase and the stigma behind the disease will decrease.
Virtual Challenge
For the month of November, I am asking people to walk, run, or bike in Marc's honor. This includes any indoor version of this as well: treadmill, elliptical, stair climber, spinning, etc! You can do as little as one mile on one day in November or multiple miles on multiple days--every mile counts.
Here is how it works:
1) SIGN UP FOR THE EVENT AND GET REGISTERED! This will allow you to submit your activity.
2) You can choose to log your activity as you go throughout November or all at once at the end.
3) To submit your activity, you will click on Results, then Submit Virtual Results.
4) Search for yourself and you will select your activity, the date completed, and the distance.
5) If you scroll down further, there is an optional spot to fill out a Goal. You can set a total goal distance for yourself. You can commit to as many miles as you would like!
If you have a normal workout routine that involves any of these activities (including daily tracking of steps), I would love for you to sign up as well! It doesn't have to be an additional commitment on top of your normal routine. I just ask that you keep track of it for the month of November and submit your results via the website.
My goal is for a total of 1,989 miles to be done in Marc's honor, as 1989 is the year Marc was born.
Last year at Marc's Mile, nearly 100 people came out and we all walked one mile. I think if we could get almost 100 total miles in one day, we can aim higher and get 1,989 miles in November!
Cost
This is a free event and free to participate! If you sign up, you will receive a Miles for Marc bracelet in the mail as a thank you for your participation.
However, I am asking for donations to help out two nonprofit organizations that I have become involved with in recent months. All money donated will be split between the Recovery Advocacy Project and Shot in the Dark. More information about these organizations can be found on the Donate tab.
I greatly appreciate any donation in honor of Marc or anyone else in your life who has been affected by substance use disorder. My goal is to raise $2,000. You do not have to donate at the time of registration for the challenge and can donate at a later time if you wish.
Place
Any City, AZ US 85202
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