The story behind the mission:
A month and half before the race I came down with horrible shin splints, which turned into a stress fracture. I took the next month and half off from running and only road my bicycle. A week before the race I came down with an upper respiratory infection. I went to the doctor, who advised me not to race. If you speak to my wife, she will tell you I don’t listen well. Race day came and it was difficult but I finished with a negative split, not the fastest time but I finished. I had completed one of the hardest things I had ever done, and at the time thought I was done with distance running. Then 2011 hit.
During the first three months of 2011 three fellow officers working in Pinellas County were killed in the line of duty. Murdered while protecting their community. Being assigned to the Special Operations Community Policing Unit, we were called out to each crime scene, and assisted the St. Petersburg Police Department with whatever they needed including hunting down the suspects. I saw firsthand the professionalism, camaraderie, and motivation by members of the law enforcement community as well as the citizens themselves, coming together to find the officers killers. It was a very eye opening and humbling experience that affected me personally.
In 1999 three of my family members were murdered, their killer was apprehended and is serving three life sentences without the possibility of parole. My family suffered a tremendous loss and it was very hard to pick ourselves up and move forward. It’s still a struggle to this day. The tragedy that my family endured and continues to endure is why I became a Deputy Sheriff.
With this said, being a husband and a father I wondered how the families of the slain officers would be able to pay for the surviving spouses and children to go to college. Having experienced the tragedy of a loved one being murdered I wanted to help in anyway I could. I discovered a charity called the Gold Shield Foundation. The Gold Shield Foundation helps the families of slain police officers and fire rescue personnel in their immediate time of need, as well as providing the opportunity for the surviving children and spouse to attend college totally free.
Raising and donating money is one of the best ways to show our support for the fallen law enforcement officer and fire rescue personnel's family. For the family having that immediate financial assistance during their time of need is imperative, but more than that it's the peace of mind knowing their children will have a future.
Together we can help make a difference in the family's life. This mission can’t be done alone I need your help. If you feel inclined to make a donation there are four ways of doing so. One: Utilize the “chip in” link on the web page (coming soon). Two: Show up to one of my races and speak with a member of my crew. Three: Send your donation to Gold Shield directly. In the event you choose number three please email me letting me know you made a donation, so I may thank you personally and keep track of the amount of money we have raised. Four: Go to my facebook page via the hyperlink (found in the showcase section) click “like” and show your support by donating your time and showing your moral support.
Note one hundred percent of all sponsors/donations go directly to the charity. To make a donation is simple, follow one of the four steps outlined above.
If you would like to sponsor a mile, multiple miles, or the race itself with your name. You can email me with which mile, miles, or racethat you would like to sponsor. "Example John Doe would like to sponsor mile number 55 in the race miles for moffitt ultra marathon." I will keep an up to date log of sponsors names and their sponsored mile, miles, or race on my facebook page. A member of my crew or myself will also post via facebook/seecaseyrun when your sponsored mile and race is complete. Letting you know, you made a huge difference in someone’s life.
I have not run in a race since 2009 during my marathon. On March 18th 2011 my mission started, with only logging an average of less than two miles a week since 2009. It was clear I was going to have to endure a lot of suffering and pain. So on April 30th 2011 I will be running my first of many Ultra-Marathons. Stay safe and god bless.