Tuesday, August 19, 2025 – Day 371

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Good morning! Following fall #13, I’m upright, unbroken, and still typing.

Lace up—it’s almost race season The Chicago Marathon is October 12—just 54 days away. A few family members are running, and when the legs start to feel like cement blocks, they’ll have a cheering section waiting for them along the course. Nothing says motivation like spotting your people in the crowd just when you’re questioning your ability and want to finish the race.

With 40,000 runners and spectators stacked on every street corner, we’ll need a way to stand out. So…we’re making spectator t-shirt. Andy’s Army shirts are in the works, and once the design is ready, I’ll post a preview. Trust me, you’re going to want one…they’ll be instant collector’s item.

If you’re planning to come cheer in person—or if you just want to feel part of the day from afar—let me or Cindy know so we can get you on the shirt list.

Our runners are raising money for ALS United, supporting research and helping people like me keep living and thriving with this not-so-thriving (shitty) disease. I know firsthand how much they do. ALS United has been with me since day one, turning a brutal diagnosis into something… well, not easy, but tolerable. The love and kindness I’ve found along this road has been tremendous…I can’t imagine trying to do this alone.

If you’d like to chip in, just click the three little lines (the “hamburger icon”) in the top right corner of the blog. You’ll jump to a new screen where the fundraiser link is at the top, followed with other menu choices. When you click on 🎗️Fundraiser, you’ll jump to the page where you can click on a runner(s) that you’d like to support.

To everyone who has already donated—or plans to—thank you. Your gift changes lives. Truly. You’ll also make Coco and Wyatt happy…see photo.

And don’t forget: if you want a Chicago Marathon Andy’s Army spectator shirt, get in touch with Cindy or me. If you don’t have our contact info, drop a message here on the blog—we’ll find you.

Have a great Tuesday! Love you guys! ❤️