Friday, October 3, 2025 – Day 416

Friday, October 3, 2025

Good morning!

Here I am once again, sitting in the quiet solitude of the early morning with the ticking of the clock and the owl conversation outside. I’m overcome with emotions of thanks and love and salty tears stinging my eyes. Boy those tears really sting.

Yesterday, Andy’s Army blew past the $50k mark in fundraising for the Chicago Marathon. That number stopped me in my tracks. Our four runners—Nikki, Alex, Meghan, and Michael—have raised nearly double the next closest team… and we still have 9 days to go. Nikki alone has raised more than any of the other teams totals. That’s amazing. Then adding the other three runners, you have eye popping numbers.

This didn’t happen by chance. These four signed up for more than a marathon—they signed up for a year of sacrifice. Dragging themselves out of bed before dawn, squeezing in miles after long workdays, giving up weekends for the big runs. They’ve faced heavy legs, bad weather, injuries, and the temptation to just say “nah” and binge Netflix or take a wanted nap instead. And yet, they kept going—every step a reminder that they’re running for me. For that, I am endlessly thankful.

I’ve gone into each runner’s fundraising page and watched the names scroll by—family, friends, coworkers, and strangers donating to ALS United. Some of you donated not once, but two or three times. That kind of generosity takes my breath away (and that’s saying something, given my lungs). A year ago, I couldn’t have predicted any of this. I may have a shitty disease, but I’ve got more love and support than one man deserves. Andy’s Army—you overwhelm me. THANK YOU!!! 🙏🥲

On the shirt front: distribution continues! Slowly but surely, they’re making their way out. I can’t wait to see photos of you wearing them—anywhere, everywhere, doing whatever you do. My phone number should be in with the shirts so please text me your photos. Bonus points if you’re in some exciting location (Walmart checkout line? Dentist chair? Classy restaurant? Italy? Serengeti safari?). I’ll post them as they come in.

We do have two shirts left—one small and one XL. Someone please claim them. They’re way too new to demote to “dust rag” status.

Last night was a guys’ night at Crystal Lake Brewery with Mike H. and Mark B. Mike drew the short straw and got to wrestle the power chair in and out of the car. (Good arm workout) Chairs at most places don’t really work for me anymore—too low, too hard, too…highboy. Honestly, I must have been a barstool guy in a past life, because I love the tall tables. But for now, the wheelchair solves the problem and I’ll keep going out.

It was a great guys night: good beer (just one for me, i’m turning into a teatotaler…just kidding), a fine cigar (thanks, Mike), and a chance to catch up. Best part? Cindy got some alone time at home—something she rarely gets. Probably the quietest the house has been in months.

I had more to write, but it’s time to let this one go. I see a 0709 deadline approaching. We’ll keep rolling tomorrow.

Have a great Friday. Love you guys! ❤️