Friday, October 17, 2025 – Day 430

Friday, October 17, 2025

Good morning, everyone!

It’s the end of a quiet week, and yesterday I finally felt recovered from the marathon weekend. It’s was a good feeling to reach the afternoon and not need a nap. Although…I’ll admit I spent most of the morning reading in bed. Sometimes by the time I finish getting ready for the day, I’m already worn out, so I just stay upstairs and read for a couple of hours and recharge. Whether I’m reading in bed or downstairs in my chair, it really doesn’t make much of a difference—I just need to be off my feet as much as possible.

I got a couple of text messages yesterday that really lifted my spirits.

The first one asked if I’d like to participate in next year’s Chicago Marathon. Well… I did mention something along those lines in yesterday’s blog post. But this suggestion takes it a step further—and I love it:

“How would you feel about being in the marathon…in your wheelchair? Alex behind you?”

How awesome is that? I think it would be an absolute blast. The energy and excitement on a marathon course are contagious, and to be in the middle of that again—feeling like I’m running without actually running—sounds incredible. Definitely an idea worth exploring.

The second text was forwarded to me from a friend and came from an unknown triathlete. It said:

“You must be so proud of them. $64K of fundraising is world-class. That’s more impressive than completing a marathon. BTW, I could train another 10 years and never come close to their finish times or fundraising success. This is good parenting at work!”

Whoever you are—thank you. That message meant a lot. I am incredibly proud of Alex and Nikki. When they signed up for the marathon last December, I knew it would be meaningful, but I had no idea how impactful it would become.

Along with Meghan and Michael, they formed Team Andy’s Army—and from day one, they led the fundraising leaderboard. While donations are still trickling in, the team has already raised more than double the next closest group. Their commitment and determination showed all year long, and it was inspiring to watch.

Add to that the support from friends and family, and this marathon became the most memorable road race I’ve ever been part of—and that includes the two Ironman races I completed in Wisconsin.

I’ve been surrounded, supported, and loved by so many. It makes me feel unbelievably fortunate. Sure, I’ve got a shitty disease—but I never would have known love this strong, this resilient, this deep and compassionate, without ALS. That’s more than a silver lining—it’s a cup overflowing. If I could bottle it up and share it with the world, I would.

Speaking of love. It takes me back to childhood…those days of the Vietnam War and the chaos of having eight kids in one house. My dad was always promoting love and harmony. When the decibel level reached ear piercing he would try and calm the tension in the house. He’d often play the song What the World Needs Now Is Love by Jackie DeShannon. I can still see it clearly—him coming into the kitchen, music playing, and him singing, trying to bring calm into the storm. We might not have seemed like we were listening, but we somehow we were. It’s one of those memories that stuck, and I think about it often.

Thanks, Dad. ❤️

Here is a link to the song. youtu.be/YUaxVQPoh…

Have a great Friday.

Love you guys!❤️

I’m still wanting photos of Andy’s Army shirts…with you in them. I’m missing some, please take a photo when you have a chance.

Today’s photos:

Kathy and Gary in Wisconsin

Bill and Ric - High school friends in Italy…they’ve taken this seriously.