This past Sunday, as part of my family’s mission to raise epilepsy awareness, I completed the Mohawk Hudson River Marathon for the 3rd time. This 26.2 mile journey was to honor the 1 in 26 that will be diagnosed with epilepsy and to pay it forward to the great people at the Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York that helped us (and so many) during my son’s diagnosis and miracle recovery in 2010. Their programs and services are vital for the well being of those with epilepsy.

First, many thanks to GE and everyone for helping me EXCEED my “Marathon to End Epilepsy” fundraising goal of $12,600. All proceeds benefit the Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern NY.

Next, we were blessed with an incredible day in the Northeast including beautiful fall foliage, cheering fans and a crisp 37 degrees at the start which eventually warmed to 65 degrees.

As with most things in life, this would have never been possible without the amazing support of so many:

I am eternally grateful to God for giving me the strength to complete the race and for my family Amy, Megan and Matthew for their love, support and always being my “pit crew”.

Thanks to my nephew Dylan for always being my running partner, and brother-in-law Rich for chauffeuring us at 6:30am each year to the Starting line. Thanks for all the friends and family that met me along the way.

Thanks to my neighbors the Scannell’s for the amazing driveway message congratulating me when I got home on this accomplishment!

Deep appreciation to GE and all of my colleagues who have supported my efforts over the last 10 years, and to the tireless work of the GE Volunteers including Adam, Stacey and Family, Sunil, Rick , Nico and Kishore who arrived at 6:45am on Sunday to manage the Mile 15 Race Aid Station until mid afternoon. The cheering and hugs at this point of this race helped me keep going!

As I reflect, I’ve learned a lot from preparing for and running a few marathons over the years. In fact to me, “life is like a marathon“. This mantra has become a metaphor for how I prepare for the inevitable challenges I will encounter in life and in the race. This includes setting meaningful goals, having a plan, embracing a process, taking “steps” towards what I can control, enlisting the proper “aid” from others and managing my mindset to push myself up the “hills” even when I want to quit. Whether building a life or a preparing for a marathon, both require the same intentionality towards building the resilience necessary to overcome unexpected adversity along the way.

Today, I am left with a little soreness (lol) but ALOT of gratitude…for each of you. For my blessings. For this moment.

Yesterday not only proves that running a marathon is possible but also that when faced with a challenge, anything is possible… including finding a cure for epilepsy.

In the words of the great Ted Lasso… “Believe”.

Always with gratitude and humility,

Derrick