Kingdom Hearts

I don’t know if there is a more challenging test to one’s physical endurance or mental strength than an Ironman race, also known as the triathlon.  This is a 3-event race that takes the better part of an entire day to complete.  The three events include a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bicycle ride, and is capped off with a marathon (26 mile run).  You can read more about the triathlon here.

Kevin Schaefer, as most of you know, has been one of my closest friends since 2nd grade.  Through the years, we have remained very close despite going our separate ways for college and me not living in Victoria anymore.  He has always been nothing short of my brother.  My mom and his mom claim each of us as their very own, practically.  I write this on his behalf and with his permission.  I am sure that many of you reading this either know Kevin personally or have met him through me. 
 
Anyway, on this coming Sunday, August 30th, Kevin will be participating in an Ironman race in Louisville, KY.  He has been training intensely for this for about 18 months.  I remember him talking about it when we were kids.  He has ALWAYS wanted to do this.  I saw him the weekend of our 20 year class reunion and he looks fantastic, of course.  Even when comparing to our days in the army, he is undoubtedly in the best shape of his life and it shows.  Again the race is this coming Sunday, August 30th and he will have 17 hours (7 AM til 12 midnight) to complete it.  I am so proud of him and will spend a great portion of my Sunday deep in prayer on his behalf.  He is pumped but a bit nervous, obviously and understandably.  After speaking with him tonight, perhaps humbled is a better word.  If you would, I hope you will say a prayer for him please.  I am posting this first and foremost because I am hopeful that our prayers will help give him strength and encouragment. 
 
Second, below I am including a message from him about the cause for which he is running this race.   Kevin does not want anyone to feel pressured, but if you could just give a little bit for his cause, I know he would be extremely grateful to you.  All he is seeking to raise is two thousand dollars and hopefully with enough friends and family giving a small amount, he will accomplish this goal. 
 
You can see more information on what Kevin is trying to raise money for by clicking on this link.
 
Either way, he will be the first to tell you, he wants your prayers more than anything.  But the cause he is supporting is ALS.  There was a young boy with ALS (he has since passed) whose father did a triathlon and carried his son with him the whole way.  Perhaps you have heard the story about Dick and Rick Hoyt.  It is very inspiring.  You may also remember me putting a couple of  videos about it on my blog several months back.  You can see them here.  Anyway, this story, from what I understand,  is at least in part what inspired Kevin to finally chase his dream and do this.  His wife Angela and his 2 kids (Bryan and Andrea) have been fully supportive of him, although she has had to sacrifice immensely to allow Kevin to train so intensively these past eighteen months.

Here is a note from Kevin:

Hi Friends & Family,

As most of you know, I have my first Ironman race coming up on August 30th. I have an important announcement regarding the last few weeks of training and then my race.

I am raising 1) awareness and 2) money for a very important cause. I am asking you to help by granting me a few minutes for awareness of the issue. After that, I am asking you to help by making a contribution. Please use the link below to see brief but important information about the cause. Then if you so desire, you can donate online quickly & securely. You will receive email confirmation of your donation and I will be notified as soon as you make your donation. Thank you in advance for your support.

http://www.active.com/donate/teamblazeman/kabacrew