Greetings Be Warriors!
The 4th Annual Be Warrior Challenge is just a month away on August 24th at 2:00pm. We look forward to seeing everyone. New shirts, cool socks, and an apres hike soup kitchen are in the works!
Over the last three years, together, we have raised $100,000 to fund the promising research in the Van Haren Lab at Stanford University. To date, there is no cure or therapy to treat the dreadful disease, Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), that leads to terrible suffering and death. Because ALD is rare, government funding is limited. Every dollar we raise through Be Warrior helps move Dr. Van Haren and his team closer to a breakthrough and to altering the future for boys and families affected by this horrible terminal disease.
As important as the fundraising is, we have known from day one that our beautiful time of friendship and community is just as crucial and rewarding. We get to see old friends and make new friends. We get to challenge ourselves on the iconic Mount Rose Trail. Around fifty kids beat us all to the summit energetically with big smiles on their faces.
Additionally, we get to remember Ben and the incredible life he lived and death he died. Ben had good days and really hard days. Ben persevered, he didn’t give up, he didn’t let feelings rule his day, and he did this with the help and love of so many of you. In spite of losing his eyesight and over time the function of his legs, Ben explored many books and studied as much about heaven as he could. He listened to his favorite books and movies, skied, raced bikes, ran a half marathon, swam with dolphins, jumped out an airplane, shot guns, and motorcycle road tripped to visit his cousins in LA. He held fast to meaningful, life giving friendships, and woke up wanting to make every day a good one, knowing it could be his last. He loved a bobcat named Spike who will be joining us on the trail. We continue to be inspired by Ben!
4th Annual Specifics:
- Registering is Free! Register even if you’re not sure you can make it because we have friendly reminders as the event draws near. Invite friends to join in in the fun! Register Here
- Donations: If you’re unable to join the challenge, please consider making a donation. Donate Here
- T-Shirts: Last day to order is Friday August 2nd. We’ve changed the color scheme up and they look great! Order here
- Summit Socks: These were such a hit! This year, we will be selling the 2024 version at check in (better socks this year!)… available for all Warriors.
- Planning your day: Hurried and Hungry after the Hike? Relax! This year there will be homemade soup and bread for all hikers.
- Check In: Check In begins at 1:00pm on August 24, 2024! Show up early, get your swag, say hi to friends and join in Matt’s commencement reflection.
Looking forward to seeing you next month!
All the best,
Matt, Katie, Lora and Luke
