I had a lot of fun with this one and it introduces the up and coming actor, Shawn Murphy! Hope you enjoy!
I have to admit, this one was very hard to make. I knew how venerable I would feel after distribution,, because it is raw and authentic about my journey. I will continue to be raw and authentic, and yes venerable, in my next statements below, so please forgive me:
I have had an up and down last two weeks. Experiencing the Marathon with my family and close friends and supporters was amazing, but the integrity of Shawn's Anomaly was also put in question. I really don't understand why, but it nearly broke my heart. I knew that this journey would introduce me to all kinds of people, both positive and negative. I guess I was just not prepared for someone to purposely try to hurt the integrity of the a foundation that was started only to help other children and families from ever having to go through what we did.
Somehow, the lines between self promoting and foundation promoting have been skewed in certain eyes. Shawn's Ironman is the Murphy Story and My Story. When I originally started this blog, I did not realize how crazy it would become or even considered starting a research fund with Texas Children's Hospital. I was just a guy trying to prove that anything was possible if you put your mind to it, and Shawn's Ironman was to be my personal journal.
Shawn's Ironman has now become my way of raising money for Shawn's Anomaly. Shawn's Anomaly is my reason to race, it is what motivates me and keeps me going. I am not paid to do this, nor do I receive a portion of the donations giving to Shawn's Anomaly or Texas Children's Hospital. I say all of this, because it has come up in recent conversation.
We have also put up a Fact and Questions Page up for all that may have questions. CLICK HERE. Hopefully it will help.
I can't explain to you how alone Rachel and I felt that day when one of the doctors came in and said, "We are not sure how to fix your child," and I hope there is not another family that ever feels that way again. Something deep down inside told me that I could do something to prevent that statement from ever being said again.
I am very passionate about making that mission happen, so forgive me if my emotions get in the way and make you question my motives or Shawn's Anomaly. Sometimes I feel very alone doing this, and when the donations don't seem to be coming in, or when people do not respond or purposely ignore my request to a no obligation party, it discourages me a lot. I sometimes feel like I, and my family, are the only one that cares.
What I can't tell you is that if it were only up to me and my family to fulfill the mission of Shawn's Anomaly, it would never happen. That is why I beg and plead for your assistance.
If I have to step away from Shawn's Anomaly to make sure the mission is fulfilled, I will. Shawn's Anomaly is not about me, my family, or really even Shawn. It is about a congenital condition that needs research to help other families and children. If you know of a better way of getting that message out, I am all ears.
