Why Start A Foundation? Why Kona?

As I notice how many of you have generously voted for our "Kona Inspired" video, I am humbled by your gesture.  I am also humbled by the company of the inspirational videos that I am collected with.  You would think that watching all of those videos would be depressing, but on the contrary it just reminds me why I am doing all of this.  We are celebrating LIFE! Shawn is our miracle!  We feel God blessed us with Shawn's successful surgeries for the purpose of helping other families that are dealing with similar issues.

We realize that Shawn's conditions are the "rarest of rare" and affect 1 in 35 million children.  Starting a foundation for that is just ludicrous, and I realize that, but that is not the reason the foundation was started. 1 in 30 children are born with some sort of abnormality that needs medical treatment and that stat is staggering to me.  As a parent that witnessed their child go through such treatment and surgeries, I can assure you there are several things that medical insurance does not cover including food, housing for immediate family members and sometimes even parents, parking, transportation such as flights to get to where your need to get treatment, etc.  The demand is large, but the assistance is few.  Ronald McDonald house alone has to say, "I'm sorry, but we don't have enough resources to help" more than they can say, "Welcome!"  THIS is why we started Shawn's Anomaly.

I know I may sometimes come across as a broken record, obsessed, or even crazy about spreading awareness about what we are doing.  If you have ever been offended, or know someone who has been, please accept, and let those those know that may never see this blog, my apologies.  That just means that I have failed miserably from expressing our mission correctly.  

With all that said, I know hope you now understand why I am pushing to get to the Ironman World Championship in Kona, HI.  On May 19, 2012, I became "Shawn's Ironman", but now I am want to race on the world stage for the 1 in 30 children that are born with abnormalities.  I know that having the opportunity to be a featured athlete at Kona will spread awareness and help us raise the money needed to start medical research and assist families.  I know that unless you have gone through this (and I pray every day that you never do), you may not understand my obsession to get the word out.  I can't get there without your help though, so that is why I constantly beg and plead for your votes.

I am currently in 22nd place with my Kona Inspired video, but this is just the first round.  If I am fortunate to be one of the 45 selected, then the voting really starts.  Of the 86 entries into this contest, they will take the top 45 and split them into three groups of 15.  The videos will be made available via the Kona Inspired Application for final Public Evaluation and sharing during the applicable time period as follows:

• First Group of 15- June 4, 2012-June 18, 2012
• Second Group of 15-June 19, 2012-July 3, 2012
• Third group of 15-July 4, 2012-July 18, 2012

We are not in the top 45 yet, so please continue to vote, and most importantly, share with all your friends about voting for video.  Remember, it is not about me, it is not about my family, and it is not even about Shawn.  Although Shawn's medical journey is my inspiration to start this "Anything Is Possible" journey, it is ultimately about helping families from ever having to go through what we did with Shawn without education, hope, and help. 

Thank you again to all of those that have supported us!  I would not be where I am without you!