Doing Hard Things for a Greater Purpose

On Dec. 5, 2026, I'll be running my first-ever marathon: the Rehoboth Beach Marathon.

But this race is about so much more than earning a finisher's medal.

I'm running as a charity runner for the Surfgimp Foundation, an organization that empowers individuals with disabilities to live active, adventurous lives and overcome financial barriers that stand in the way of their dreams.

Why This Race Matters

Running has been part of some of the most important chapters of my life.

In 2015, running helped carry me through cancer treatment. It gave me a way to stay active, maintain my health and regain a sense of normalcy while undergoing chemotherapy.

In 2018, after my wife and I experienced the heartbreak of a miscarriage, I dedicated a half marathon to the child we never had the chance to meet.

After becoming a father, running largely took a back seat for a handful of years. More recently, bloodwork that revealed high cholesterol motivated me to recommit to taking better care of myself. Since September 2025, I've completed four half marathons and am now training for my first full marathon, waking before 5 a.m. several days each week to log miles before work - and the kiddos awake.

Along the way, I've discovered that running is most meaningful when it's about something bigger than me.

Running in Memory of Tiffany Bare

This marathon is dedicated to the memory of Tiffany Bare.

Years ago, while working as a journalist, I had the privilege of telling Tiffany's story as she faced terminal cancer after a courageous 15-year battle. Though she faced countless challenges, she never lost her faith, determination or desire to inspire others.

Sadly, Tiffany passed away shortly after that story was published.

Since then, I've remained friends with her husband, Rob Bare.

Rehoboth Beach was Tiffany and Rob's favorite place on earth. They owned a beach house there and created countless memories together along Delaware's coastline.

Each year, Rob runs the Rehoboth Beach Half Marathon in Tiffany's memory.

This year, we'll be running side by side. Rob will complete the half marathon, and I'll continue on to complete the full 26.2 miles. We'll both be wearing our matching pink Team Tiff shirts as we honor Tiffany's life and legacy.

Why the Surfgimp Foundation?

The Surfgimp Foundation was inspired by Jay Liesener, a quadriplegic who refused to let his disability define him. After returning to the ocean to surf with the help of friends and volunteers, he dreamed of helping others pursue adventures of their own.

Today, the foundation provides grants that help individuals with disabilities overcome financial obstacles and pursue opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.

Their mission embodies perseverance, courage and the belief that everyone deserves the chance to chase their dreams.

My Goal: $7,000

As a charity runner, I'm required to raise at least $500.

But I'm setting my sights much higher.

Six years ago, a 16-year-old runner named Jacob Binkley raised $6,000 for the Surfgimp Foundation through the Rehoboth Beach Marathon charity program. That total still stands as the record for an individual charity runner.

My goal is to raise $7,000 and establish a new fundraising record.

It's an ambitious goal, but training for a marathon is ambitious, too.

Every dollar donated will support the Surfgimp Foundation's mission while honoring Tiffany's memory and celebrating the power of perseverance, community and hope.

How You Can Help

If you'd like to support this effort, please consider making a donation.

Whether you give $10, $25, $50 or more, every contribution brings us one step closer to helping individuals with disabilities pursue their own dreams and adventures.

On Dec. 5, I'll be running 26.2 miles.

With your support, the impact of those miles can travel far beyond the finish line.

Thank you for being part of this journey.