The Road to Toughman

Some people and organizations just make you want to act.  Whether because of the passion in their message, or the instant understanding that the work being done cannot be ignored, certain people and places catalyze all of us into action. GMHC is one of those organizations for me. Right now, with your help, I’m taking the leap to train and complete a half Ironman, and raise $5,000, for GMHC in its 30th Anniversary year. 

I have always been inspired by Gay Men’s Health Crisis.  In August 1981, a group of brave gay men gathered in Larry Kramer’s living room to fight the disease that would later be named AIDS.  Imagine how frightening it must have been to see your friends and loved ones getting sick from a disease that had no name, and no treatment?  In 1982 GMHC was incorporated becoming the world’s first and leading provider of HIV/AIDS prevention, care and advocacy.  Today GMHC serves over 10,000 clients a year, 25% of whom are women, and provides testing, meals, legal support, workforce training, advocacy, and many other services to people living with HIV/AIDS, or at risk of contracting the disease.

GMHC was built by people who choose life over death, love over hate, and hope over despair. I am privileged to be the Managing Director of Development at GMHC, and this blog chronicles my road to the Toughman Triathlon on September 9, 2012. 

Toughman is a Half Ironman distance triathlon: a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride, and a 13.1 mile run.  And yes, that’s all in the same day.  My inspiration to do this are GMHC’s clients, my colleagues, and the organization’s Board of Directors.

I hope you’ll follow along as I walk the road to Toughman.