I joined Team U2FP because I believe in the organization’s mission to cure paralysis rather than to simply accommodate it. In July of 2017, I fractured my C2 vertebra in a diving accident in a lake. Extremely fortunately for me, there was no damage to the spinal cord. The injury almost warranted surgery, but after CT scans and MRI’s, it was determined that surgery would not be necessary. Every doctor with whom I spoke told me how lucky I was to not be paralyzed or worse. The injury took the pace of my life down considerably, but I knew how incredibly fortunate I was to have no deficits with such a serious injury. For months I would wake up in the middle of the night, wiggle my fingers and toes, thank God, and go back to sleep. I think about how one small difference in the injury could have had a much greater impact on my life. I’ve thought about paralysis more in the last 6 months than I have in my whole life and I’m proud to support an organization that seeks to find a cure.
Additionally, I was motivated to run a marathon to test my physical limits, be a role model for my kids, and I just plain like running! I will complete my first marathon a month before Chicago's as part of Ironman Wisconsin this year in September.
City: Pecatonica, IL
Race Goal: 3:30
Unite 2 Fight Paralysis is proud to be an official charity team for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in 2018. Team U2FP is a group of passionate, hard working runners and wheelchair racers committed to racing the 26.2 miles and fundraising to advance research towards a cure for spinal cord injury.
The team raised over $105,000 in the past three years. All funds directly support our mission: to cure paralysis through advocacy, education, and support for research. Thank you for your support!
| Supporters | |||
| Name | Date | Amount | Comments |
| Rosemary & Keith Hopkins | 09/30/2018 | $100.00 | Good Luck Will! Wishing you an amazing race! | Jodi Gilmour | 09/28/2018 | $50.00 | Marilyn Smith | 09/25/2018 | $10.00 | Thanks for running for those who can't. | Anonymous Friend | 09/23/2018 | $30.00 | Have a great day! | Jeremy Heeren | 09/23/2018 | $40.00 | Beth Bolen | 09/23/2018 | $100.00 | Great Job Will !!! | Adam & Maggie Hopkins | 09/15/2018 | $100.00 | Adam can't wait eat three meals at the Greek Islands and cheer you on during this race. We're proud of you, brother! | Carrie Stralow | 09/07/2018 | $30.00 | Go Will!! | Sally & William Hoff | 09/05/2018 | $500.00 | We are so happy that you are able to run this race for those who cannot! | Janet Moore | 08/27/2018 | $50.00 | Way to go Will Hoff! | Erin Fraher | 08/27/2018 | $100.00 | Mary Johnson | 08/27/2018 | $50.00 | Go Will go! :) | Mary Klingensmith | 08/22/2018 | $200.00 | I'm donating in honor of your grandpa/my father, because I know he would be SO PROUD of you, your athletic achievements and your commitment to your family. Go Will! | Jana Brady | 08/22/2018 | $40.00 | Nancy Voss | 08/20/2018 | $100.00 | Good luck Will! | Steven Freeman | 08/19/2018 | $50.00 | In memory of my parents Roger and Ruth Freeman. For my friend Will Hoff. I'm thankful you fully recovered from your neck injury. No more diving off piers. | John Rees | 08/19/2018 | $50.00 | Anne Pudwill | 08/19/2018 | $30.00 | Good Luck Will! | Brian Michalsen | 04/17/2018 | $75.00 | Katie Brauer | 04/17/2018 | $25.00 | Brad Jacobson | 04/17/2018 | $50.00 | Anonymous Friend | 04/16/2018 | $25.00 | Good luck, Will! | Dan Klingensmith | 04/16/2018 | $50.00 | Way to go, Will!!! | Ruth Casserly | 04/16/2018 | $50.00 | I am so thankful you are healed and able to do this, Will. Best to you. | Kelly Gustafson | 04/16/2018 | $45.00 | Make it RAIN WILL!! Woohoo!! | Susan Hoff | 04/15/2018 | $50.00 | Go Will!! So proud of you. Love you Brother. | George + Lori Penesis | 04/15/2018 | $30.00 | Good luck and stay strong | Katherine Johnson | 04/14/2018 | $50.00 | So proud of you Will! Have a good and safe run! Love, Kathy | Steven Freeman | 04/14/2018 | $50.00 | To help my friend Will Hoff. | Beth Christensen | 04/14/2018 | $25.00 | I remember exactly where I was standing when I got the text from your Mom about your accident. So happy that it is behind you. | Anonymous Friend | 03/14/2018 | $5.00 | Good luck William! We're thrilled to have you on the team! |
| Total | $2,160.00 | ||