This is my first attempt at a blog post so please forgive me for any errors
After losing my brother to cancer last year I wanted to do something to honor his memory and have it be something he would be proud of. With that in mind I have decided to enter the 24 Hours of Stratton Ski Race because Tom lived in VT and cared very much about the local charities. We spent many a day skiing the slopes of Stratton Mountain as well as other VT ski areas and he lived a half hour from Stratton so we always considered it our "home mountain". This just seemed like the perfect way to remember him.
The Race
This race is to benefit The Stratton Foundation. Vermont is a great place to visit and enjoy all the beauty of the mountains and changing seasons, but long winters, high cost of living, and seasonal employment makes it a challenging place to raise a family. Schools report up to 80% of their children who live at or below poverty, with limited resources. At least 1 out of every 3 families depends on food pantries to feed their children, and the rural geography limits access to health and dental care. Unfortunately, the cycle of poverty can persist generation after generation in families where education is not considered a priority, and funds raised support programs designed to help these children realize their potential for success.
Since 2013, over 1,400 athletes have raised $800,000 for the Stratton Foundation to make a powerful impact and this year is set to be the biggest and best year yet!
My Brother Tom at Stratton
A little bit about our team
Team F.O.T.H - The name game from something Tom used in his emails to refer to himself, it's a reference to the Beatles song "Fool on the Hill". We have assembled a team of Tom's family and friends (also fools on the hill) to compete and help raise awareness of this worthwhile charity.
If you would like to help please go to the link below and donate, I would very much appreciate it. I will also be posting more about the event leading up to it, as well as a follow up after. I'm working out on a regular basis to get in shape and sure hope I can go for 24 hours, I'm gonna give it my best.
Thanks
Video from 2015 event
