Each week I wonder if I am going to have something to write about.  When I started writing, I had a fear that I was going to run out of ideas.  And then things like this happen…

This past week I had the privilege of meeting and listening to a young man speak about his EPIC adventure and how he got to this point in his life.  I was incredibly impressed with how well he told his story and he nearly had me in tears.  I get emotional when I witness people doing amazing things.  Pushing the boundaries, reaching high and doing what the average person thinks is crazy – I love it… and I cry!

Jacob Pope is 20 years old.  He is smart, well spoken, incredibly driven and he is a hemophiliac.  After a fall at a young age the hemophilia was discovered.  A struggle for a child to be careful not to play too rough, a struggle to be different from other kids.  He attended a camp for hemophiliacs and while there understood that he wasn’t alone.  There were other kids dealing with the same issues.  He is grateful for that experience that helped him realize that he didn’t have to let his condition define him.

Some people use their circumstances as an excuse.  Others are grateful for what they have and what they can do, they don’t focus on what they can’t.  Jacob is a varsity rower at the University of Georgia, he pushes his limits, he doesn’t make excuses.

In June 2016 Jacob, along with his friend Chris Lee, will row unassisted in the Great Pacific Race, a race that defines itself as one of the greatest human endurance competitions in the world. 2,400 miles across the Pacific Ocean from Monterey California to Honolulu Hawaii.  Imagine being in the middle of the ocean, in an ocean rowing boat with no assistance.  Just you, your food, a water filtration system and your closest friend… for 30 to 80 days! The water will be rough, there will be storms and there will be no stopping once they start. And their goal isn’t just to finish, their goal is to be the youngest and fastest team to finish.  Additionally Jacob will be the first hemophiliac to row across any ocean.

Through this amazing feat, they will be raising money for Hemophilia of Georgia, an organization that has helped Jacob, who now wants to pay it forward.  If you are inclined I ask you to consider making a donation.

I am so excited to follow Jacob and Chris next June as they make their dream come true.  Incredibly inspiring and it makes me want to realize my big dream!