A tribute

Some drunken nights are meant to be forgotten. This particular night would be until a couple of guys, Charles and Eric, needed a way to not only help their friend Shawn, but a way to show their admiration, love and respect for him and his family.

The fateful night in question occurred over seven years ago when Charles and Shawn talked about training for a marathon. Shawn went on to compete in triathlons and other runs but never a marathon. Diagnosed with brain cancer in February of 2010 Shawn had to put aside thoughts of marathons. Fighting the disease and defying expectations, Shawn has shown the strength and resolve of someone meant to run mile after mile.

Recently, Shawn has entered hospice care. Faced with losing his friend and looking for a way to help Shawn’s wife, Katie, with the exorbitant medical costs Charles remembered that night from seven years ago. He could think of no better way to help his friends and show his support than to raise donations in support of his running the marathon his friend never got to. Charles then recruited a fellow Shawn friend, Eric, and despite their collective lack of marathon experience are determined to complete the Chicago Marathon together with thoughts of Shawn powering them across the finish line.

Shawn with Charlie Mae