05 Apr 2011 No Comments
The Road To Boston for Team Hoyt
[yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvE_toRgKeA&NR=1']Two weeks from today, on April 18, 2011, I will be running the 115th Boston Marathon with Team Hoyt and representing The Hoyt Foundation, which is a father and son team that competes year-round in distance runs and triathlons. Team Hoyt strives to help those who are physically disabled become active members of the community. Often times in life we struggle with the day to day obstacles that life throws our way. Team Hoyt’s message of, “Yes You Can”, is a powerful phrase that instills hope to many people that are affected by physical disabilities and can be transcended into our everyday lives. When you think you can’t achieve or accomplish a task or goal, try to repeat the Hoyt message of, “Yes You Can!” The Hoyt’s message of, “Yes You Can!” are words that resonate for me today as person with a disorder.
I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in August of 2010. This diagnosis was a surprise to me, my family, friends, and colleagues at work. Since my diagnosis I have come to accept and take responsibility for my mental health disorder that I’m learning to live with on a daily basis. During my hospitalization the possibility of running for the Hoyt Foundation was something that was a positive that kept me motivated during that difficult time. Exercising and working out are excellent coping skills for what I was experience on a daily basis because of the natural endorphins your body releases during physical activity. When I train I don’t think, I just get into a zone and focus on working hard to complete my daily training goals in preparation for the marathon.
This once in a lifetime opportunity came true for me after my application and essay was accepted this past Fall, 2010. I had been officially selected as one of twenty runners that will represent the Hoyt Foundation and Team Hoyt in the race in Boston. I learned about Team Hoyt and the Hoyt Foundation from Doug and Aisling Gilliland this past June. The first time I viewed the website and read the About Team Hoyt section of the site, I was simply blown away by the story! I realized this was a truly inspirational story; a story of courage and perseverance of a father and son who set out to accomplish a goal together and not only achieved their goal, but brought it to an unimaginable level.
The minimum fundraising requirement for a charity runner for Team Hoyt is $5,000 dollars. I recently reached my goal and have since raised my goal to $6,000 dollars! My methods of fundraising that have helped me accomplish my goal are include the following; email, text, phone calls, FirstGiving, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn , garage sales at my parents’ house, mailer fliers to family and friends, and passing out custom business cards to people and local businesses. All of these different outlets have helped me to surpass my goal and allowed me to raise the goal to a level I didn’t realize was possible. The support and generosity that people have displayed for me, The Hoyt Foundation, and Team Hoyt has been simply overwhelming and incredible!
My best friend Drew Gennuso and I decided that we would shoot video of what I experience on a daily basis a charity runner for the 2011 Boston Marathon. We both agreed that what I’m currently experiencing is something special and we needed to figure out a way to tell my story and the experience of being a part of The Hoyt Foundation. “Send Chuck to Boston” will be a video of my daily schedule of work, training, fundraising, and personal interview dialogue. Through the video, we hope to spread the Hoyt’s message of “Yes You Can” and raise awareness for not only the Hoyt Foundation, but all non-profits that exist today. Another goal we aim to achieve is to inspire individuals who are seeking motivation to attempt, try, and accomplish whatever they put their mind and heart into.
The Hoyt’s message of, “Yes You Can!” are words that resonate for me today as person with a disorder. Their message instills hope, provides strength, and inspiration for people to believe in. I am truly grateful and honored to represent, raise awareness, and run the 2011 Boston Marathon with Team Hoyt and The Hoyt Foundation.
This is a guest post by Chuck Wagner. Chuck Wagner has raised almost $6,000 for The Hoyt Foundation. You can view his FirstGiving fundraising page and contribute here.
To view more videos about Chuck Wagner’s Road to Boston, visit his YouTube channel.
Chuck Wagner running in Mission Bay near San Diego, CA
