Runner, Steve Cannon, Attempts Unprecedented Feat to Raise Money for Cancer Survivors, Beginning May 27 in Chicago
The Run to Cure Cancer will benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation
Chicago, Ill. (MMD Newswire) April 30, 2012 -- In an attempt to become the first person to run the circumference of Lake Michigan, the world's sixth largest lake, Steve Cannon of Clive, Iowa, will embark from Chicago's Navy Pier at 9 a.m., Sunday, May 27 in what will amount to the equivalent of 40 marathons in 40 days, returning to the starting point on Thursday, July 5, a journey of 1,037 miles through four states. He has set a goal to raise $250,000 on behalf of the Lance Armstrong Foundation, which serves people affected by cancer and empowers them to take action against the world's leading cause of death.
"This run honors all those who have won, lost or continue to fight this terrible disease," Cannon said. "Twenty eight million people worldwide live with cancer and the Lance Armstrong Foundation plays a leading role in the fight against it. What strikes me the most is the work of the Lance Armstrong Foundation which provides free patient navigation services to survivors with financial, emotional and practical challenges that accompany the disease. That's why I'll be out there."
"On behalf of the team at the Lance Armstrong Foundation, we want to thank Steve for his generous support of our mission through such an ambitious endeavor - 40 marathons in 40 days," said Doug Ulman, Foundation president and CEO. "Steve's amazing stamina is exactly what's needed to defeat this disease - a relentless and unwavering dedication to supporting people affected by cancer everywhere."
From his starting point at Chicago's renowned Harry Caray's Tavern on the Navy Pier, Cannon's circuitous route will traverse four states, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana, through well known cities and towns including Milwaukee and Green Bay, Wisconsin; Marquette, Sault Ste. Marie and Grand Rapids, Michigan and South Bend and Gary, Indiana on his way back to the Pier. "From now through the end of the run, anyone can buy a mile or a day and every penny goes to the Lance Armstrong Foundation," Cannon said. (See links below to donate). "So far we have raised over $10,000 toward our $250,000 goal. We also hope to create a 'Forrest Gump' situation because everyone is invited to fall in and run with me for however long, anywhere at any time."
A social media manager and videographer will accompany Cannon on his odyssey 24/7 providing a constant flow of images and information via YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. "Cannonites," (supporters) will also be able to follow Steve's progress through GPS and speak with him live via cell phone.
Taking Your Requests
In addition, Steve encourages suggestions from the public for songs and playlists that he can to listen to along the way that provide inspiration and the energy to help make the miles go by. "Especially for those who run or work out, at any level, you know how music can provide that extra measure of motivation. Send me the songs and music that stimulate your endorphins. I sure could use that!" he said.
An RV with supplies and support staff will follow Steve throughout the run. He points out that the vehicle will also function as his "NASCAR billboard" in that any corporate sponsor who steps up will have its company logo displayed prominently "all over the darn thing." Not only can a company sponsor as many days as it wants, it can also provide funds for fuel and maintenance.
In the early evening of Saturday, May 26th, Windy City residents and visitors are invited to gather at the Chicago Hilton (4 pm - 8 pm) where they can meet Steve Cannon and mingle with guests and supporters. On the morning of Sunday, May 27th all are invited to join Steve at Harry Caray's Tavern at 8 am on the Navy Pier. Participants can run a mile or a marathon that day to honor all those in the fight against cancer.
"I invite you to participate in any way that inspires you, either through donations or by simply sending out emails, texts, tweets, liking us on Facebook or even by old school face-to-face conversation," Steve said.
"Donations will provide help and hope for each and every person who has been or will be diagnosed with cancer. Because of your generosity they will have a chance to live through it and even beat it. I urge you to live strong and say a big thanks every day for your health and the health of those you love," he emphasized.
About the Lance Armstrong Foundation
The Lance Armstrong foundation serves people affected by cancer and empowers them to take action against the world's leading cause of death. With its iconic yellow LIVESTRONG wristband, the Foundation became a symbol of hope and inspiration to people throughout the world affected by cancer. Created in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, the Foundation provides free patient navigation services to survivors with financial, emotional and practical challenges that accompany the disease. Known for its powerful brand - LIVESTRONG - the Foundation is also a leader in the global movement on behalf of 28 million people living with cancer today. Since its inception, the Foundation has raised nearly $500 million for the fight against cancer. For more information visit; http://livestrong.org/.
Buy A Mile
Every donation touches someone's life somewhere and no donation is too small (or too big!) You can OWN a mile of the run for $200 and receive a special edition, "I Own a Mile of The Run to Cure Cancer, 2012" T-Shirt. Visit, http://theruntocurecancer.com/buy-a-mile/ to donate.
Buy A Day
Each corporate sponsor who donates $5,240, which represents $200 for each of the 26.2 miles I will run each day, will be honored as the Sponsor of the Day and will receive special visibility, signage and media exposure. For details, visit: http://theruntocurecancer.com/buy-a-day/ NOTE: Corporate sponsorship can also take the form of in-kind donations of food/nutrition, beverages, gas, lodging, etc.
Current Sponsors
Drymax Running Socks, Scheels All Sports, KT Tape, SKLZ, Mikeshumway.com, Fitness Sports, Zoom Performance, Compass Chiropractic, Medimassager.com, Priority Health, Flex Power Performance Cream and Modern Legacy Productions.
About Steve Cannon
Born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, May 7, 1966, he ran his first 5k in 1996 and a first marathon two years later and has run 30-plus marathons since. Steve has competed in many 24-hour Adventure races. In 2009 he ran 11 Marathons in 11 days for a total of 300 miles across his home of Iowa. He identifies himself as a "cancer hater and adventure lover." Steve Cannon is a dedicated fundraiser for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. He believes "there is greatness in ALL of us." Read more about him at http://theruntocurecancer.com/ and follow his progress on Facebook; http://www.facebook.com/ and Twitter; twitter@runcannonrun
About Imerman Angels
Steve has a kindred spirit in Chicagoan Jonny Imerman who, at 26, was diagnosed with testicular cancer. To augment his healing process, Jonny wanted to talk with someone just like him -- same age, same sex, same disease -- who had already beaten it. He did find such a person and that led to his establishing Imerman Angels in 2003, a community of cancer fighters, survivors and caregivers. Imerman Angels provides a "Mentor Angel" matching a cancer survivor of the same age, sex and specific cancer, acting as a partner to help someone newly diagnosed find the strength, courage and hope to fight the good fight. The Lance Armstrong Foundation also assists in funding Imerman Angels. To learn more about Jonny and his work, visit: http://www.imermanangels.org/index.php.
About the Coach
On November 1, 2006 former "pack-a-day-smoker" Ray Zahab and two other runners set out on an epic expedition to cross the Sarah Desert on foot. One hundred and eleven day and 7,500 kms after leaving the coast of Senegal they completed the journey stepping into the Red Sea. The trio ran an average of 70 kms per day without a single day of rest while the National Geographic tracked them by web and the documentary film "Running the Sahara," produced by Matt Damon and directed by Oscar winner James Moll captured the feat on film. Read more about Ray at: http://rayzahab.com/about.
About Marshall Ulrich
A bona fide hero of Steve's is extreme endurance athlete and author, Marshall Ulrich whose U.S. transcontinental run, at age 57, of more than 3,000 miles is a feat of legend and chronicled in his book, Running on Empty. Marshall has also run more than 100 footraces averaging over 125miles each, competed in 12 expedition-length adventure races and climbed the Seven Summits (including Mt. Everest) all on his first attempts. "There are certain individuals whose perseverance set them apart. Who can prove to others they can do more than they think they can. Steve is an embodiment of that," Ulrich said. To learn more about Marshall, visit: http://marshallulrich.com/.
Contact: Tom Tanno, tom@drymaxsports.com, 818-907-9950 / 818-515-8079, mobile. (Note: Route Map and Photo of Steve Cannon, available upon request.)
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