The funny thing about Chris is that his story came to life when he posted on Facebook that it was on his bucket list to hijack a Krispy Kreme truck and pass out free doughnuts to people to make them happy. And to Krispy Kreme's credit, instead of discouraging him, they have supplied him with a truck filled with doughnuts to pass out to others. For the complete video click here: The Great Krispy Kreme Donut Heist
A few weeks ago they had a follow-up on Chris's story, and the amazing thing is that as he moves closer to death, he really does appear happier. He takes joy in the small things in life that many of us may take for granted. He shares about how the sound of his daughter's footsteps bring him happiness where others might not even notice those steps at all. This most recent segment about Chris shows that he is now gathering video footage of other ALS patients to document how in the face of this debilitating disease, these patients are remarkably happy despite the diagnosis. In fact, these people feel that they are happier than most because their limited time on Earth reminds them to appreciate even the small things around them. This clip is very inspiring and worth taking the time to watch: On the Road: The silver linings playbook of an ALS patient
I was really touched by Chris's ability to focus on the positive despite his diagnosis, but what inspired me to write the blog this week--what inspired me to action--was when Chris shared his motto, "If you don't impact someone...then this is all a waste!" It inspired me to try to make a difference, and it does not involve doughnuts. In my life I am very passionate about my family and friends, about the importance of education and its power to affect children in a positive way, and about running, biking, and swimming. I wanted to find some way to combine these three passions, and I am hoping that my family and friends will support me in this endeavor.
A little over two years ago, one of my very good friends lost her son unexpectedly. He was an amazing person who brought great joy to so many. He had the ability to make anyone he was around feel special; he loved music, gardening, and was an amazing cook; he had an immense passion for his family and friends and would do anything for them. A scholarship was created in his name to support students going off to college, and it is in this way I am hoping to make a difference. For the rest of the year I am hoping that my family and friends will donate to this scholarship fund in the following ways:
- I will be posting the number of miles I run/bike/swim, the racing events I plan to take part in, and I would love it if you would sponsor my craziness. In this way I can combine my three passions to make a difference.
- You could donate to the scholarship fund no matter the amount of excercising I participate in--that would be wonderful as well.
- Go to the website murrieta.dollarsforscholars.org
- Click on the gray "Donate Now" tab at the top, left of the page
- Click the red donate now button
- Fill in all your information, but make sure to "Specify a Scholarship Fund" by typing in the Rory Gollogly Scholarship Fund
- I will keep this information on the side column on my blog under "Miles for Rory" and keep a running total of my running, biking, and swimming from this week until the end of the year to remind you to support my mission