Upon a very successful completion of my 10-week Man of the Year (MOTY) LLS charity drive (thanks to you), there was nothing I was more looking forward to than taking a few weeks off of any charity-related work, no matter how much I enjoy it. It was pretty obvious to me that though everything turned out beyond my wildest dreams with MOTY, I really needed some regular sleep and to get my ass back in the gym, which I hadn't seen in 2-1/2 months. Well, my "vacation" lasted all of 3 days, as I was reminded towards the end of the MOTY drive that I had made a commitment many months before to co-host (with our own Ken Dashow) a fund-raising event for one Brendan Marracco. I quickly transitioned from a 10-week life changing experience to a 1-day one.
Let me say this. Click here and read Brendan's story...
Just please trust me and read it.
I think we all have an immense sense and appreciation of how our military put their ass on the line on an everyday basis as we go about our daily life here back home. Sometimes we need a reminder of their sacrifices (from the "Ultimate" to simply being away from their families for months on end), and of what exactly these individuals are risking day-in and day-out. Brendan is the poster boy for it.
If you've already read his website, you know his story. If you haven't and will click after reading this, let's just say it is an absolute miracle Brendan is alive. On Easter Sunday of 2009, he lost both arms and both legs and blew out his carotid artery during an EFP (explosive fired projectile) attack while serving in Iraq. He also sustained a laundry list of other injuries you'll read about that should have killed him. But whatever higher power exists quite obviously had other intentions for our US Army Vet from Staten Island, and with a giant piece of good luck, and a even bigger piece of Brendan flipping the bird to fate itself, he not only has survived, but thrived to the best of his ability.
(included...Dasher, Brendan, Gerry Cooney, and Ian)
Some folks have referred to Brendan as "the unluckiest-luckiest" man on earth, and I can see their reasoning for that expression. I can't begin to try and wrap my head around how I would react if such a circumstance happened to me. A great many people would choose not to live at all. Is he an American hero? Obviously, we all know he is. So is everyone else who put their life on the line at home and abroad just so we can enjoy all freedoms we take for granted. But after speaking with him, I don't get the vibe that he feels that "Hero" way at all.
What truly impressed me about this young man, besides the bravery he exhibits in what must be agonizing PT and the host of post-injury complications that have arisen, is his attitude. And that is, "Shit Happens." His take on it seems to be "I knew the risks involved when I signed up to proudly serve my country, and though you can never possibly imagine that something like this would happen, it's part of the job." Having been athletic and enjoying the outdoors before the event that changed his life, he sees no reason why he can't do all of those things again... And he will. But it will not come cheaply. None of us can comprehend the struggle or costs associated with what he goes through on a daily basis to propel him towards achieving his goals. But the tangible additives such as his housing and the other major expenses... we CAN get involved in.
There were a number of individuals who expressed regret to me for not having donated to my LLS campaign, either due to a financial situation or hectic schedule with kids etc where they simply forgot. Both I totally understand. But if you find yourself in a situation now where you can donate any amount whatsoever to Brendan's cause, I strongly urge and kindly ask you to do so. His family and support system are second-to-none, and he's lucky to have them. And we are all lucky to have an individual like Brendan still with us.
In closing, I can't help but think of the US Army commercials I've seen on TV for quite sometime. Their slogan, while all these different vignettes of Army life are shown, is "Army Strong". I suggest for their next commercial they use that same slogan, and show nothing but 30 seconds of Brendan smiling at the camera and not saying a word.
Nuff' said.
Thank you for your time in visiting this site, and donating what you can.
With appreciation,
Ian
