On Sunday, October 12th, Clayton and I will be running the Chicago Marathon in honor of his Uncle and my Brother-In-Law Jeff Dunn. Just over 19 years ago, Jeff lost his courageous battle with ALS. For those who knew Jeff, he embodied the ALS motto of "Never Give Up". Jeff lit up every room he stepped into and truly made the world a better place. He put his own life on the line every shift to protect the community until diagnosed with this terrible disease.​

Even while fighting ALS which has no cure to this day, Jeff lived every moment to its fullest. Shortly before Jeff passed, he wrote a letter to his fellow firefighters that had gone out of their way to take care of him and his family. Please take a moment and read a portion of the letter as we believe there is a lesson each of us could take away and apply to our everyday lives:

"Please keep in mind that it’s not the fire trucks, fire gear, or buildings that matter…it’s the people; and when it counted most, the department and the town stood behind me and my family. I wish that everyone could take care of each other the way that you have taken care of me. Treat each other like family: if someone needs help, offer it. If someone needs criticism, be constructive. If someone wrongs you, tell them. If you make a mistake, admit it. If someone needs knowledge that you posses, teach them.  Most issues will take care of themselves if we incorporate this way of thinking."

We could not thank you more for your support!

Meredith and Clayton Marrs