Community Corner
Michael Wilson Is Running Across America To Help Fight Cancer
This Planet Fitness trainer is running from California to Massachusetts to raise money and awareness for children with cancer.
This Patch article is sponsored by Planet Fitness and Mike Runs Across America
Michael Wilson, trainer at the Planet Fitness club in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is running across America to raise money for children with cancer.
Patch had the opportunity to chat with Wilson about the inspiration for his run, the challenges he's faced and how the community can support his journey.
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Patch: What inspired you to do this run/campaign, and how did you get started?
Wilson: I’ve seen loved ones battle cancer for many years and heard many heartfelt stories of how it’s impacted the lives of others, which inspired me to help in any way I can. The idea to run across America came from my passion for distance running and adventure.
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I was drawn to two organizations devoted to children and cancer: Lucy’s Love Bus and the MaxLove Project. I come from humble beginnings, but in no way am I a stranger to hard work. I try to go above and beyond in everything I do, including helping people achieve their fitness goals as a trainer at Planet Fitness Portsmouth.
Training for the run was a huge, but necessary physical undertaking which couldn’t have been possible without the support of my community. To incorporate training into my regular life, I ran 10 miles round trip to and from work every day.
Patch: What do you hope to get out of the campaign?
Wilson: Our goal is to raise $35,000 for Lucy’s Love Bus and the MaxLove Project, two sister charities that are helping support the overall well-being and emotional healing of children with cancer.
Along with raising money, I want to advocate for living an active lifestyle, which I’m lucky to be able to do as a trainer at Planet Fitness Portsmouth. I also want to promote kindness, because you never know what someone is going through.
Patch: What’s the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you’ve faced in your campaign?
Wilson: Originally, I was supposed to start on April 1st in Santa Monica and travel 3,500 miles to Newburyport (on foot, in 80 days, with the essentials strapped to my back and in a stroller that I would push along the way). But on March 31st, I lost all my gear and supplies in a car accident that resulted in a car fire, valued at around $5,500. What’s important is that everyone involved was okay, and in less than two days, supporters donated over $8,000 to replace what was lost.
After taking a few days to regroup, I hit the bricks on April 7th.
Patch: How can Patch readers support your journey?
Wilson: This run wouldn’t be possible without the support of our local community. It’s exciting to share this journey with so many people.
You can learn more and donate on our Fundraising Page, and follow along for updates on our Facebook Page and Instagram @mikerunsacrossamerica.
You can even track my run live to check out how I’m progressing here: Live Tracking Page!
Leave a comment or a message, I’ll be sure to read it.