“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” –Christopher Reeve
Kris Vogt is husband, father, athlete, leader in his community, President for Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Sacramento/Tahoe region and today he will become a Coldwell Banker Hero.
With the tremendous honor of being nominated for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Man of the Year 2012 for the Greater Sacramento Area Chapter Kris has made it his goal to do everything he can to raise $60,000 for lifesaving cancer research.
Supporting this society has become part of a lifelong pledge for Kris. Like millions of others, Kris has witnessed the pain and sadness of these deadly diseases.
Kris shared his story on his blog last night, one that millions around the world can relate to. “It has been nearly 10 years since our kids were in elementary school, yet it seems like just yesterday we heard that two of their young classmates were suddenly gone. Taken by leukemia. We knew the families and I remember the conflict I had as a father; grateful that my kids were healthy yet heartbroken for the families who had lost their children. I felt so helpless. We recently learned a friend in Wilton, Holly, has lymphoma. She is currently battling, getting treatment, and doing everything she can to continue being a mom. I watch the impact it has on Holly’s family, my own wife and others.”
Kris knew that in order to raise that much money he was going to have to something special. “I want it to be big. The bigger it is, the more people we can help” said Kris, and with that he pledged to run for 24 hours (over 100 miles) to support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Take a moment and let that sink in. Running for 24 hours. Just thinking about this is exhausting.
“Sure there will be high energy times in the next 24 hours, as well as times of challenge and struggle. Running is the perfect metaphor for life. As I have been training for this event, I have often thought about what it will be like at certain times. How much struggle will there be. In the end, I have no idea. I will cover a 100 miles. Maybe a few more. There will be times of struggle without question.
But for me, the struggle won’t last for more than 24 hours. For a child, a spouse, a loved one with Leukemia or Lymphoma, their struggle is so much more than I can imagine. I WILL NOT COME CLOSE TO WHAT THEY HAVE TO ENDURE. Running for 24 hours to raise awareness and money is frankly pretty easy by comparison.”
At 9:00 AM (Pacific Time) Kris will kick off his 24 hours run. His entire Coldwell Banker family will be cheering him and we hope you will to. Follow tweets on Twitter about this amazing event with #24hourrun and please check out his website as well.
Click here to track Kris using your computer, and click here to track him on your phone. He would love to see you along his race route!
