Help Kelly raise money

I was nine the first time Dad and I talked running. Our town was hosting a youth track meet, and Dad had decided I should run. “What am I running? Like…the mile?” I asked.

Dad frowned. “Look,” he said. “My rule for running is simple: If you can’t see the finish line - don’t run it. We sprint in this family.”

“Uh, okay,” I said. 

Dad wasn’t long for a 5K, 10K, or a marathon. 

But we’re here talking running for an important reason.

We’re raising funds to support the Concussion Legacy Foundation’s End CTE campaign, which is leading efforts to prevent, diagnose, and treat CTE while supporting patients and families fighting the disease.

Dad ran the football for Michigan from 1973-1976. He finished 3^rd in the voting for the Heisman Trophy, graduated as Michigan’s all-time leading rusher, and beat the Buckeyes with 165 yards and a touchdown in a 22-0 win his senior year. 

He played in an era where a collision meant “getting your bell rung” and rubbing dirt on an injury solved all problems. “At least 20,” he said once when I asked how many concussions he’d had while playing. 

Michigan fans remember him as one of the toughest players in an era of tough men. He was everybody’s All-American. We played catch together. He quizzed me before Social Studies or history tests. He introduced me to Otis Redding and The Temptations. For as long as I can remember, he was my best friend. 

Dad died from a heart attack in 2010 at 56. A year later, he was diagnosed with Stage 3 CTE. 

The diagnosis helped our family make sense of Dad’s final years. His blank stares and forgotten moments. The times he’d seem lost in conversation and how his jokes would no longer land. His sadness and his confusion. Our heartbreak. 

CTE creates shells of its victims. It turns heroes into ghosts, stealing their memories along the way. 

The Concussion Legacy Foundation is helping support athletes, Veterans, and all affected by concussions and CTE. Their helping the families of those suffering understand how to cope through their trauma. 

This Cleveland Marathon, my mom, my sister, and I will break the Lytle rule by participating in several events. We'll be doing a 5K walk and run, and I'll even attempt a 10K. We’ll do it in honor of Dad and to raise awareness for this important cause. 

 Please join us in supporting the Concussion Legacy Foundation. You can donate here or share to spread the word. If you’re interested in participating or helping, please contact me. Would love to connect. 

Friends- we’ll see you when we see you. Hopefully, it’ll be at the finish line.