100 Miles to Conquer Chiari

I've decided to take on a 100-mile trail race to demonstrate, document, and draw the correlations between the hardships and navigation of an Ultra Marathon and the hardships and navigation of life’s challenges, and to raise money for a charity. Shortly after reaching that conclusion, I learned a saddening piece of information from a wonderful family.  Their child, after a routine scan for something unrelated, was discovered to have Chiari Malformation, “A serious neurological disorder where the bottom part of the brain, the cerebellum, descends out of the skull and crowds the spinal cord, putting pressure on both the brain and spine and causing many symptoms” and I immediately knew the purpose of this race and the significance it held. 

 Alongside a very sweet and endearing demeanor outside of sport, this child is filled will such energy, great athletic coordination with a grit and determination that’s inspiring and already is excelling in multiple sports. Based upon the progression of this diagnosis, their parents and siblings are facing a potential day where this child could wake up with some debilitating symptoms such as severe headaches, loss of coordination, loss of balance, muscle weakness, trouble swallowing, breathing issues, neck pain, trouble walking or standing, potential paralysis, amongst other debilitating symptoms. This child is not aware of their diagnosis and their parents do not share this with many people. Hence the reason I’m not providing names or gender. 

This is the reason I started On the Bright Side LLC, to help those facing life-changing hardships and circumstances. To engage with and facilitate a network of people in the community who can holistically address the impact those hardships have on the mind, body, and soul. To let those suffering know that there is a community who cares and can take action to support them in their time of need. I pray this family doesn’t have to face the worst-case scenario of this disease, I pray that with a little bit more time and more research, doctors will have the tools at their disposal to prevent any debilitating effects. Most importantly outside of prayer, I’m now able to act, and hope that by taking action it can make a difference in their life. On March 16th, 2024, I will complete a 100-mile race on the trails of Brady's Run Park, hopefully within a race time close to 24 hours in duration. This race will not be easy, and I expect to be challenged like never before. When I am, when I feel that urge to quit, I will picture this child and family in my mind and know that no matter what you are facing, someone somewhere is facing something more. It represents the challenges that life can bring sometimes. The pain and hardship, the determination to get through it, the lessons and wisdom, the discipline, the teamwork, and the "Bright Side" even the hardest of challenges can bring. If you are reading this you are part of that community, that “Bright Side” I seek to engage with and enable to be a part of this gesture of compassion and support. Please consider donating to this cause and giving a ray of light to a family facing dark, enduring fears. Thank you!

Adam McCaa

On the Bright Side LLC