I didn’t get a chance to ask Greg’s permission to add this to my website but he’s been busy running in The Great World Race. I’ve known him since elementary school just living in the periphery of social media all these years. I read his GoFundMe tonight and well… gosh. I’ll let you read it for yourself.
I’m adding his GoFundMe with his words here so that you might be inspired by his story and that you might help him do what he has set out to do.
When I started the #BeReal series it was for my daughter. To show her that real isn’t perfection, it isn’t just one way or another. We all have different paths. Some of them are hard. Some of them you have to fight for. I hope she always fights for herself and others. I hope we do too.
Help me cheer Greg. You can follow THE GREAT WORLD RACE on Facebook.
“Hello, I am Greg Gerardy. I have only 1 functional Lung and I am looking to attempt and complete with only 1 Lung, the 7-7-7 Challenge – The Great World Race. This is 7 marathons, in 7 days, on all 7 continents. I am an ongoing cancer survivor with one functional lung and an autoimmune disorder.
Many of you have known my medical history for the past 25 years, it’s quite complex and complicated. I’ve had complex surgeries, lost function of right lung, paralysis of right shoulder/hand/eye/vocal chord, removal of ribs, clavical & pectoral muscle, removal of 1/2 right quadricep which was inserted into my chest with blood flow tied directly into heart, and have an autoimmune disease that attacks my own organs.
Despite all this, I have overcome and would love to give HOPE to others suffering from disabilities to complete this race and show that anything is possible!
The entry fee is being covered by my employer, Seagate, but I still have a considerable amount of other ancillary costs involved with travel, training, insurance, gear, etc. All funds raised will go to support the costs involved with completing this challenge such as trip and event insurance, travel, training expenses, event entry fees, additional gear expenses, etc.
Recognized internationally as a truly unique Disabled Athlete, my story has inspired many people around the world, especially those who share my condition or face similar challenges. I want to show everyone that having a Disability such as this does not mean giving up on your dreams or your potential.
- I want to redefine this Disabilities Possibilities.
- I want to bring attention to the ‘invisible’ Disabilities which get little publicity since it can’t be seen; there are no prosthetics, or other replacement devices to restore any level of the lost functionality.
- I want to bring hope to those who share my condition or face similar challenges.
- I hope to bring awareness and educate the medical community who deal with 1 Lung’rs and other breathing disorders; change the medical approach to 1 Lung’rs rehabilitation.
- I lead by example and show what 1 Lung’rs can still achieve.
- I challenge those with 2 healthy lungs to get out and get active – take advantage of the health you have!
***One of the cool things about the race this year is that I have been invited by the event organizers to potentially participate as a Featured Athlete in this event in a 7-part Documentary Film Series with an Emmy Award winning film crew covering this years 7-7-7 Great World Race, which may be in Netflix and/or Amazon.”
HASTYWORDS 