Well…? I’m many things, including a Father to Justyce, Colbi Lyn and Devin, and a (soon-to-be) husband to Mary. I’m an advocate for Breast Cancer research and awareness. I am a Navy Chief Information Systems Technician, meaning that essentially I’m a computer nerd in the Navy. I’m also pursuing my Master’s Degree in Information Systems, which will lend even more to my computer-nerdiness, and will graduate in May 2010 and forever be done with school. On top of all that, I also volunteer with the US Naval Sea Cadet Corps as an Instructor, with Gunfighter Squadron/Training Ship Top Gun and Training Ship Murphy Canyon.
I’m also Mr. December in the 2010 60 Mile Men Calendar. The calendar is for those guys who have done the Breast Cancer 3-Day (either as Crew or as a Walker) and are also doing one the year their calendar is out, meaning that I completed a Walk (actually, two) in 2009. Why did I pose half-naked for a calendar? Well, in 2005, my sister was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Breast Cancer. After being cancer-free for a year, it came back with a vengeance in her brain and bones. I hadn’t realized it could do that, and that’s when I got involved. Since I’m 2200 miles away, the best way I could find to help was to get involved in the 3-day walks. I did San Diego’s Walk in 2008. In 2009, I did both the Arizona and the San Diego 3-Day Walks, on back-to-back weekends.
In 2010, I had intended to do both the Michigan and Chicago Walks, however, my plans were derailed in January when I got orders to my next ship, the USS Halsey, and I report there in July (instead of September), deploying shortly thereafter. This means I’ll be underway during the 2010 Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure&tm; season. I believe in this cause, and believe in doing something bigger than myself. I will walk until I can’t walk anymore. In 2008, my motto was “I walk in hopes that someday my daughters only know Breast Cancer as something that Auntie Shayna once had.” In 2009, it was “I walk because my sister can’t. I walk so my children will never have to.”
Why do I write this blog? Because there’s a lot on my mind. The blog started out last year simply as an update for my participations in the Breast Cancer 3-Day events, but after I completed both events, I realized I had nothing more to write about. So, now I’m writing everything I want on here, but the primary focus is still Breast Cancer, hence the name “Stay Anchored in Hope”, as that is my fledgling organization for raising funds for my Walks.
