Play Big

Thanks to the amazing support of the Play Big community, we have exceeded our goal for this campaign and will be able to support students overcoming adversity and continue to Play Big. Though this campaign is complete, you can still join the team and make a difference by contributing here: www.asufoundation.org/playbig.

Long before I decided to compete in an Ironman event, I wanted to do something special for Samantha. I met with Paul Stachel (Samantha’s dad) shortly after her passing to discuss different ideas, fundraising events, etc. It was, I believe, my way of participating in their grief. I have a picture of one of her drawings, a copy of an essay she wrote to her high school teacher; I even had an artist create a bonsai Plum Tree—Samantha’s favorite tree. The reason I feel so compelled to do this is the strength and courage that exists in Samantha. I would frequently call upon this strength from her spirit whenever I personally faced a fearful or challenging situation. And today, I continue to speak with her when I’m struggling on a long ride or run. She comes through every time. So, about this event… I am putting my body to the ultimate test: 140.6 miles of swimming (2.4 miles), cycling (112 miles), and running (26.2 miles) on behalf of the Samantha Stachel Play Big Scholarship. The money I raise will go to students accepted into Barrett, The Honors College at ASU. Samantha was to have enrolled in Barrett in the Fall of 2013. Recipients of the scholarships will have demonstrated how they Play Big in the face of adversity— thereby creating a ripple effect to inspire and educate people and community to Play Big in their lives and to support those facing challenges. The miles I’m putting in every week are in the hundreds so feel free to match my weekly totals which I’ll be posting on my blog: https://imaz4samantha.wordpress.com