Tap Cancer Out

Recently, I have become a little obsessed with jiu jitsu, to the point that I have started competing at the amateur level. My first competition was last year, about a week before my 40th birthday. This turn of events might seem strange to those who don’t know me, but for those who do, it probably makes sense. 

Upon reflection, it makes sense to me. Many factors influenced me to begin this journey: I did MMA and boxed in my early twenties; I am a big fan of the UFC, and both my children do jiu jitsu. However, the strongest influence is likely the example I picked up subconsciously from watching my mom embrace fitness around her 40th birthday and become obsessed with it. 

My mom was never an unhealthy or lazy person. She was always active but never to an extreme. But I remember her intermittent running habit becoming a daily routine. Those runs started extending from 2 miles to 4, then 5, and before long she was running 10-mile races and looking forward to her run the following day. She relished our trips to Maine, in part because she could run the hills I recently wrote about (and she would run far longer than I would, btw). 

I have been fit and active for the last 20+ years, probably another cue I picked up subconsciously from my mom. But trying something new and diving in completely is definitely something I learned from watching her. Competing individually also feels different from team-based endeavors. I have played lacrosse, a team sport, my whole life. But individual competition, whether CrossFit competitions, marathons, or jiu jitsu, carries a challenge and slight fear that has fed this slightly obsessive bent. Perhaps my mom also felt that way. Unfortunately, I never asked. 

My mom passed away from colon cancer on June 19, 2021. An unexpected and devastating loss of a beautiful person. Her loss reminds me and drives me each day to make the most of my time, because tomorrow is not guaranteed. 

All of this brings me to a jiu jitsu tournament I will be competing in on October 10, 2026, in the Chicago area. The tournament is being put on by Tap Cancer Out, so naturally, its mission resonated with me. As part of my entry, I am raising money to support TCO’s work funding cancer research and organizations that serve cancer patients, survivors, and their families. 

My goal is $1,000. If you’d like to support the cause, you can donate here: https://wecan.tapcancerout.org/fundraiser/7407894

Additionally, I will be sharing updates on my training in the weeks leading up to the event, along with day-of updates, on my Instagram and the 50-Year Storm Instagram. 

This is a deeply personal pursuit, and one rooted in passion. Thank you for your support. 

The Storm Reveals. 

More info about Tap Cancer Out: 

Tap Cancer Out, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and their incredible cancer-fighting beneficiary organizations. 

Tap Cancer Out has donated $7,750,000+ to their beneficiary organizations since 2012! 

Their beneficiaries this year include:

• Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation
• American Brain Tumor Association
• Camp Sunshine
• Christopher's Haven
• Cure Cervical Cancer
• First Descents
• Isabella Santos Foundation
• Johns Hopkins Pediatric Oncology
• Joyce's Place
• Little Pink Houses of Hope
• Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital
• Rady Children's Health
• Tom Coughlin Jay Fund
  
  

I would be honored if you'd support my fundraising efforts with a donation. It's secure and 100% tax deductible. 

If you'd prefer to pay by check, please mail to:
Tap Cancer Out
PO Box 551
Fort Mill, SC 29715

Please include a note with my name and make the check payable to "Tap Cancer Out."

If you can't make a donation at this point, help me reach my goal by sharing this page on social media, via text, or even better, send an e-mail to friends you think might be interested in contributing and include a link to my page!

Thanks so much for your generosity!