Dodging ALS: Brooklyn Half Marathon 4.27.25

UPDATE:

Here we are again. 2 weeks and counting…

As they (he) say… Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana…

I didn't think it was possible to have a harder time writing this year's “post”, but I was, yet again when it comes to this topic, wrong. Perhaps that's why it's coming so late; perhaps that's why my training started equally as late. Perhaps…

We are two weeks out. Time did indeed fly, and continues to do so. Time is a funny thing. How we use time to navigate loss, to celebrate life, to honor those we love. This morning I listened to many of the speeches from Dad’s celebration of life. I am, truly, forever grateful that we have that recording, because, damn, they are just – good. In every way. As I wrapped up my “speech” that day, time was the topic (as well as dads get-away hat that lovingly remains on his urn in Joanie’s house), but from a more curious standpoint. I had no idea, and still not really sure I do, how time would help this new normal of life without my Dad. I also attempted to summarize the amazing lessons, i.e. gifts, he gave me, and so many of his family, friends, students, anyone really he came in contact with. He taught us (taught me) to seek understanding – no matter what, to learn, to listen, and to think. He taught me to live life, and THAT – is how time has helped, and will continue to help me navigate this new normal. Because he taught me to live, and to believe, and to love. And so without fail, every damn year, I will run the Brooklyn Half Marathon celebrating him and the many lessons he gave us, and of course, the time we had together. And not just before his passing, but all the times he has shown up for me since.

Last year we raised $5945.00 to support ALS research. I have reopened the fundraising page, late I know, but if you would like to support Mike and I in this race while we run to honor an amazing man, please donate here or give directly to ALS.org in honor of Joseph B. Wagner, Jr.

Everything will 100% go to ALS.

Last note: I am so grateful to Mike Blackford, my cousin and one of Dad’s godsons, for running step by step with me. Wouldn't want it any other way.

ORIGINAL POST: 2024

I knew the chances of him being here on race day were slim. I just didn't think his time would end on December 1st, 2023. My father, who some referred to lovingly as the goat, others as the handyman of all handymen, and some just as the best of the best, was diagnosed with ALS late in life, and he spent the bulk of 2023 relinquishing one thing after another. But he NEVER lost his spirit, and he never lost his humor, and he certainly never lost his love and appreciation for his family and friends. He brought people together throughout his whole life - and somehow continues to do so.

I knew this half marathon would have great meaning for me when I signed up. He was born in Brooklyn, had an immense love for the Brooklyn Dodgers, and not too long ago stood on the streets of Brooklyn cheering me on as I ran my first NYC marathon in 2019. He’s always been there. And always will be.

But this disease is truly one of the cruelest I've known. Watching him go through the stages of ALS was perhaps one of the hardest things I've ever done. And when I would tell him how much I was in awe of the way he handled it, he always said – "but I've lived such a good life”. He continued to reflect on the 1000s of other people with ALS, the ones who were much younger than he, the ones who did not get to live their full lives, or watch their kids grow up. Those were the people he felt the most for -- not himself.

Upon hearing about this race, my cousin Mike, and one of my dad’s Godsons, immediately signed up to run with me. To run for him. And I mean immediately. It wasn't even a question. Mike is a teacher today, largely due to my father. My dad often liked to talk about his own career of teaching, and told Mike at a young age, "teaching is a gift Michael...". Turns out my Dad gave us all quite a few gifts.

So this race has become even more special for me – because we will run in his honor. And we will raise as much as we can for ALS research so that hopefully one day, fewer people have to go through what I witnessed, what my dad experienced. Hopefully one day ALS won't be so cruel. Hopefully one day ALS has a cure.

Please join us in making a difference by donating whatever you can. The money we raise will directly benefit The ALS Association. The ALS Association is a national not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS. They cover all the bases: patient and community services, research, public education, and patient advocacy. The ALS Association is committed to a comprehensive approach to meet the needs of the ALS community. This includes patients, caregivers, family members, friends, and healthcare workers.