Help Fernando Keep Moving and Inspiring

If you know Fernando, then you know the drill: get up, and get moving.

This has been Fernando’s mantra on every run, which has become his saving grace over the last few years as he fights an ongoing battle with cancer.

To use Fernando’s own words: “Running has become something I can’t really put into words, it’s something most people don’t understand. When things are so uncertain in life, learning to put one foot in front of the other while on run is a tool that transcends all facets of my life. Training and having certain goals have been my saving grace when I felt like I didn’t have much else to fight for.”

Fernando may use these words to help him keep moving and keep fighting, but he also uses them to inspire and support others along the way.

In the short time I’ve known Fernando through the East End Run Club (Southampton, NY) I’ve come to know a person who shows up for his community. He is the first person to dole out kudos to every friend on Strava, he shows up to races with water/fuel, to pace his friends looking to meet goals, and to celebrate their accomplishments. He has raised money for the American cancer society for the NYC marathon in 2022, 2023, and 2024. And he has brought people together and fostered many new friendships and connections within the running community.

While Fernando has so many more sides to him besides being a runner (a veteran, a talented tiler, a pilot), running is how I’ve come to see how truly amazing, inspirational, supportive, and maybe a little crazy he is. He needs our support and help while he fights for his life. Please consider donating to help Fernando pay his medical bills, so he can keep reminding us to get up and get moving - whether it’s through a run or a personal battle to keep going.