A Month of Meaning, a Challenging Path Forward

May was Brain Cancer Awareness Month. As someone living with a brain cancer diagnosis, this time of year brings reflection and a steady urgency to consider what can be done to support the community of others facing the same challenges.

Lately, I’ve been thinking more deeply. About the road behind me. About what’s ahead. About how to stay strong in both body and mind as time moves forward.

Those thoughts have led me to something new. A challenge that feels personal, physical, and symbolic. It’s a commitment I’m making to mark a milestone and build resilience, while also raising awareness for the brain cancer community.

Turning 40

This October, I’ll turn 40.

In the brain cancer world, 40 is more than just a number. It’s often used in research as a threshold to categorize recurrence risk, life expectancy, and outlook. It doesn’t mean everything changes overnight, but it is a meaningful marker. One that I’ve been aware of.

I’ve also felt a shift physically. In the 6 years since my brain surgery, I’ve tried staying active, but the approach has always brought the same results: I get into running or a rigorous workout plan, only to be sidelined by injury after a few months. Usually because I push too hard or neglect the boring things like stretching or rest. The truth is, I haven’t always treated my body like something I need to sustain. That’s on me.

Shifting the Approach

That mindset needed to change. I started asking myself how I could build strength in a way that was more sustainable, something I could stick with, but that still felt demanding. I didn’t want easy. I needed something harder than biking or the elliptical. That’s what drew me to rucking. It’s challenging, but manageable. It pushes me without breaking me down.

Rucking is walking with a weighted pack or vest. It’s low impact but physically demanding. Over the past couple of months, I’ve worked it into my routine. It has challenged me, helped me avoid injury, and become something I genuinely enjoy. It’s not just exercise, it’s movement with purpose.

The Challenge: 608 Miles

So now, I’m setting a goal.

From June 1 until October 16, my 40th birthday, I’m committing to ruck 608 miles.

The number is not random. It’s the round-trip distance from my front door to MD Anderson in Houston, where I had brain surgery in 2019. That journey changed everything for us. These 608 miles are my way of acknowledging that path and pursuing the life ahead.

I’ll carry no less than 25 pounds, aiming for 30+ pounds for most of the effort. I’ll track my progress using an app and share updates along the way: mileage, reflections, and what this experience is teaching me.

RUCKING GEAR

Supporting the Cause

At first, I wasn’t sure whether to make this a fundraiser. But as the idea took shape, it became clear that this effort could be about more than just miles, it could be a way to give back. Awareness is important. So is action.

If you feel moved to support this journey, I’m raising funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. St. Jude is a global leader in treating pediatric brain and spine tumors, offering care that combines cutting-edge research with compassionate support for families. They specialize in some of the most challenging diagnoses, including diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), medulloblastoma, and astrocytomas.

St. Jude is committed to improving survival rates while minimizing long-term side effects of the disease and treatments. They lead innovative clinical trials and focus on developing targeted therapies to reduce toxicity and enhance quality of life for young patients.

Importantly, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food, ensuring that all a family should worry about is helping their child live.

Your support will help fuel that mission. Whether you choose to donate or simply follow along, I’m deeply grateful.

You can contribute here: http://fundraising.stjude.org/goto/Rucking608 

The Numbers

This goal will be a stretch. It works out to an average of 4.4 miles per day. At my current pace of 17 minutes per mile, that means about 75 minutes of rucking each day.

It’s going to be tough. But I’m excited. And I’m grateful for your support and hope you will follow along. 

Nick