New Timeline, Same Purpose

As of today, September 7, I’ve completed 286 miles in my effort to ruck 608 miles in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The original goal was to finish by my 40th birthday on October 16, but I must extend the finish line to the end of the year. I didn’t get there in time, but I will get there.

This revised timeline gives me the space to finish strong and safely. I’ve been cautious with some nagging heel pain, and I’ve also missed more early mornings than I care to admit. The discipline slipped. But even that’s part of what this has been about: finding limits, wrestling with them, and choosing to keep going.

I’m now more confident that I’ll complete this goal, and I see the silver lining in having more time to raise awareness, share more about why this effort matters, and continue building support for St. Jude and the families they serve.

This effort has never been about perfection. It’s about movement, literal and symbolistic, and about keeping my focus on something bigger than myself.

The Bigger Picture: Pediatric Brain Cancer

This challenge is for the families and children facing pediatric brain cancer, and for the medical teams searching for hope and healing. It’s for St. Jude, whose model of care and research means families never receive a bill, and kids facing the unthinkable still get the very best.

I encourage you to take a moment to read this story from Brayden’s family. Brayden was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, the most common malignant brain tumor impacting children. His journey through treatment, an additional cancer diagnosis, and the care his family received at St. Jude, show exactly why this work matters. It’s not just about curing and treating a disease, it’s about helping kids live the fullest, most joyful lives possible beyond it.

And if you feel moved, consider a donation here. Every gift large or small makes a difference.

A Blow to Pediatric Brain Cancer Research

This cause also just suffered a blow. The Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium (PBTC), a group of major children's hospitals that collaborate on early-phase brain cancer trials, is losing its federal funding. This means enrollment in clinical trials will pause, and critical research on treatments could be delayed.

While some of this work may transition to broader networks, the loss of PBTC’s infrastructure is a setback. You can read more about this development here.

It’s a timely reminder of why reliable, mission-driven organizations like St. Jude matter so much. Their research, care, and commitment to never charging families make them a steady force, especially when other resources face instability.

Still Moving Forward

I may not have hit the original mark, but the effort continues with clarity, purpose, and more time to make it count. Every mile still carries the same meaning, with the focus on the families and children facing something far bigger than a long walk.

Thank you to everyone who’s supported this effort so far through your encouragement, your donations, and simply showing up to follow along.

Nick