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ATBF News — Fitness Partners
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Mike Monroe
Former US Marine Raised Over $78,000 for Spinal Paralysis Research and Outreach
This article was written during Mike’s Campaign for ATBF in June and July of 2004
For many of the world's fittest athletes, competing in an Ironman triathlon is the pinnacle of a lifetime of dedication, hard work and sacrifice. Former U.S. Marine H. 'Mike' Monroe recently attempted this remarkable feat not once, but twice, within a span of 30 days. While this may sound like an impossible task, for a man who recently ran across the Sahara Desert in six days, it was simply the latest challenge in his ongoing mission to cure spinal paralysis.
This summer, Mike tackled his third endurance challenge for ATBF when he completed two Ironman triathlons: Ironman Coeur D'Alene (Idaho) on June 27, and Ironman USA (Lake Placid, NY) on July 25. Each race consisted of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run. The mileage in both triathlons equals 281 — the number of donors Mike has targeted to participate in "281 Partners for a Cure," his most ambitious fundraising campaign to date. Mike's goal is to secure 281 Partners who each contribute $281, raising more than $78,000 to support ATBF's search for a cure.
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If anyone is up to the challenge, it is Mike Monroe. A Manhattan resident, Mike served twelve years in the U.S. Marine Corps, participated in combat operations in the Persian Gulf and Somalia and led a Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance Unit (Special Ops). Currently he is President of HM4 Fitness LLC, www.hm4fitness.com, a fitness and training company based in New York.
"Three people close to me have suffered spinal cord injuries (SCI), and they were the impetus for me to help find a cure," explains Mike. "After seeing the challenges they face every day, I wanted to do something to make a difference. That's when I came up with the idea for the Endure for a Cure (EFOC) series, where I can utilize my ability to endure mental and physical challenges to raise money for a very worthy cause."
In early 2002, Mike formed an alliance with ATBF and turned his vision into reality. His first two EFOC challenges — a 50-mile run in 2002 and a grueling 152-mile race across the Sahara in 2003 — raised an impressive $54,000 for ATBF.
According to ATBF Executive Director Fran Brown, Mike's support has made a crucial difference; "Mike's efforts are nothing short of extraordinary. The skills he uses to meet each EFOC challenge — fierce courage, a strong sense of purpose, remarkable determination to overcome physical barriers — are the same skills that enable those with SCI to lead full lives after paralysis. His commitment is both selfless and completely genuine, and we feel very privileged that he has aligned himself with our cause."
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