My name is Tyler Neary. I am not a professional athelete. In fact, I am just your ordinary average guy that woke up one morning and decided to run a marathon. I do not have a microphone or a large national platform. I most certainly do not have hundreds of thousands of social media followers. But what I do have is a passion for serving others, a voice, and an ever-growing faith. Some of you know me well, others may know of me, and many of you do not know me at all. When you are done reading this it is likely you will not remember my name, and that’s ok! My hope is that you will remember this story and that it inspires and captivates you to chase after your wildest dreams. You know...the dreams that have always been a bit scary and somedays seem impossible.

Hearing so many stories from young cancers survivors about the hardships and challenges they face on the road to recovery while maintaining such a positive attitude has truly inspired me. I have decided to take on the “Couch to FULL Marathon” challenge in their honor, to provide some inspiration for them, and one day run marathons alongside survivors that never thought something like running a marathon would ever be possible.

I chose to partner with Alex’s Lemonade Stand because they are going above and beyond to serve families that are fighting childhood cancers and funding research to find new cures. Less than 4% of the federal government’s total funding for cancer research is dedicated to childhood cancers and that’s why our help is so important! The money given to ALSF funds cutting-edge medical research to find new cures as well as nursing grants and travel for care and other family services programs to improve the quality of life of children with cancer and their families. Alex Scott started  Alex’s Lemonade Stand with one front yard lemonade stand and today they have raised over $150 million and have funded over 800 research grants. It all started with one cup of lemonade. I am choosing to start my fight against childhood cancer with one step and with your help we can accomplish something special.

I am also running this marathon for anyone that is facing daily hardships, negative thoughts, and those that do not have the physical ability to run a marathon and are finding so many other ways to make a difference in this world. Together, our goal is to inspire anyone this story reaches to chase after God sized dreams, reach their potential, and genuinely love, serve, and care for everyone they meet.

Prayer has helped me stay committed to running and training. I know I will need some extra motivation on race day and will be asking each person that donates to this fundraiser to include a prayer request or your favorite bible verse in the notes or by emailing [email protected]. Note: If you include a prayer in the comments section of the donation form it will be seen by anyone on this page. If you do not want it seen by the page viewers an email will work great. Please read and pray for the other prayers you see! I know that this truly is a team effort and even though you all may not be physically running with me your contribution, prayers, and support truly inspire every step that I take.

At first training for a marathon seemed like an impossible goal and then we added our goal of fundraising, reaching, and inspiring 10,000 people in one month. Our goal is very lofty and it is going to take a lot of help and support from so many great people. We need your help and would love it if you joined and supported our team. I'm only asking you donate $1 per mile on race day, $26.20 total (One night out to eat). Donate as a family or once for each family member, whatever is feasible for you. Do not feel bad or guilty if you can not donate. Should you feel so inclined to donate more it is greatly appreciated . Please share this story with your family, friends, co-workers, and on your favorite social media platform. If you do not feel comfortable sharing please say a silent prayer encouraging and supporting our mission. Just by reading this story you are a special part of our journey!

Matthew 19:26 says, "Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

From the bottom of my heart - Thank You & God Bless!

Tyler Neary

1 John 4:12