Its been done before but Im doing it anyways! Aloha all the way!!

[EgoSmitty]

So here it is, friends and family! Im finally doing it. Most of you know that for the past few years I have aspired to challenge my body and mind against the elements and stand up paddle the entirety of the Catalina Channel as a solo paddler. If successful, I will become one of the few people ever to complete the 40 mile nonstop journey from Avalon, Catalina Island to Dana Point Harbor, CA solo on a stand up. What most of you probably do not know is the fact that I bowed out last year while fighting a personal battle against debilitating anxiety and severe depression. The road to recovery was long but I have to say that finally gaining the ability to get back the control in my mind and in my life was the greatest thing that could have happened. It was truly a do or die scenario.

   It is of the utmost importance that I raise awareness not only for those who suffer from this silent and undiagnosable disease but also for my fellow military brothers who suffer from even more advanced conditions such as PTSD. I see no better platform to do this than the yearly highly publicized Ocean Ohana Catalina Challenge! I plan to donate every dollar that I raise during my fundraiser after recouping any expense for a chase boat, gas, and crew plus lodging and food on the island and along the way.

    The race is on April 7th, 2013. I will be fundraising until April 1st. I have set a goal of $10,000 however I would love to surpass it and donate as much as possible to an appropriate charity that I have yet to research and designate. Please, please, please feel free to donate as well as post my link on your Facebook, and Twitter pages as well as email as many friends as you can to ask the same of them.

    I am also on the lookout for a chase boat and captain. All expenses paid of course through this fundraiser however I would be more than thrilled to find a boat willing to simply donate their time and efforts to my cause. Anyone also interested in donating their time for video documentation or photography for this event would be highly appreciated as well. Please contact me personally at smitty0313@yahoo.com if you can provide me with any of these services or send me in the right direction.

    Please click the embedded link at the bottom of this message to donate or share. Hope to hear from all of you as well as see as many of you as possible at the finish line!

    -Will (EgoSmitty)!

                     http://gogetfunding.com/project/stand-up-paddle-against-depression-a-personal-journey

[SoCalSupper]

wow this is really cool Ego-had no idea.

First of all thanks for your service and glad to hear you found some help.

Wounded Warriors is a great charity.

Best of luck Will!!

[EgoSmitty]

wow this is really cool Ego-had no idea.

First of all thanks for your service and glad to hear you found some help.

Wounded Warriors is a great charity.

Best of luck Will!!

Thank you for the support! Ive looked into Wounded Warriors and actually have a friend who volunteers for them so that just may be a good pick.

Thank you also PonoBill for your generous donation. It was great to meet you at BOP last year! Aloha!

[EgoSmitty]

Big Shout out to SoCalSupper and Bryson who came in strong and supported my fundraiser. Thank you both sooo much!

Just to let you know, Jon, I spent 5 years as a stinger missile gunner in the Marine Corps and Im a veteran of the conflicts in Kosovo and Afghanistan. Way too many of my friends are shell shocked to this day and this is a great way for me to give back and help out.