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I would like to thank everyone who helped me EXCEED my goal of raising $6,000 for Camp Sunshine. The total raised so far is over $6,500. Thanks to the generosity of many people at least four more families will be going to Camp Sunshine. This will be something they will always remember and will be a great help to them in their time of need. On behalf of the families going to Camp Sunshine and myself thanks again, Mike (5/31/06
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SIXTY YEARS OLD
300 MILE GOAL
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On May 6, 2006 Mike Brooks propelled himself 320 miles at the 2006 Self-Transcendence 6 Day Race in an effort to support Camp Sunshine.
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Day 5: Runners endured temperatures that reached into 80s and high humidity. Under these conditions Mike has coped by making most of his progress in the dead of night while most of us are asleep. During the hottest part of the day, Mike showers, gets a message, and tries to get a little sleep. Even after resting well, Mike says his body gets tired sooner than expected. He's walking most of the time now, and even that is difficult. While rain showers are on the way, Mike says "whatever comes, comes." At the end of Day 5, Mike is now willing to say that his dream will become a reality. |
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Day 4: Mike thinks he's got a good rhythm going today. He's found that by resting longer he can make more progress by the end of the day. His knee still bothers him, but he's found ways to get used to it. Mike talks fondly about the many conversations he's had with other runners and volunteers. He figures that he talked to one Serbian man for 12 hours straight. One volunteer who goes by the name "Shorty" told Mike about his life as a professional actor and comedian in the 50s and 60s. He says the disciples of Sri Chinmoy have "always got a buzz on." One of the Russian female runners carries a rubber ball with her, and every so often gives it a bounce. At one point Mike and a medical volunteer figured he was suffering from an iron deficiency. Some supplements helped keep his mind sharp and feeling good. It sounds like Mike has dealt with the severe physical and mental challenges by recognizing little things in the park like the ducks, birds, children, and all the different ethnic groups. "Everyone is interesting and fun." |
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Day 3: Mike completed 50 more miles. Although he's feeling very tired -- go figure -- he thinks he can average 40 miles over the next 3 days and reach his goal. At one point Mike almost passed out he was so sleepy. Even with jets flying overhead, he still manages to lie down and sleep for about an hour. His feet are swollen and blistered, but so are everyone elses. Mike says he's seen some people who've cut the tops of their shoes off. Although it's been a little windy, the weather has been kind to the runners. Mike is getting to know the volunteers, and he's learning about Sri Chinmoy. Every time Mike completes the 1-mile loop, he says "Ca-ching!" -- like the sound of a cash register. In his mind, it's the sound of money is going to Camp Sunshine. The volunteers have picked up on this too. Every time Mike completes a loop, they say Ca-ching! |
 Mike Brooks: Day 3 |
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Day 2: Mike completed 60 miles on day-2, bringing his total up to 136, and he's confident that he'll do another 50 within the next 24 hours. Having talked with him on the phone, he sounds really good, and his "spirits up." The issue affecting his knees have subsided, and they're holding up. As expected his feet have swollen, and his running in a bigger pair of shoes now. The weather around Flushing Meadows Corona Park has been a lot nicer than it was in Maine. Mike said he even got a little sunburn. "The food is great" and he has an invitation for an after race beer--so he may think he's in heaven. He has received some e-mails from well wishers and really appreciates them so....keep 'em coming!! |
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Day 1: In the first 24 hours Mike completed 75 miles towards his 300 mile goal. In the next 24 hours Mike is shooting for another 55-60 miles. A sore inductor muscle has made it difficult for Mike, and he had a tough time sleeping the first night. Mike said, "The body is weak, but the spirit strong." The temperature on the first day reached up into the high 60s and high winds also had an effect on the runners. Despite the complications, Mike is determined to "just get through it." |
 Mike Brooks: Day 1 |
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"I would like to run/walk 300 miles. For me to try to cover 300 miles is going to take a lot of motivation and that is why I would like people to make pledges on a per mile basis. By doing this, you would be helping me try to reach both the monetary and mileage goals."
~Mike Brooks (207-783-3414) mjbruns@adelphia.net
So far marathon runner Mike Brooks has conquered Death Valley; run a marathon in every U.S. state; endured 24, 48, and 72-hour races; and if that weren't enough -he has done it all in just the last ten years of his life!
Camp Sunshine is grateful to have been the beneficiary of some of Mike's unbelievable and sometimes insane events. Through his efforts and the generosity of many, more than 20 children with life-threatening illnesses and their families have had the opportunity to attend Camp Sunshine.Camp Sunshine's mission is to provide comprehensive support services for children with life threatening illnesses and their families. Life threatening illnesses cause physical, emotional and financial burdens that impact all members of a family with a very sick child. We offer a weeklong retreat that includes professional counseling sessions, workshops, 24-hour medical support and recreational opportunities in a family camping atmosphere. There is no charge to the family
Now that Mike has turned 60, we are certain that he has lost his mind. Once again the bar will be raised as Mike heads off to endure a six day race!
Mike will challenge himself by competing in the grueling Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence Six Day Race, and challenges you to help raise another $6,000 (in celebration of turning 60) for Camp Sunshine. After raising over $20,000 in 2004, and another $5,000 in 2005, this should be a "walk in the park" - Corona Park in New York City, to be exact. On the morning of April 30th Mike will begin the first of what he hopes will be 300 miles over six days. Quick math - that's six 50-mile days in a row.
The Six Day Race, Camp Sunshine, and the children it serves are all about endurance. Be with Mike during these six days in spirit with your support. Your donations will help not only Camp Sunshine, but motivate Mike towards his 300 mile goal. Donations can still be made at www.runningonthesun.org or mail to Camp Sunshine, 35 Acadia Road, Casco, ME 04015.
Please assist Mike in continuing his mission to help very sick children and their families find a place where they can relax, regroup, and restore some hope for the future.
Respectfully,
Michael Smith
Development Coordinator
(Back Row Left to Right) Zack Pomerleau, Scott Smith (President Auburn Firefighter’s Local 797), Gary (Zack's father), Mike Brooks, Mike Smith (Camp Sunshine), (Front Row Left to Right) Precious (Zack's sister), Rosemarie (Zack's mother)