Hello everyone! Thank you for checking out this fundraising page. Next month I will be running in my first half marathon. I have never considered myself a runner, but this summer I have found motivation that comes from remembering my neighbor, Chad.
On April 28th, 2017, Chad passed away as a result of a traumatic brain injury sustained in a cycling accident. Chad was racing in New Mexico at the Tour of the Gila, a five day stage race for professional cyclists.
Although Chad’s life was cut far too short, his twenty-one years were lived to the absolute fullest. Chad was not only an extremely gifted cyclist, but was also incredibly smart and genuinely kind.
Chad and I carpooled to Saint Thomas Aquinas High School together for about two years. In that time he instilled a lot of valuable lessons in me, lessons that he didn’t know he was teaching, and lessons that I didn’t know I had learned from him until reflecting on our time together after his death. For example, school didn’t start until 8:15, and we lived about 20 minutes from Saint Thomas. However, Chad insisted that we leave every morning at 6:45 so that he could either meet with his teachers or get some extra study time in before class. I would always try to bargain with him, and a few times he budged 15 minutes or so, but it was a rare occurrence. Needless to say, my grades grately benefited from this carpool.
Chad’s work ethic was obviously not limited to the classroom. He would often have his bike loaded up in the back of his car so that he could go for long rides after school. I remember one Monday I asked him how many miles he had ridden over the weekend. He told me some absurd number, probably something close to 200. I could not fathom how anyone could physically or mentally put themselves through that, especially as a teenager.
Chad was, and remains, an inspiration to many. He was a stand up guy with an amazing character. His passion for life and his motivation to be the best version of himself were ever-present qualities that all who met him can attest to.
In an effort to honor Chad in the way I see most fitting, I’ve decided to run this year's Smuttynose Rockfest Half Marathon. I’d like to fundraise for the Chad William Young Foundation, set up by Lois, Kevin, and Evan Young. This foundation funds developments in traumatic brain injury prevention, and merit-based scholarships at both Saint Thomas Aquinas and the Colorado School of Mines, where Chad was pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Please consider donating, thank you so much!
-Laura
#BeLikeChad #AlwaysBeYoung
