Running with purpose

I originally wrote this article for the MBAA Newsletter on 2/8/2011 as a way to raise awareness for my friend Andrew Decker's marathon running and fundraising efforts.   

Decker (pictured above #55) prepares for the next play

Not many people would be motivated to wake up early on a Sunday morning and run 26.2 miles through the heart of New Orleans, but that’s exactly what 1^st year student Andrew Decker will be doing this Sunday as he runs the annual Rock n’ Roll Mardi Gras Marathon.  What motivates him isn't insanity, but a sense of personal drive and the desire to help someone in need.

 Andrew first took up running shortly after his LSU football career was cut short during undergrad due to a neck injury.  “When I played football, I practiced and watched film from 2pm-8pm.  Post-football, I suddenly had all this free time, so I started running in order to maintain a healthy  lifestyle.  Being able to put in my earbuds and drown out the world became a relaxing escape; running became my ‘me time.’”

He became interested in running a marathon last semester when he heard that fellow MBA students like 2^nd year Brandon McCord were planning on running the race in New Orleans and raising money for the American Cancer Society.  He decided to run and raise money himself.  “I figured if I wanted to do something for myself, why not help a cause?” 

 

However, his focus changed when Leanne Davis, a former work colleague suffered a brain aneurysm on January 10^th, 2011.  Andrew first met Leanne while working during the summer at United Scaffolding.  He would later become close with her husband, Jimmy, and two young sons, Clayton and Christopher.  Because of his ties to football, Andrew would attend the boys’ little league games, help them train, and give them coaching advice.  “They essentially became my ’Louisiana Family.’ ” As the unthinkable tragedy struck this family, Andrew felt the need to help with their burden in any way he could.  “She was basically in a coma for two weeks or so, and she’s had two different brain operations.  They don’t have insurance, Medicaid is trying to help out, but as of right now they have a little more than $250,000 in medical bills, and she’s still in the ICU. “   Since the family has been trying different ways to raise money from the community, Andrew felt he should use the marathon opportunity to raise awareness and donations.  “She was always supportive of me, in football, school, or if I needed a ride, and I thought, if I’m going to do something I’ve never done before in my life, a milestone to me, why not do it honor of her?”

The family has set up a non-profit account at Whitney bank for those who wish to donate.  They are also having jambalaya sale on April 9^th, tickets are $6.  Please contact Andrew, who will be collecting any cash or checks, for more information.