"Hello All,

I wanted to introduce myself to the greater company and share a little about the things that I am working on outside of the therapy room. I have been working on in recent years fostering a habit of exercise and more specifically running as a means to caring for my mental health. The effort of exercise had for many years been tied to negative self perception and some harmful actions. I spent the majority of my teen years struggling with an eating disorder that left me unable to address my weight and health needs appropriately as I progressed into adult hood. That disorder followed me in spurts but after the start of COVID I found a healthier approach to exercise and fell in love with running. 

Since that time I have also gone through the process of getting weight loss surgery. The change in my lifestyle and efforts I put in to have more control over my physical and emotional health then morphed into something larger than just a personal goal. I am working on training for my 5th marathon this October (Marine Corps Marathon) and also the Dopey Challenge this January in Walt Disney World. 

If you are not familiar the challenge entails running a 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, and Marathon on consecutive days. This totals 48.6 miles and I was able to do this through the sponsorship from JAR of Hope. This charity looks to raise money for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy which is a disease that affects children and leaves them with muscle weakness and eventually loss of mobility and has no known cure. 

I am raising money in efforts to fund research and provide support for families navigating this disease. I have attached my donation page below. 

As a part of this outreach I would also like to extend an invite to all if they feel comfortable to reach out and coordinate with me should they ever want to have a partner in running. I live closer to garner clayton area and spend a majority of my time exercising on the neuse river greenway but would always welcome a person to while away the miles with. I know there is a current group that looks to meet on a monthly basis and I will do my best to get out and introduce myself. 

I am happy to discuss with others my efforts to address my eating disorder and weight loss journey. I recognize that many feel daunted to inquire about and explore discussion in these spaces for fear of judgment and perception and I want to instead create a place where all are welcome. 

https://www.flipcause.com/secure/fundraiser/MjI5MDgz/105773"

-Andrew McCallugh