Name: Thomas Cloyd
City: Chicago
Profession: Digital Health Partnerships
Fundraising Goal: $2k
Race Goal: Under 5hrs
In a few sentences, describe your connection to U2FP, why you chose to race in support of U2FP, and whether you have a personal connection to spinal cord injury and paralysis:
I'm pushing for Team U2FP because the world needs an intervention to restore function for people with paralysis. U2FP has proven that it is the best organization to make that happen. I have a C-5 spinal cord injury, and it sucks. I know a lot of people who are paralyzed, and it makes their lives, and sometimes the lives of those around them, a lot more damn difficult. People with paralysis are able to do quite a bit, but GD, individual lives and society would be dramatically improved if we could restore function. And U2FP is the best organization to make that a reality. So, I want to do everything I can to support them and thus, the delivery of an intervention to restore function.
Is this your first marathon/race? If not, what others have you completed?
Nope, I’ve done the Chicago marathon 3 times previously
What do you crave after a long run?
Firm flat surface, A/C blasting in my face, peanut butter + banana smoothie, and of course a jelly stuffed donut. And/or grilled stuffed burrito from Taco Bell (though sadly was retired many years ago)
Do you listen to anything when you train or race? If yes, what?
I have to. Recently I have been on a run of sub-par fantasy, a quality level that allows for my attention to drift. Though now I am dialed in on that new Cormoran Strike joint!
What are you most excited and/or nervous about for the marathon?
As always I am most nervous about unexpected physiological failure. If my bladder or blood pressure decide to betray me, I may have to drop out of the race. And I never know if that is going to happen regardless of my training.prep. Another fun consequence of SCI.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I know it sounds lame/predictable but exercising, specifically pushing or handcycling for distance. I am lucky to have enough function to do both of those things independently. I love having the freedom to move with 100% force without concern of tipping over and the sensation of pushing the muscles I do control to the max.
Oh, I also enjoy watching literally any space-based horror movie. The lower the budget, the better.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I am lucky. Living with paralysis sucks, and everyday I wish I didn’t dive off that boat. But I am lucky, in spite of many barriers, to live a full life of excitement, hardship, love, and sadness. And I wouldn’t be in a position to live this full life without help from many, many people. Including you reading this right now. I extend a profound thank you to all the people in my life who have supported me and my family: mentally, financially, spiritually, emotionally (all the “lly’s”). Supporting U2FP to find a therapy to restore function is the most direct way to not only help me, but the millions like me. So thank you for helping all of us.