An article I wrote for Beyond Limits Magazine published 21 January 2011.

In October of 2006, while having what was to be my last private conversation with my Grandfather I was getting a lesson, via a request, on what it would mean to redefine limitations; a lesson that could be taught neither in the classroom of one of the most prestigious universities of the world, nor in a demanding career at leading Wall Street investment banks.  It was simply a lesson taught by a stoic man, humble to have lived the life he was able to live, who taught without directly teaching really anything at all. From his deathbed created by late-stage bone marrow cancer, all he asked of me is that I carry on his spirit in my life.

“Huh? That’s it? Ok, simple enough, Grandpa. Consider it done,” I confidently replied.  I figured maybe I would just do some sort of endurance event and raise funds for a cancer organization, or volunteer for a cancer-related cause in his memory.

I made a lot money doing a job I liked but something always seemed to be missing.  I could neither identify the void let alone fill it.  Promotions and pay raises worked, but only temporarily.  A year and a half later in March of 2008, on a short but much-needed escape from the stressful 14hr workdays, and four days into what turned out to be a life-altering, six-day climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro, it hit me.  It was in the rocky Karanga Camp at 16,000ft high into the African heavens, when I understood what my grandfather’s words really meant to me.  I heard his voice in my head, “Jason, you need to think less with your mind and more with your heart and all will fall into place.  When you find the courage to pursue what your heart tells you to do, then work hard, smart and fearless; and do it well.  Now is the time.  Use your resources and initiative to push your limitations outward each day.  And then, selflessly use that experience to positively influence the lives of others.  People may doubt you in the beginning, but if your heart is fully committed to what you choose to do, and you do the right things and give your best effort, I think it will succeed.”  Hearing “the little voice” in your head and thinking it’s right is one thing, but acting on it is usually the hard part.

Less than a month later, I took the leap of faith and decided to resign from my job.  In fact, the day I resigned I had not decided to do so when I went into the office that morning.  But from here on out, I would be following what my heart says to do: help better the lives of kids who are battling cancer by founding Endure to Cure, and to inspire others by redefining my own limits and getting others to do the same.

So over the course of the next few years, I have committed to doing an unprecedented “endurance campaign” that forces me to constantly redefine my limitations to raise funds and awareness for the cause.  Fundraising athletes on Team Endure to Cure who are based all around the world also do the same by competing in any event, anywhere in the world.

I not only hope that I am carrying on my grandfather’s spirit in my life, but I also hope that my efforts can inspire people and help find cures to make the lives of children better who are suffering from cancer.

So, by living with a higher purpose greater than yourself, you will unlock the courage and strength necessary to do what you might currently seem impossible to you. But find your higher purpose, follow your dreams, take a chance, and the rest falls into place.

If you would like to join our fight against pediatric cancer, please check out Team Endure to Cure and find out how you can be somebody’s hero today!