One small step for mankind; one giant Leap for Life!

Having recently celebrated a big birthday, I was looking for a way to push my limits and challenge myself – a self-improvement technique that plays a big part in my soon-to-be-released men's overall fitness book. So, to celebrate the fact that we're all getting both older AND better and to commemorate the release of Alpha Male Challenge in September, I decided to take action. I resolved that on August 23, 2009 at high noon I would climb to 13,500 feet in a perfectly good airplane and jump, betting that the parachute opens and that I land safely in the target area and not in a tree, power lines or in the middle of a highway. 

Having committed myself to the jump, I saw an even more important opportunity to do something truly good for a whole lot of people far braver than I am. I’ve had a cousin as well as two amazing friends stricken with cancer; one lost his battle with it and the other appears at this very moment to have beaten it.  Just like me, sooner or later, most of you will have a loved one who is battling cancer of some type.  I am sure that facing and fighting a cancer diagnosis takes far more courage than skydiving.  So, here was my thinking: if I’m going to jump anyway, why not call attention to the free exercise of personal liberties AND support a cause I believe in?  I called my jump “Leap for Life” and every tax-deductible dollar raised goes directly to the American Cancer Society’s mission to eliminate cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.  I set up a system of donations by the foot: each dollar raised sponsors one foot of my fall.  My goal was to raise $1 for each of the 13,500 feet I would fall.

I am awestruck by the generosity of so many people.  The scrolling list of donors shows the many, many companies and individuals who helped me ultimately meet and even exceed the goal (donations are still coming in).  I have upldated my goal to $14,500 now.  Thanks again to all of you!  Gaspari Nutrition was especially generous and deserves many thanks.

So, what happened?  I took the plunge!  Ray, Rich, Marko and the staff of Skydive Long Island in Calverton were not only professional and fun, but even provided a substantial donation to the cause!  Mad props to you guys!

Leap for Life 2009 was a smash success!  Many thanks to all!  But note: you can at this time still click on the Donate button above and make a donation in support of the American Cancer Society and my Leap for Life.  All donors will be acknowledged and business and corporate sponsors are still welcomed!  It's NOT TOO LATE to contribute a few dollars to help all the people we may know and love who will be diagnosed with cancer in the year(s) to come.  Give whatever you can, and please tell your friends!  Your help means a lot!  Thank you!!

Meanwhile, to see some photos of my Leap for Life, go to Facebook.com and /rickcollinsesq (add as friend).