RODS Racing Team 2013

At a very young age I was fortunate that my parents got me involved in sports.  I will always remember playing on those dusty fields in Preston, Idaho during those hot summer nights.  I learned a lot of life lessons growing up playing ball.  Those lessons have stuck with me and created a foundation for much of what RODS Racing is today.  One of those valuable lessons I learned is the importance of team when trying to accomplish a common goal.

What has started as a simple dream, a race and a desire to help is growing into something bigger than any one person, it's becoming a cause.  It's become a TEAM. 

After committing to racing in Ironman St. George and submitting my Kona Inspired video last year I started having other athletes contact me to see if they could become involved.  That's really where the idea of a "Team" started.  As the year went on and the cause started to receive more attention, more individuals continued to write me.  I was moved by their sincere desires to help.  Here's just a few examples of what they would write:

Hi Brady,

"It only took 10 seconds of your story for me to start bawling. I know the moment you said your soon has downs that you have the same race motivations that I have. On August 28th of this year, not 1 minute after my daughter was born, the docs told us that she had downs syndrome. My girlfriend and I ran through the full gamut of emotions, several cycles of grief, and eventually landed feeling so blessed to have such an amazing gift in our little Kylie. She has not only galvanized Erin (Kylie's mom) and I's relationship, but it has motivated me to be a better partner, a better father, a better acupuncturist (my occupation), and more to the point a better triathlete.

While I took the year off to help Erin out while she was going through a rough pregnancy, I have been competing pretty seriously in triathlons the previous two years, and would love a good reason to become even more serious. I am racing in Ironman Tahoe next year (first full Iron), and possibly Ironman Whistler in 2014 (granted I can get in). I will of course be competing in other smaller races around the Pacific Northwest area leading up to both races. That all being said, I would love to be considered for the RODS competitive team. I am more than happy to raise awareness, money, and support for this great cause. I really feel like this is an amazing organization, and I hope that I can be a part of the team.

Thank you so much for your time, and your inspiring story."

"Hey Brady,

I am super inspired to become a part of RODS Racing team--I just happened to turn on the KONA Ironman world Championship and they were highlighting a story about Brady Murray--I am assuming that is you!! We were recently blessed with a little blessing in July--yes we were scared as well--but each day and with lots of support our days are getting better!! She is an amazing baby and truly is the highlight of everyone's day!!

I have shown my husband your video as we are running the Mercedes Marathon--only the last leg of the relay--but the proceeds directly go to the Bell Center. The Bell Center is a school for early intervention. An amazing place that we are so blessed to have in our community. We really are in the best possible place we could be in for our little one and I thank God everyday for choosing us as her parents!!

Anyway, I am not sure what we could do to help out, but I know that with my fitness background and our little one driving me--this is my calling!!!"

After reading emails such as these two examples I knew that there are many other people out there that have such sincere desires to help.  They also have talents and abilities that will help move the cause forward for these children at a much faster pace.

At the moment, we have 34 individuals from all over the United States, Canada and the UK committed to racing for RODS Racing during 2013.  Each has committed to helping create awareness and tell these children's story.  They have all committed to raising at least $1,000 for our RODS Orphans with many committing to raise more.  What a miracle this is!  I'm so thankful for these individuals and their willingness to become involved!

In 2012, there was over $100,000 raised for Orphans with Down Syndrome.  We were able to find families for Eli, Maelie and Megan and are so close to having a family for Ivan and Maggie if we can get this adoption ban lifted in Russia. 

Goals for the 2013 season are to continue to build a proper foundation for RODS Racing that will make it last for a lifetime as well as help get our members involved at an even greater level.  We'd also like to continue to search for those individuals who have sincere desires to become involved as well as continue to secure sponsors.  In addition to all of our members racing throughout the country, Andrea and I are excited to race in a handful of races ourselves.  We will also be organizing another community run in Boise as well as other fundraising events throughout Idaho and Utah which will be great!

Where will 2013 take us?  It's hard to say.  I do know that if our motives and intentions always remain pure, we will receive the guidance and help needed to bring these kids home.  There will be challenges no doubt but these trials allow us to prove our worth and move forward in faith.  I also believe we will witness many more miracles!

Here's to a great 2013 of RACING FOR ORPHANS WITH DOWN SYNDROME!!!





 



 

Ups, Downs, and Unknowns

It's a blustery winter day here in Idaho.  It's been a very emotional week filled with ups, downs and unknowns.  Please allow me to explain. 

About a week ago I started getting tweets, texts, emails and facebook notifications about one piece of very exciting news, Megan has a family!!!  Last year during Christmas, Andrea and I chose two children to start advocating for, Eli and Megan.  Eli, as many already know, is home for Christmas!  He had a family commit to him very early last year.  Megan on the other hand did not.  For the entire year, Megan has been the topic of many conversations in our family as well as many of our prayers.  Throughout the year, Megan has had over $24,000 in her adoption account and her picture was updated on the Reece's Rainbow page.  Despite these good things going in Megan's favor, she did not have a family commit to her. 

Andrea and I knew in our hearts that when the time was right, her family would find her.  I also think a little bit of Christmas Spirit played a factor.  A few weeks ago, Brynlee was waiting in line to see Santa.  She was stressed because she couldn't think of anything she wanted to ask for Christmas.  (She has since thought of lots of things!)  I mentioned maybe she should ask Santa if he could find Megan a family.  She smiled her big toothless smile and said, "That's a great idea!".  Sure enough, the request was made and less than a week later we found out Megan had a family! 

The good news of Megan's family has quickly been overshadowed by some of the political turmoil that Russia and the United States are experiencing.  This is a good ARTICLE that explains what is taking place.  In a nutshell, Russia has passed legislation banning all adoptions of Russian orphans by Americans.  I don't confess to understand why this is taking place.  The legislation has been passed and is sitting on the desk of Russian President Vladimir Putin.  He has full power to sign the bill or reject it.  The fate of thousands of orphans lie in his hands.  It has been reported that his decision will be made by December 26th. 

My heart goes out to the children.  My heart also goes out to all of the parents who have committed to adopting one of these special children who's fate is in limbo.  Many of these parents have traveled and already met their children.  I can't imagine what they must be experiencing right now. 

As I've gone over the situation in my mind, I can only rely on faith that what is supposed to happen will happen.  I've learned through the years that many times we don't completely understand why things happen.  However, what seems like an unfair circumstance can actually end up being a blessing.  My best example of this is when Nash was born.  It was natural to feel somewhat sorry for myself.  Little did I know that what seemed like a difficult circumstance would actually end up being among my greatest blessings.  Never could I have foreseen the blessings that came from being a father of a son with Down syndrome.  My only comfort with the situation in Russia is that it's in the hands of a higher power and that things will workout for the better in the end. 

In the meantime, I'd like to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas.  We have so much to be thankful for.  Let us always remember the reason for the season...

RODS Racing Video 2012

The Christmas Car 2013

In 2011 when we first found Reece's Rainbow and started our fundraising efforts a very close friend of mine came up with an idea on how to generate some funding for Orphans with Down syndrome.  He manages an auto auction where auto dealers from the area purchase many of their cars for their lots.  His idea was to pick a car to auction off with all of the proceeds going towards the RODS Orphan.  Last year was a great year.  This year turned out even better!

 

Check out this year's Christmas Car!  What a beauty!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's very humbling for me to hear how this process works and the generous individuals that take part in it.  All of the dealers are gathered and the bidding starts in typical fashion.  Each dealer interested in the car participates as the price rises.  Each dealer knows that the proceeds are going to an orphaned child with Down syndrome which brings a special spirit into the room.  Once the car has reached a high point the dealer with the high bid wins the car.  Here's the amazing part.  That dealer once being awarded the car donates it back to the auction for the bidding to start again.  The car is bought, sold, and donated back to be sold again multiple times.  When it was all said and done, this years Christmas car raised $12,000!  This years proceeds will be going to IVAN!

 

 

 

These individuals who have made this possible for Ivan may have no connection to Down syndrome.  It's very possible that they will never meet him or even hear of him in the future.  They did not have to do this and they receive no special recognition for their generosity.  What their selfless act has done though has given a young boy a chance at life.  They also have made it possible for that special family to come forward because the financial burden that international adoption brings has been sufficiently relieved.  Thank you Independent Car Dealers of Treasure Valley for once again giving someone a Christmas Miracle!





Santa Cause 2.0

In the past, I've written about Angela Redding and her ability to put together events. Last night was another great example of that. Angela had the idea to put together a concert that features a few local artists as well as Tyler Stenson, a fantastic artist based out of Portland. She asked if it would be alright if RODS Racing was the featured cause. What a great idea!

The evening was great.  Before the event, Andrea and I went to dinner with our good friends the Tueller's.  We got to know Mike and Aubrey last year when their daughter was born and they found out she has Down syndrome.  The Tueller's were the family that introduced us to Reece's Rainbow.  We had around 200 people in attendance and everyone was very encouraging and supportive.  I took a moment in between artists to share the RODS Racing story and tell about the great year we've had.  I absolutely love getting to share this story.  Every time I do I feel even more committed to making sure that we are doing everything in our power to make sure these kids find a home as soon as possible. 

Tyler was up next and he did what Tyler does best.  Entertain.  I've been to a few of his concerts over the years.  In fact I have a few of his songs on my Ironman training playlist.  In his music he does a great job of telling the story.  It's very genuine and original and I'm thankful he was willing to take some time to come to Boise. 

Special thanks to Howell Orthodontics for the donation to RODS Racing tonight as well.  For each person in attendance, $1 was donated! 

Pioneer Elementary Assembly

I love public speaking and I love to share the RODS Racing story so when I was asked to be a guest speaker at Pioneer Elementary School in Preston, Idaho I quickly accepted.  After a day or two passed from accepting the invitation I really started to think this through.  There was going to be hundreds of 1st and 2nd graders in attendance.  I thought about my little 1st grader and how small her attention span is.  Then I started to get nervous.  I feel fine speaking to an audience full of adults but how in the world was I going to keep these little guys engaged!

The day quickly arrived and my family and I made our way from Meridian down to Preston.  This was a special opportunity for me.  This was actually the school that I attended throughout grade school.  Driving up and seeing the familiar building brought back so many memories.  Walking into my old gymnasium reminded me of the many dodge ball and basketball games.  It's where I had my first school dance in 5th grade (now that was stressful!), and also where our Idaho History Bee was held.  Never did I think I would be back in that gymnasium as a guest to speak to the students.

The children started filing in and they looked as nervous as I was.  I noticed that many of them were dressed in their Sunday best in preparation for the big day.  I found out that the teachers had been talking with their students and explaining about Down syndrome, Orphans and what a "hero" is.  They were all excited to be there.  So was I.

Before the assembly even started I got a special surprise.  One of the teachers had collected a bunch of photos of me and my family while I was growing up as well as a few from the past year as I was doing Ironman's.  They put them together in a slideshow.  While the slide show was playing the students sang a song for me titled, "That Hero Could Be You".  I was fighting back tears and the assembly hadn't even started. 

Principal Wynn Costley and Mrs. White, my 4th grade teacher (one of my all time favorite teachers) introduced me and just like that I was in front of hundreds of little guys telling the RODS Racing story.  I talked a lot about Nash and even had Nash come up in front of the kids.  It was a lot of fun to see their expressions and their enthusiasm. 

One thing I wanted to do was have the teachers choose a few children who they thought would be good candidates to receive a RODS Racing T Shirt.  At the end of my presentation I made a special announcement that everybody there was going to get an official RODS Racing Card and that a few lucky students were going to get T Shirts.  Seeing the looks on these children's faces when their names were called out was worth it's weight in gold! 

After the assembly the students once again played the slide show they had made for me and sang me the Hero song.  Talk about a tear jerker!  As they were leaving I went into the audience and gave lots of high fives and hugs.  I wish I could have spent 1 on 1 time with every child and encouraged them to keep on going and never give up.  They are all so full of potential and they deserve to meet that potential.

I stopped by one of the classes on the way out and they gave me some goodies.  I also saw a bunch of posters welcoming me.  Kids are great and I'm glad I had this chance to speak.  I always feel like I benefit more than the audience when I get to share the RODS Racing story.  One things for sure, these guys sure made me feel like a hero!

Maelie Has a Family!!!

It's day's like today that keeps the fire burning to work on behalf of Orphans with Down syndrome. Five months ago I was fortunate to visit an orphanage in Peru. It is there that I met a very special little girl named Maelie. Maelie is a soon to be 5 year old who has Down syndrome. Since that day, I felt it important to try and be an instrument in helping her find her forever family.

This search took me to the lava fields of Kona where I raced in the Ironman World Championship on Maelie's behalf in hope to find her family. The day before the race I received an email from a family in Tennessee asking me about Maelie. They had been feeling led to adoption for many months, but it wasn't until just the day before that they felt strongly that they should inquire about Maelie. Ironically enough, the very next day I would be racing on her behalf!

Things moved quickly after that. There application was accepted and they were officially matched to Maelie!  I'm excited to announce that Maelie has a loving family committed to adopting her!!!

Meet the Olsen's!

Lisa and Paul have been married for 17 years. They have three biological children. Their boys (ages 7 and 9) are GREAT big brothers to their baby sister (almost 2) who happens to be a princess with Down Syndrome. The Olsen's tried to adopt internationally a few years ago, but the country closed its doors to adoptions with the United States while they were in the process. They were unable to complete their adoption, which was devastating. Lisa’s heart remained tender towards adoption, but they were very reluctant to go down that path again. After the birth of their daughter, they discovered Reece’s Rainbow. Lisa visited the site often, looking at the waiting children and reading about the incredible families who opened their homes and hearts to orphans with special needs. The Olsen's spent months waiting and praying, wondering if God was calling them to step out in faith and begin the adoption process again. One little girl in particular touched Paul’s heart. Even then, Paul said “God would have to hit him over the head with a shovel” to convince him it was time to move forward. Well, Paul’s head is still tingling! God flung the doors wide open for the Olsen's to step forward to adopt Maelie! The Olsen family is humbled and excited to begin their adoption journey and welcome another princess into their home!

This is a picture of Maelie's soon to be little sister.  They are going to be awesome for each other!

 

 

 



In reading the Olsen's bio about their family, I particularly enjoyed the part where they referenced God opening the doors wide open for them to step forward to adopt Maelie.  I feel the same way when thinking of finding Reece's Rainbow almost 1 year ago and the miracles that I have witnessed since then.  I have learned that if we have desires to be part of something that will truly make a difference in someones life, those opportunities will be presented to us.  Whether it's orphans, Down syndrome or some other cause that is close to your heart, I encourage you to seek opportunities to make a difference.  Don't allow doubt or fear to stop you.  Please don't feel that you can't make a difference because that is simply not true.  If you have sincere desires, doors will be opened, hearts will be softened, and lives will be changed.