For as often I can remember, I have worn the “Mr. Sunshine” nickname with extreme pride. It is something that I don't take lightly and throughout the daily, you can find me advocating for the entities of love and kindness for ALL regardless of social status, religion, skin color, or sexual orientation. While 2020 has been a challenging year for many with the pandemic, it is one that has helped me realize that I do not feel fulfilled unless I'm doing something for others. I am someone who needs to help others. Period. So, with that being said, I figured it was time to come up with my next project to try and change the world. And that is how the “Miles For Smiles” project came to light. The mission will combine my passion for running with my passion for pediatric cancer patients in a culmination of year-long project that will be the hardest challenge for me to date. It will test me emotionally, physically, and mentally. This year's project will involve running 1,310 miles (the equivalent to 50 full marathons) over 12 months while working to raise $20,000 for The Conner M. Holland Foundation—a local charity that I've come to love after being introduced to their mission through my church, St. Paul Penryn. I'm ready to spread the light and I hope you are too because we are all in this together. When I first met the Holland family through the facet of our church pairing up with their organization, I felt an immediate connection. I can't really explain the energy I felt, but it would be something along the lines of a divine intervention. I was in the final months of my 1K for 10K journey with raising funds for pediatric cancer research, so it felt like our paths were meant to cross. I got a chance to sit down with the entire family, but also Conner's mom, Sheryl for some one-on-one time to learn more about Conner and his story and also the family's struggle throughout his diagnosis and how they work to keep his spirit alive with the foundation. Right around Christmas break in 2009, Conner's parents started to notice random bruises on Conner's bodies along with what looked like random bug bites as well on his chest. In addition, they kept continuing to notice how tired he was. They made an appointment to see the doctor and were ordered to get bloodwork. And in the matter of just a few weeks, he was confirmed to have Leukemia. The dreaded words of "your child has cancer" were becoming a reality for the Holland's. They endured turmoil and multiple treatments at Hershey Medical and CHOP and even had renewed hope when it seemed the chemotherapy treatments were working! However, after contracting a cold and virus that had to be treated, it eventually forced the chemotherapy treatments to no longer be effective and Conner lost his battle on September 4, 2011. Through the pain, Conner always loved his pajamas and when he saw other children around him suffering with little means, he wanted them to be comfortable amidst the pain. This is how Conner's Comfy Pajamas was born, which allows for children at multiple hospitals across the United States going through the pains of chemotherapy to be comfortable and snuggly. The Conner M. Holland Foundation is also responsible for helping out families through this turmoil through financial support whether it be with mortgage payments, gas cards, groceries--whatever type of financial support might be needed during the difficult times. During my time with Sheryl, I was able to witness multiple pictures of Conner and his smile alone was icing on the cake in my decision to team up with this Foundation to raise funds with my project. No family should have to experience the words "your child has cancer." And through the pain and suffering that the Holland family experienced, they have worked to make a difference in the lives of multiple families and children by keeping both and the shine in souls alive. And as Mr. Sunshine, I couldn't be more excited to become a part of that shine and hope in this next year as I work to run 1,310 miles and taking Conner's spirit with me everywhere I go.