Andrew Linnehan

Running

A man in a Michigan State hat had me rooting for all things charitable this weekend.

Talking to strangers can do funny things to you. The funny thing happened to me on a flight from Charlotte to Chicago, where all I could think about was my bulging bladder after just recently downing a bottle of water and a 40-ounce Diet Coke mere minutes before take-off. I, naturally, had the window seat and was trapped by a man wearing a Michigan State hat, his wife, and their super-energetic baby. That was the least of their story.

I would soon find out the man’s name was Peter Ripmaster. With a last name like that, you’d expect him to be a high-motor defensive end, or a security watchman at the local graveyard. But this Ripmaster was just a simple old 6th grade schoolteacher at Asheville Christian Academy in Asheville, North Carolina. He and his family were en route to Chicago for this weekend’s Chicago Marathon, a race he runs for much more than his general conditioning and pride.

In the year 2000, Peter lost his mother to breast cancer. “I promise I will do everything in my power to end breast cancer,” he told her on her deathbed. And, true to his word, that’s the very reason he, his wife, and newborn child were on that late-night flight to Chicago.

“I ran a marathon last year and got the bug. Big time,” Peter said. “After finishing the race I decided I wanted to run one marathon in each of the 50 states raising money for breast cancer research.”

So, in 2008, Peter started running. And he has run to the tune — so far — of $4,500. His goal is to raise $25,000 by the time he crosses the finish line of his 50th state.

25 G’s or not, I met a man on Friday who made me forget about the Michigan State hat on his head. It wasn’t about what team he rooted for or who was going to beat who the next day, it was about inspiring people and unifying for a cause that anyone and everyone can cheer for.

Funny thing is, he’s made more than just his mom proud.

NOTE: If you’d like to contribute to Peter’s cause, donations can be made at HIS WEBSITE