#058- 50 Marathons in 50 States: Hope Fights Back against ALS with Andrea Peet

In 2022, eight years after her initial diagnosis, Andrea Peet became the first person with ALS to complete 50 marathons in all 50 states. Racing in a recumbent trike, she is the inspiration behind the Team Drea Foundation, a non-profit organization that has raised more than $1 million towards ALS research. Her documentary, Go On, Be Brave, and memoir Hope Fights Back shares her incredible story of resilience. Over the episode Andrea and Brendan discuss how ALS research and awareness has changed over the years due to growing discussions and social media trends like the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Andrea details the filming of her documentary and the various challenges faced including Covid, and the writing of her book and how through those mediums she was able to tell her story.

To learn more about Andrea and ALS research, check out the links below

Team Drea: https://www.teamdrea.org/

Go On, Be Brave documentary: https://goonbebravefilm.com/

Hope Fights Back memoir: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Hope-Fights-Back/Andrea-Lytle-Peet/9781639364770

Keywords: accessibility. adaptive fitness, ALS, disability, disability community, disease, endurance sports, fitness, inclusion, inclusive fitness, inclusive spaces, motivation, sports

Takeaways:

• Andrea highlights how she refused to let a serious diagnosis prevent them from achieving great things, showcasing resilience and determination.

• The process of getting diagnosed with ALS involved various tests and an initial period of uncertainty, followed by a confirmed diagnosis.

• The diagnosis of ALA had a significant emotional impact, but it also motivated a focus on accomplishing important goals before physical limitations increased.

• Campaigns and challenges, such as the Ice Bucket Challenge, have significantly increased awareness and funding for ALS research.

• It's important to maintain a positive outlook and treat bravery as a muscle that needs regular exercise.