About 50,000 Steps for $50,000
As I approach a major milestone – turning 50 – I've been reflecting on the power of community and the incredible impact that sports can have on people’s lives, especially for amputees like my daughter Cami.
On December 17th, my 50th birthday, I’ll be walking 50,000 steps with the goal of raising $50,000 to support 5 amazing organizations that help amputees engage in a healthy, active life with a supportive community. These groups do life-changing work by creating opportunities for people to stay active, connected, and empowered.
Here are the 5 organizations I am supporting:
- Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) provides opportunities and support to people with physical disabilities so they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. The Challenged Athletes Foundation believes that involvement in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence, and enhances quality of life.
- Hope’s Harbor supports children receiving medical care by providing critical hospitality services—like housing, meals and community—to their families.
- Turnstone Center creates possibilities as Northeast Indiana's only free-standing not-for-profit organization providing a comprehensive continuum of supportive services addressing the unique needs of people with disabilities and their families.
- USA Patriots Athletics (formerly known as the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team) bring athletic and like-minded veteran amputees together to promote the benefits of inclusive sport and therapeutic recreational activities, to inspire and motivate communities of people, to support children with physical challenges, and to operate as a vehicle that offers national opportunities for continued service to our country.
- USA Volleyball Foundation provides financial support for USA Volleyball’s mission and strategic priorities, and thereby promotes the continued development, growth and sustainability of beach, indoor, sitting, snow and Beach ParaVolley volleyball in the United States.
Your support means everything, and I can’t wait to walk this journey with my community. Let’s make 50,000 steps count for something BIG! 
- Evan Wood
While Turnstone is acting as the fiscal agent, all funds raised through this campaign
will be split equally among the five organizations.
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But, Evan... why?
"I have been on a personal journey of wellness this year. At the start of the year, my health was deteriorating. My weight was out of control, my blood pressure was 180/120, I was sleeping poorly, and I was not able to enjoy activities with my family that involved any level of fitness. So, I began eating better and working out. Walking has been a big part of that. I was on a 7-mile walk one morning and I hatched this idea. I'm turning 50 and want to mark the milestone with something meaningful that gives back to organizations that have given much to my family over the years. "
Read more about why Evan is walking 50,000 steps for $50,000 here.
"I have been on a personal journey of wellness this year. At the start of the year, my health was deteriorating. My weight was out of control, my blood pressure was 180/120, I was sleeping poorly, and I was not able to enjoy activities with my family that involved any level of fitness. So, I began eating better and working out. Walking has been a big part of that. I was on a 7-mile walk one morning and I hatched this idea. I'm turning 50 and want to mark the milestone with something meaningful that gives back to organizations that have given much to my family over the years. "
Read more about why Evan is walking 50,000 steps for $50,000 here.