Friends who inspire

Shannon and I had the great pleasure and honor to reconnect with our mutual friend Ed del Campo recently. Shannon and I both knew Ed before we even met that fateful day in Phoenix 6 years ago. Ed lives in Miami and worked with Shannon at the online arm of The Miami Herald, while I know Ed because he helped me lead the national sales team I ran at Knight Ridder in San Jose.

Ed wrote a very inspiring comment and dedication for my marathon recently and just this past Tuesday he was in West Palm Beach and we had the chance to visit with him. It was the first time we’ve seen Ed in years. What’s particularly inspiring about Ed is that he’s managed to overcome two serious bouts with cancer. Ed is a fighter in every sense of the word and his faith, tenaciousness, love for life and love for his beautiful girls have kept him with us. Now, Ed is fulfilling his life long dream to become a Fire Fighter! He’s spent the last year completing the academic study needed to earn his EMT and Fire Fighter certification and he’s already got a job lined up with Palm Beach County. Provided Ed passes his physical (which was the reason for his visit to West Palm Beach) he’ll be on board for the 90-day Fire Fighter Academy. We may even have the opportunity to host him while he’s attending the Academy so he can avoid the arduous commute from South Miami. Ed, you’re truly an inspiration to us.