Why we're doing it...

On January 29, 2007, we lost a dear friend to Wegener's granulomatosis. Jeremy Johnson's death changed everything for us, and even more so made us realize how valuable and short our time is. The fact that we watched Jeremy get sicker every day without anyone knowing what was wrong makes us furious to no end. It's made us feel that if there is anything we can do to help, it needs to be done. One of Jeremy's last thoughts was that he was going to be able to go kayaking with us as soon as he felt better. "Miah," as we called him, never had that chance. It's our memory and love for him that is driving us to help others and make a difference.

On June 15, 2008, myself and Brett Tanner will undertake a 1,321 mile sea kayak voyage down the entire west coast of California. Our intentions are to raise awareness and money for the Vasculitis Foundation.

Jerry Sparks

Apple Valley, California