Overcome obstacles and achieve success by creating greatness for yourself!
2023 First Tri-Sport Event, Bay City Driathlon
After a successful first two semesters at Delta College, I was ready to add a new layer to challenging myself. As the weather warmed and classes came to an end, I found what I was looking for on a poster that hung in the hallway: the Bay City Driathlon. Having lived a sedentary lifestyle for much of the past 10 years, spending my days mourning the loss of my old lifestyle and the ability to do all the things I had once loved, I was at my highest weight and lowest confidence. In the moment I saw that poster, I decided it was time for a change. I had conquered going back to school; now it was time to get back to living and enjoying life outside of 4 walls. I began training consistently and vigorously and pushing my own mental and physical boundaries to achieve this new goal. Four months later, crossing the finish line of that first race had me feeling a sense of accomplishment like I had never experienced. The 2023 Driathlon sent me and my life down a brand new path that I never expected to take.
11 medal for the 11 years bipolar took my life.
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ABOUT ME |
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After years of battling mental health obstacles, starting to find myself again by going back to college and running my first triathlon (Driathlon), and stumbling upon a holistic approach to treating bipolar, I began researching the effects I was experiencing after that first race. The positive feelings and new energy I had were not just from the accomplishment of finishing the race. Training actually helps to regulate the bipolar chemical imbalance I had been struggling with for so long. I continued my training and set out to accomplish a lofty goal in the summer of 2024: 11 medals for the 11 years my mental health obstacles controlled my life. I signed up for 10 triathlons and an 8.2-mile swim around Mackinac Island. Life threw a new obstacle at me on my way to every finish line, but I was unstoppable. By September, 11 medals hung on my wall as a testament to the fact that obstacles can be overcome by making the choice to
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Tri for Hope
from
Hell to Paradise
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For years, medical professionals and people close to me often dismissed my goals as “delusions of grandeur,” especially when I set them during manic episodes. The Tri for Hope stands as a testament to those very ambitions—it’s a wildly ambitious challenge that I not only dreamed up but actually accomplished. Why did I do it? The driving force behind this grand endeavor was hope—the very inspiration woven into the event’s name. I set out to prove that a disability doesn’t define anyone, and that we truly can achieve anything we set our minds to.
The Tri for Hope was a 400.9-mile triathlon from Hell, Michigan to Paradise, Michigan—a feat that had never been attempted before. From July 24 to July 27, 2025, I first biked 330 miles from Hell to Mackinaw City. On day three, I swam 5 miles across the Straits of Mackinac to St. Ignace, and then ran 32 miles to Trout Lake. On the fourth and final day, I ran another 32 miles from Trout Lake to Paradise. I finished the journey in just 84 of the 96 hours I expected it to take. In that time, 52 hours were spent moving and I slept a total of just 9 hours.
The body achieves what the mind believes—no matter who you are!
The purpose of this extraordinary triathlon was to raise $20 per mile for the Barb Smith Suicide Resource and Response Network. Thanks to the support of many, I raised more than $8,000 to continue the Network's mission of promoting mental health awareness and supporting individuals and families in need.
Special thanks to my team that helped me get to the finish line. I could not have done it without all of you!
Special thanks to my sponsors. I could not have accomplished all of this without all of you!
If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, please dial 988 or reach out to someone. Remember: have HOPE that tomorrow will be better.
For years, medical professionals and people close to me often dismissed my goals as “delusions of grandeur,” especially when I set them during manic episodes. The Tri for Hope stands as a testament to those very ambitions—it’s a wildly ambitious challenge that I not only dreamed up but actually accomplished. Why did I do it? The driving force behind this grand endeavor was hope—the very inspiration woven into the event’s name. I set out to prove that a disability doesn’t define anyone, and that we truly can achieve anything we set our minds to.
The Tri for Hope was a 400.9-mile triathlon from Hell, Michigan to Paradise, Michigan—a feat that had never been attempted before. From July 24 to July 27, 2025, I first biked 330 miles from Hell to Mackinaw City. On day three, I swam 5 miles across the Straits of Mackinac to St. Ignace, and then ran 32 miles to Trout Lake. On the fourth and final day, I ran another 32 miles from Trout Lake to Paradise. I finished the journey in just 84 of the 96 hours I expected it to take. In that time, 52 hours were spent moving and I slept a total of just 9 hours.
The body achieves what the mind believes—no matter who you are!
The purpose of this extraordinary triathlon was to raise $20 per mile for the Barb Smith Suicide Resource and Response Network. Thanks to the support of many, I raised more than $8,000 to continue the Network's mission of promoting mental health awareness and supporting individuals and families in need.
Special thanks to my team that helped me get to the finish line. I could not have done it without all of you!
Special thanks to my sponsors. I could not have accomplished all of this without all of you!
If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, please dial 988 or reach out to someone. Remember: have HOPE that tomorrow will be better.
Track Brandon's progress as he completes the 4-day 400-mile Tri for Hope using LocaToWeb, July 24, 25, 26, and 27. Click the link below.
Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Swim.
Goal Achieved on August 15-16.
19 hours and 32 miles. A group of four amazing swimmers swam stage 11, across the Saginaw Bay
The Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Swim presents epic, once-in-a-lifetime experiences for up to 68 swimmers to be part of history, play a role in a documentary film, and swim where no one has ever swum before and may never swim again.
A 411 mile, 17 stage, relay swim that starts above where the Fitzgerald lies and the journey will symbolically finish the ships journey to Detroit Mi.
Swimmers will raise funds for the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society (GLSHS) to preserve the Whitefish Point Light Station, a most important beacon for all vessels entering or leaving Lake Superior since 1849, and the oldest operating lighthouse on the lake. In a most unfortunate irony, the lighthouse went dark due to a power outage and was no help to the Edmund Fitzgerald the night she lost her radar and ultimately lost her battle to the raging storm.
19 hours and 32 miles. A group of four amazing swimmers swam stage 11, across the Saginaw Bay
The Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Swim presents epic, once-in-a-lifetime experiences for up to 68 swimmers to be part of history, play a role in a documentary film, and swim where no one has ever swum before and may never swim again.
A 411 mile, 17 stage, relay swim that starts above where the Fitzgerald lies and the journey will symbolically finish the ships journey to Detroit Mi.
Swimmers will raise funds for the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society (GLSHS) to preserve the Whitefish Point Light Station, a most important beacon for all vessels entering or leaving Lake Superior since 1849, and the oldest operating lighthouse on the lake. In a most unfortunate irony, the lighthouse went dark due to a power outage and was no help to the Edmund Fitzgerald the night she lost her radar and ultimately lost her battle to the raging storm.
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I recently signed up for an online challenge from which a percent of the proceeds went to 988, the national suicide hotline. For my challenge I biked from Caro, MI to Saginaw, MI - 42 miles. I achieved that goal in 3 hours 20 minutes. It was a great ride and a great challenge.
If you would like to support this or one of many other causes and get a badass medal, explore available challenges by clicking the link below. |
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Past Sponsors & Partners
Jon VosJon Voss is the Event Director of the Mackinac Island Swim, one of Michigan's premier open-water endurance events. Passionate about endurance sports and community, he has helped grow the swim into a memorable challenge that brings athletes together while supporting local charitable organizations. Jon is committed to creating a safe, welcoming experience that inspires swimmers of all abilities to accomplish extraordinary goals.
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Freeland Foot and AnkleWhen you have flat feet - really flat feet - you need the right equipment in order to do the things I like to do. Dr. Dailey has been working with me to help me find the right shoes and insoles that allow me to run, swim, and bike without hurting myself or being in pain.
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Triton LegalTriton Legal PLC is a Bay City law firm dedicated to providing personalized legal representation throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region. Founded by attorney Joseph J. Blata, the firm focuses on criminal defense, family law, and driver’s license restoration with a commitment to honest guidance and strong advocacy. The Triton Legal team works closely with clients to navigate challenging legal situations while protecting their rights, families, and futures.
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Barb SmithBarb Smith is the founder and President of the Barb Smith Suicide Resource & Response Network, a Michigan-based organization dedicated to suicide prevention, education, and support for those impacted by suicide. After losing her brother to suicide, Barb turned her personal experience into a mission to provide hope, resources, and connection for individuals, families, and communities. Through training, advocacy, and outreach, she has helped countless people recognize warning signs, support others, and build stronger, more compassionate communities.
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Michigan Psychological Care Michigan Psychological Care is a trusted mental health practice dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families improve their well-being through compassionate, personalized care. With a team of experienced providers, the practice offers therapy, psychological evaluations, and psychiatric services to support clients through life’s challenges. Michigan Psychological Care is committed to creating a supportive environment where people can build resilience, find healing, and achieve their goals.
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Paper Heart Design Co.Paper Heart Design Co. is a creative studio dedicated to bringing thoughtful, handcrafted design solutions to businesses and individuals. Through a passion for creativity, detail, and meaningful storytelling, the company helps clients bring their ideas to life with unique and memorable designs. Paper Heart Design Co. is committed to creating work that connects, inspires, and leaves a lasting impression.
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Dig Deep RacesDig Deep Races is a Michigan-based race organization dedicated to creating memorable, professionally managed endurance events that bring runners and communities together. Built on years of experience in race management, Dig Deep focuses on delivering safe, challenging, and rewarding experiences for athletes of all levels. Through unique courses, strong community partnerships, and a passion for the sport, Dig Deep Races inspires participants to push their limits and celebrate the journey.
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Adaboy!Adaboy! is a Bay City rock band known for blending powerful music with messages of resilience, hope, and overcoming challenges. With a passion for storytelling and high-energy performances, the band connects with audiences through songs inspired by real-life experiences. Adaboy! continues to build a growing following while using music as a way to inspire, encourage, and bring people together.
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Formula 369Formula 369 is an endurance nutrition company dedicated to helping athletes fuel longer, train harder, and perform at their best. Created with the needs of cyclists and endurance athletes in mind, Formula 369 provides simple, effective carbohydrate and hydration solutions designed for long-distance performance. The brand is committed to supporting athletes through reliable fueling strategies that help them reach their goals.
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Designs by Jill DelaneyJill Delaney graciously lent us her talents to design the bridge graphic on the back of our event t-shirt.
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