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Tri for Hope
from
Hell to Paradise
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.
All the information you need to support Brandon on his journey is in the link below!
In this information packet you will find the itinerary, stop locations, routes, GPS and tracking information, Paradise lodging, etc. Hope to see you along the way!
In this information packet you will find the itinerary, stop locations, routes, GPS and tracking information, Paradise lodging, etc. Hope to see you along the way!
All donations go directly to Barb Smith Suicide Recourse and Response Network (SRRN).
Barb Smith is a 501c3, making all donations tax deductible.
Barb Smith is a 501c3, making all donations tax deductible.
For Press Information please click the link below
Tri for Hope Promo Video
This Video explains the plan to achieve the Tri for Hope.
Lisa and Brandon go to each stop (Hell, DeWitt, Alma, Gladwin, Grayling, Indian River, Mackinaw, Trout Lake, and Paradise) to bring you step by step information to achieve the Tri for Hope.
Lisa and Brandon go to each stop (Hell, DeWitt, Alma, Gladwin, Grayling, Indian River, Mackinaw, Trout Lake, and Paradise) to bring you step by step information to achieve the Tri for Hope.
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Barb Smith Suicide Resource and Response Network Fundraiser Video
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What is the Tri for Hope? Watch this video:
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Tri for HOPE Team and Sponsors
If you are interested in being a sponsor please email me.
Lisa HillakerThe lighthouse that gets me to the finish line every time!
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Maria VeenCoach Maria Veen has been by my side every step of the way through the 11 medals for 11 years, training me, supporting me, and inspiring me not only to be a better athlete, but a better human.
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Brad AlvestefferSponsor-Ray's Bike Shop
Mr. Alvesteffer has been supporting me since I walked into his shop with a bright idea to run one triathlon. I told Brad my story and he wanted to help me achieve my goals. Since then he has not only been my sponsor, but a friend! 
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Triton LegalI have a fresh start because of the hard work that I did, along with the work of Joseph Blata and his team at Triton Legal.
I am proud to announce that Triton Legal is a sponsor for this year’s Tri for Hope. Thank you, Triton Legal, for all your help! 
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Cody MillerI met Cody Miller during the 2024 Mackinac Island swim. We swam together through the hardest parts of the swim and supported one another throughout the event. Mr. Miller will be my swim partner during the Mackinac Bridge Swim, helping to make sure I don't drown.
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Barb SmithBarb has been an inspiration for her impact on suicide awareness and support of my civic engagement in the community. I am dedicating my Tri for Hope event to raise money for this amazing organization to help Barb and her team continue making a huge impact on suicide awareness and breaking the mental health stigma.
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Holly KelleyHolly Kelley is Barb Smith's program coordinator. Holly has assisted with my civic engagements in the community and helped me with the Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Swim. When I have a question, Holly always seems to have the answer.
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Jon VosJon Vos is the person responsible for the Mackinac Island Swim and is helping with this grandiose goal as well. Jon will help with support and community involvement.
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I contacted Paper Heart Design Co. to help me design a logo for the event and gave them some ideas. Anne Stout and her team created an amazing logo that incorporated the event and suicide awareness. Anne and her team went above and beyond by donating their time and talents to my mission.
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Dr. Chris has put me back together every time I broke myself while training and competing in endurance sports. Dr. Chris works at Great Lakes Spine and Medical in Saginaw, MI. He has continually supported me through all of my grandiose goals. Dr. Chris will be my medical support during the Tri for Hope.
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When 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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Michigan Psychological Care has provided support throughout my journey with doctors and therapists that help me remember how to use my positive coping skills and challenge my thinking so that I can become the best me I can be.
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Dig Deep RacesAndy has provided valuable advice and support throughout the planning of the Tri for Hope. His expertise and experience has been invaluable as we have made our way through the event planning process. He has also graciously offered the use of his blow-up start/finish line to make it official!
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Ride ScienceMark at Ride Science is a professional bike fitter who has made sure my bike is fit to my body and ready to ride long distances. His expertise ensures that every ride is as efficient, comfortable, and safe as it can be.
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Adaboy!Adaboy is a local band in the Saginaw-Bay City-Midland area, quickly expanding their reach and gaining popularity. Their music is easy to listen to, uplifting, and full of positive messages. It will provide the perfect soundtrack to our event and documentary film!
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No. 8 ProductionsJames Dagg has dedicated endless time and energy to documenting the Tri for Hope, from beginning to end. His efforts and talent in creating a documentary film will allow us to share the Tri for Hope with so many others, and hopefully inspire people to do what it takes to achieve their own 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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Formula 369Formula 369 has had everything I need to keep my body fueled properly. Without proper nutrition and fueling products, achieving my goals would be much more difficult.
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