Age: 31 years old
Occupation: Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant
Why DPB: Channeling physicality and community to foster and incentivise positivity and a sense of achievement, connectivity, and health.
Favorite challenge: Long wharf to shelter island swim- Dawgpatch’s first group swim event; my first longest open water swim and an explicit memory of brotherhood and mind over matter.
Most difficult challenge: Long Beach to MTK point solo prone paddle; first paddle of significant distance- battling fear and pain. Brought me a deep sense of facing uncertainty and overcoming adversity. Challenges don’t have to be physical- push yourself to learn, to love, and to feel. Pursue a new career, take a new class, pick up a new skill. Life is full of difficult challenges, don’t minimize small victories.
Next objective: Complete Long Island North Shore prone paddle. Breaking this into pieces 15-35 mile clips. Unsupported. Dealing with my life’s traumas and supporting others struggles with tributes and sacrifices of my own time and effort. This is not to numb my emotions, the delicate and raw parts of me- but rather let them be acknowledged. In the past perhaps that wasn’t the case- running, swimming, biking, and lifting away from my feelings. I now have a new sense of appreciation and faith- a deep sense of self love and appreciation of my mind, body and soul. I am forever thankful for this new awareness and growth.