“If Antarctica were music, it would be Mozart. Art, and it would be Michelangelo. Literature, and it would be Shakespeare. And yet it is something even greater; the only place on earth that is still as it should be. May we never tame it.” Andrew Denton

Indeed, there is unsurpassable beauty in that which is not tainted or tamed. From majestic icebergs to exotic wildlife, friendly penguins and breathtaking sunsets, Antarctica stands unyielding, just as Lebanon’s Cedars. Many have traveled to the ever-stunning white continent and some didn’t live to describe their adventures. It is there that our own, George F. Haddad, stood humbly and raised the flag of Lebanon upon completion of the 26.2 mile marathon. The challenges of his trip, to include a badly bruised back due to a slip and fall on the steps of the ship’s deck “Orlova”; several detours due to rough seas; and a muddy, icy treacherous course, all of which did not hinder him from running the race two days after.

George said: “I thought of GiGi, the little girl with NF (Neurofibromatosis) and her daily struggles. I thought of the loved ones that I left behind and I thought of Lebanon. All those thoughts kept me going. He added, “Nothing could equal the gratification that consumed me as I struggled to the finish line.”

George Haddad at the completion of the Antarctica marathon.

And there he was, on March 7th, 2010, in near -1 degree C (30 degree F) weather, surrounded by a captivating panorama and a backdrop of smiling penguins that stood still as he proudly embraced our flag.

Truthfully, I am not certain that I would have survived The Drake Passage known as the roughest ocean in the world. This passage that connects the Pacific and the Atlantic is also known as the Drake Shake due to its frequent harsh conditions. The Aerospace Senior NASA Engineer, who has supported the Integration and launches of many of NASA’s scientific and planetary missions, concedes that his return trip was the most exigent adventure of his life. Indescribably rough waters with ominous swells exceeding 21 feet; he wondered if he would make the trip back home.

As I write this, it occurs to me that many would find this adventure quite extreme. Frankly, a few thought it indeed insane. Yet, one must ask, what price would someone pay to save a life? Would you risk all, would you withstand freezing temperatures, menacing waves, and a trip to the end of the word? Ask George, for he will tell you: “I will do it all over again.”

Acts of kindness are worth the cost. Khalil Gibran could not have said it better: “You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”

Also read: George Haddad: Running for Life

“Running is the greatest metaphor of life; because you get out of it what you put into it.” – Oprah Winfrey

It is with distinct pleasure and honor that I pen a letter of praise about someone who embodies the characteristics of a true humanitarian, a noble heart, a generative mind and an ardent spirit.

Our very own, George F. Haddad, a Senior Engineer with NASA at Kennedy Space Center in Melbourne, Florida, is running the Antarctica Marathon on March 7th, 2010. He will be the first Lebanese American to run it , and he will proudly raise both the Lebanese and The NASA flag upon finishing point.

George is also an RRCA certified coach (online and field coaching) and is currently the official coach for the Children’s Tumor Foundation Marathon Team. He has been dedicating such humanitarian efforts for so many years to include running with Charity runners for support and guidance.

23 marathons with a personal best of 3:18 to include: Three Bostons, Pikes Peak, and the recent Beirut Marathon (BLOM). A passionate and avid runner; the Lebanese-American Senior NASA Engineer has been providing on-line Marathon training since 2006 to those who run to fight Neurofibromatosis (NF) through the Children’s Tumor Foundation. His unwavering commitment to encourage others to reach the pinnacle of self-discipline is a true testament to his character and principled approach. George is running for an eight-year-old girl who has Neurofibromatosis.

Here is George in his own words

Dear Friends and Supporters,
On March 6, 2010, I will have the distinct pleasure and honor of running the Antarctica Marathon with the NF (Neurofibromatosis) Endurance Team. I am dedicating this event to the Children Tumor Foundation, specifically to my friend’s daughter GiGi, who has NF. GiGi is an eight-year-old with Type 1 Neurofibromatosis. Because of an optic glioma, an NF-related brain tumor, GiGi has lost vision in her left eye. MRI’s and Chemotherapy have become part of GiGi’s life. Her oncologist, among other specialists, must monitor the tumor in an effort to prevent the loss of vision in both eyes. GiGi was diagnosed at an early age with this genetic disorder.

Despite what she is going through GiGi is working hard to keep up with her peers academically. She is a happy child, a good friend to her teammates in school and a wonderful sibling to her twin brother, younger sister and older brother. At such a young age; she continues to show toughness, resilience and patience. I am honored to dedicate this race to her.

Neurofibromatosis encompasses a set of distinct genetic disorders that cause tumors to grow along various types of nerves and, in addition, can affect the development of non-nervous tissues such as bones and skin. Neurofibromatosis causes tumors to grow anywhere on or in the body. Neurofibromatosis (NF) has been classified into three distinct types: NF1, NF2 and Schwannomatosis. More information on NF can be found at the charity web site at www.ctf.org

Currently there is no cure or a completely effective treatment for NF; however with your help, we may find a cure one day. I would appreciate your help and any support you could provide for this worthy cause. One hundred percent of the funds raised will go directly to the Children Tumor Foundation (CTF). GiGi will continue to do what eight-year-old girls do. As for me, I will continue to run, and continue to be thankful for God’s blessings.

Imagine the cost of failed opportunities, lost hopes and forgotten dreams and please join me in supporting a most worthy cause by making a donation to NF Endurance Team via the Children’s Tumor Foundation.

I thank you in advance for your support.
George Haddad

A man of great integrity, and true authenticity, George’s disarming humility quickly gains the respect of all those who meet him. A humble spirit, never seeking fame nor attention; he continues to run for humane causes. He runs for others, not for glory.He runs for the needy, a rarity, and indeed an honorable representation for Our Lebanon.

As a fellow Lebanese American Citizen I could not be more privileged and honored to know someone with such nobility and humility, thus only affirming that we really cannot separate social and economic priorities if we want to have an inclusive society.

The Beirut Marathon kicked off on Sunday with over 30,000 participants from Lebanon and around the world
Lebanese singer Haifa Wehbe made a special appearance at the morning’s events and signaled the start of the wheelchair race.

Before signaling the start of the marathon Suleiman said :
“This occasion teaches us that democracy should be exercised in a spirit of sportsmanship and fair competition and to walk in a straight line towards our goals.”
Suleiman also voiced support for participants with special needs who are competing in the marathon, highlighting the importance of equality.
He said the marathon “unites people from Lebanon with others from around the world.”

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Hariri said sports is an important factor, not only in forming a healthy society, but also in unifying the Lebanese people.
The PM said he hopes his participation in the marathon will encourage Lebanese youth to play sports and be physically active.

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President Suleiman , PM Hariri and the First lady prior to the kick off of the race

Source of the pics: Dalati & Nohra

Source: Dalati & Nohra