What would make a grown man with two children; a loving and caring wife, a supportive family, and a demanding job as a police officer want to run across the state of New Jersey in three days? What would make a 37 year old man with a physical disability want to sacrifice himself and cause inevitable pain to his body? The answer can be found inside his heart. My reasons for doing this are simple: I want to remember a brother who has had such an impact on my life and I want to remember all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice while protecting and serving each and every one of us. This run is for them.

The First Annual Andy Cubbler/C.O.P.S.: “A Brother’s Love” Memorial Run was born out of my self-published memoir entitled “A Brother’s Love: A Memoir”. I wrote this book as a tribute to my older brother, Andy, who died too soon in 1989 at the age of twenty-one. Andy was the most loving, caring and trusting person I will ever know. He was an angel on earth and he continues to be my guardian angel and my constant reminder that our time on this earth is short and very precious. Andy suffered daily with a severe stuttering problem and he also had a difficult time learning. The book details our life growing up together, Andy’s struggles, his pain and ultimately his ability to overcome all the obstacles that stood in his way. The book also details Andy’s untimely death on July 12, 1989 in an automobile accident. The second half of the book details my struggles in dealing with his death and how Andy’s life and death have played such a major role in my life.

Once I decided to write the book, I came up with the idea to create two scholarship funds in Andy’s name that will benefit kids with physical and learning disabilities. All the proceeds from the sale of the book are being donated to the two scholarship funds. Unfortunately, being a self-published author means I do not have the luxury of someone else promoting and marketing the book. In order for the scholarship funds to thrive, I needed to do something more to raise money for these two worthwhile causes.

When I decided to take on this insane challenge of running approximately 70 miles in three days, I knew I needed to enlist the help of a larger entity to help raise the necessary awareness and funds. I tried to think of a national organization that not only would be willing to help in my cause, but one that I had a personal desire to help in return. The answer came after I attended the funeral for a Philadelphia Police Officer named Chuck Cassidy. Officer Cassidy was killed in the line of duty on November 1st, 2007 while interrupting a robbery at a Dunkin Donuts store in Philadelphia..

I did not know Officer Cassidy personally, but he was my “brother” none the less. I felt the sadness in the hearts of every officer I encountered at the funeral. I saw the pain in the eyes of his grieving family, reminding me of the day I lost my brother. I felt the connection. It was on that day that I decided that I wanted to help those who, just like me, protect and serve the citizens of the United States of America each and every day. I wanted to help the surviving families of the officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice. I wanted to help memorialize their service, remember their deeds, and honor their lives. It was then that I decided to enlist the help of the one organization that is dedicated to doing all of those things: C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors). Together, we are sponsoring this solo run. Together we are going to make a statement: “A Brother’s Love” is universal; whether it is the love between birth brothers, friends, police officers, or the bond that is shared by any two people who care about each other. We are all “Brothers” and the more people realize this, the less violence and death there will be in this world. If that happens, then maybe I won’t have to attend another funeral for a fallen officer like Officer Cassidy. Maybe the lesson my brother taught me after his death won’t be in vain: Live, Laugh, Love!

The run is scheduled to take place during “National Police Week” (May 11-17, 2008) which attracts law enforcement officers from across the country to Washington, D.C., to pay tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and to celebrate those who continue to serve. My solo run will begin on Thursday May 15, 2008, (National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day) at the base of the Commodore Barry Bridge which connects Pennsylvania and New Jersey. I will cross the finish line (the Atlantic Ocean) on Sunday May 18, 2008. The actual location for the end of the race is still to be determined. Please check the website for updated information.

Our goal is to raise $50,000 for the two scholarship funds and for the C.O.P.S. initiatives. All donations will be shared by the scholarship funds and C.O.P.S. If you would like to take part in helping to make The First Annual Andy Cubbler/C.O.P.S.: “A Brother’s Love” Memorial Run a success, please click on the “Donate” tab and follow the instructions provided. All donations can be made on-line and are tax deductible thanks to West-Mont Christian Academy and their generous offer to shelter my run under their 501c3 status. For more information on C.O.P.S. please visit their website at www.nationalcops.org. For more information on my book, “A Brother’s Love: A Memoir”, please visit my website at www.matthewcubbler.com. Many thanks for your support; I promise not to let you down!

Sincerely,

Matthew Cubbler