About me Posted on December 31st, 1969
Hi! My name is Marvin Shoop. I am 43 years old. I’m a successful Senior Executive for the Federal government, a father to two wonderful and amazing children, an avid outdoorsman, a former Marine, a veteran Marine Marathon runner, an adventurer, an explorer, friend to many, and admirer of life itself. And, I am also a cancer survivor.
Welcome to my blog! From here on out, we will be working together to conquer brain cancer!
September 19th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
Made a donation to help with the marathon goal of 25K - you continue to amaze ALL of those close to you!!!!
September 19th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Terry, Thank you so very much!! And as much as I might amaze you, you all amaze me in your undying support!! I thank God every day that people like you exist in my life!
September 22nd, 2008 at 12:12 am
This woman paddles by in her aluminum canoe with her dog. The dog, I later learned is named Angel; a lab mix of some kind. Reddish brown spots on a white coat with kind, yellow-brown eyes. She sported a spiffy scarf on her neck and sat patiently in the middle of the boat.
A little while later I walked to our marina office and sat down with Barb, the owner. She tells me that this woman, Kim, is paddling her way from Pittsburgh to Cairo, IL in the name of a good cause. She explained she is paddling her way along the Ohio River to bring awareness and hopefully raise funds for her cousin who has brain cancer.
She’s almost 50 years old and expressed she always wanted to do a “major river” on her canoe and finally reached the point where she felt it was time to actually do it. And for what better cause? Her cousin whom she loves.
She has not solicited funds. She has business cards printed with her cousin’s website and blog and handed them out whenever someone asked. And sometimes even when they didn’t ask, but listeners took the cards she offered. Some you could see took them out of curiosity, interest, politeness…you name it. Different reactions all.
“Paddling for Marvin”, her cousin and mission, is printed on each card.
She departed Pittsburgh on August 31st and gives herself two months to complete her journey. She’s three weeks into the trip and calls Marvin every day so he can update his blog about where she is and what she’s experiencing.
She says the more people who know what she’s doing, the more impetus it gives her to not quit. She’s weary right now. I surmise.
She has taken on a 981 mile trip to reach the Mississippi River by paddling her way there, alone (aside from Angel!) and with the kindness of many strangers, faith and hope, to bring to light her cousins’ plight.
And many others who suffer the same illness as well.
Her stories are wonderful and meaningful. The people she has met and their generous donations tell volumes about how humanity isn’t as awful as perhaps the media (or society?) make it out to be.
She told me about how she loves really soft and fuzzy blankets, slippers, you name it. And it was cold one night on her journey and this one couple brought her a red [soft and fuzzy] blanket, still in the package, just for her. They are using it. And she places it on top of her stash as a beacon (I think — my interpretation, as a message to others) that there is kindness here in this world.
So far, she’s stayed under a bridge overpass in her tent. Camped at a boat launch. Found a deserted “beach” on the Ohio River to camp for the night. Stayed at numerous marina’s and endured the wakes and waves from pleasure and fishing boats as she paddled along the way.
She redistrubutes the weight on her canoe during stops to make it easier to navigate. She’s fashioned a shade shelter for Angel on their canoe by tying a small blanket to the seats. She maneuvers through the locks and dams (in a canoe!) with barges that are twenty times her size. Hanging on to a bollard with a small line as the river level is manipulated by the Corps of Engineers’ built lock to handle her going from one side to the other. In order to continue her journey.
She’s battled the remnants of Hurricane Ike; huge winds and choppy waters. Found strength she didn’t know she had.
She’s at 339 miles into her trip. She figures to arrive in Cairo, IL by her deadline, October 31st. While this isn’t a quote, she said that when she reaches the Mississippi River she’ll paddle out for a bit in celebration, then return to the point at the confluence to pitch her tent where she and Angel will sleep the night.
When she was asked by a fellow boater how she was going to get home to Pittsburgh, she replied “I’ll figure it out when the time comes.”
How’s that for faith?
She’s told me several, if not more times, how blessed she is and has been on this trip.
I have to ask two questions… how blessed am I? And further, how blessed am I to have the good fortune to have met Kim?
October 2nd, 2008 at 1:09 am
Becky,
Your summary of My Kim is right on. Not only is she paddling for marvin but to make others see what FAITH CAN DO. She not only believes Jesus will guide and protect her but more importantly knows Jesus is with her and sh has been blessed to meet so many of his angels along the way. Let us all pray for Kim & Marvin and all who have helped them during this awesome journey along the Ohio.Miss you Kim.
October 2nd, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Hey, Aunt Peggy! Glad to see you comment on here! I haven’t heard from Kim tonight, but she often mentions you! She is a great cousin, but I assume also a greater daughter!
October 5th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Marvin,
Was sad to hear the intial news but happy to see your
sucess and accomplishments so far. Just amazing. Don
as well sends his thoughts and prayers for your continued
recover and the success of this cancer foundation.
Chris
October 5th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Chris, Thank you for the post! I’m doing what I can and I appreciate your support and Don’s support as well!
Marvin
October 6th, 2008 at 9:15 am
Hello Marvin,
Kim pitched her tent here last night on the riverbank near my shantyboat. (Mile 515, Hamilton landing, Ky.) I took her to see Rabbit Hash, Ky. where the mayoral election is in full swing. The candidates are mostly dogs, one cat, a donkey, & a possum. The last mayor was a black Lab (first black mayor) but he died in office. It’s true, google Rabbit Has Ky. I poured her full of coffee this morning & sent her on her way. Capt. Don Sanders on the GRAND VICTORIA at Rising Sun, Indiana told me she was coming. She is doing fine. Good weather is forecast. All the best to you.
Shantyboat Mike
October 6th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
Mike,
Thanks for taking care of Kim! She reports being at mile 538 tonight in Vevay, but had a hard day paddling. 77 degrees and a head wind with no river current. I appreciate all you and Don did for her!
Marvin
October 14th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Kim, I tried to e-mail you but it comes back as “failure - undeliverable”.
You made the FRONT PAGE of the newspaper here in Aurora! A great article! I’ll keep a copy of it and send it to you when you are off the river. Please have Marvin send me your address so I can get it in the mail, I’m sure your mom would want to see it.
I pray for you everyday, and for a safe journey. Loved having you in Aurora!! Love always, Leslie Kinnett
October 15th, 2008 at 7:46 am
Leslie, if you can find a web page for the article, can you send it to me? I will post it here on the blog. Thanks for your post! Thanks for writing!
November 5th, 2008 at 4:10 am
Marv,
You have been my rock since the day I was born and you continue to do so everyday. You have inspired me more than you could ever know. You are in my heart every minute of the day, and I pray for you often. I know God will answer all our prayers for you. Many kids when we were young looked up to you and now many adults look up to you. You truly are a special person.
November 5th, 2008 at 8:44 am
Dor,
Thank you for your prayers! And thank you for your very nice comments! I feel like everything will be OK in the end. If it’s not OK, it’s not the end!