June 3, 2024 By Glenn Mangurian
We all face challenges in life. Some are thrust upon us such as health issues, relationship breakdowns or career setbacks. Other challenges are chosen such as running a marathon, climbing a mountain or rowing across the Atlantic. That’s right. I said rowing across the Atlantic Ocean.
I recently had a telehealth session with one of my doctors, Dr. John Lowry of the Spaulding Rehabilitation Center. He told me that he would be off for the summer and headed to London. I asked a few more questions and he told me that he and three others would be leaving from Boston on June 1 and rowing across the Atlantic Ocean for seven weeks to London – the first ever human powered row from Boston to London. There will be no motor or accompanying boat. They will be rowing on a specially built, sea-worthy vessel. Like you, I had a lot of questions. Here are a few that came into my head:
- Why?
- What will you eat?
- Where do you go to the bathroom?
- What if you need help?
- Where do you sleep?
- The list goes on …
The four adventurers will form two person teams and row twelve alternating two hour shifts. Each team member is raising money for a cause. Dr. Lowry, the First Mate, is raising money for the Adaptive Sports program at Spaulding Rehab Center in Charlestown. You can read more about this adventure and follow their voyage at their website, LondonCallingRow.
I’m sure you will join me in wishing them a safe voyage and an adventure of a lifetime.