By Chris Hagan
Review Staff Writer
When Brian Thomas was laying in his hospital bed in 2013, staring into the eyes of his doctor, he was given the news on his grim outcome.
He had a rare form of Stage IV metastasized melanoma cancer that was wreaking havoc on his body and his doctor’s didn’t have an answer.
The 36-year-old Lake Orion native and ultra distance runner, familiar with running across whole states, was in a battle where he was not favored to win. In this moment and identifying with his Irish heritage, he had purchased two kilts: one to be buried in and one to celebrate in if he beat the cancer.
On Sunday, the 1997 Lake Orion graduate was wearing the latter of the two at Buffalo Wild Wings just days after finishing his 1,200 mile, multi-state run. The event was being hosted for Thomas? non-profit group, The Road Warriors.
During the event, Thomas along with running partner and Road Warrior Co-Founder, Brandon Mercado, held raffles in support of their corporation that helps people suffering from different forms of cancer.
‘The support has just been phenomenal, I’ve seen friends I haven’t seen in decades coming out here,? Thomas said at the fundraiser. ‘I’ve had people reaching out to me that I don’t know and students I graduated with showing me support because I was supporting them back in high school and I didn’t even know it.?
Thomas was not alone in his run across the country. Mercado, 22, ran with Thomas for the first two weeks but the two had different paths. Thomas was running to Washington D.C. while Mercado was running to Lake Orion.
Mercado ended his 1,420-mile run at Thomas? house on Park Island. Thomas came up with the idea to end there because it was how Thomas ended it once before.
When Thomas ran from Florida to Lake Orion in 2012, he finished the run by jumping off his parents dock.
‘It was especially great because that was a 34-mile day and I thought it was such a great ending to be at Brian’s house and just to get in the water,? Mercado said.
During the event BWW donated 20 percent of food and alcohol sales from open to close while the Road Warriors also had raffle prices. Hundreds of people came out in support of Thomas and Mercado’s accomplishment including Orion Township Supervisor Chris Barnett and Fox 2 News anchors and Orion residents Lee Thomas and Deena Centofanti.
Attending this event was more than just community support for Supervisor Barnett; it was personal. Several weeks ago his mother, Judy, was diagnosed with primary peritoneal cancer, a rare form of cancer that affects the abdomen.
‘These men are such an inspiration and are the definition of super human,? Barnett said. ‘This is exactly why I love our community because you have extraordinary people supported by so many great people.?
The Road Warriors also participate in events they’re not running in. They have fashioned together a colorful clothing line in support of their foundation and also participate in marathons in the form of aid stations.
Their aim in the aid stations are to be the most lively, entertaining, and memorable aid station at a race. Their goal is not only to keep up the motivation of the runners but to create word-of-mouth buzz about their organization.
‘Knowing that we do all sorts of other things besides running, we’re going to replicate what we did this last year and expand on it,? Thomas said. ‘So they’ll be new races we’re going to host all over the Eastern side of the United States.?
Thomas and Mercado are also working on a event planned for 2018 that they’re saying will be a ‘world record breaking event,? but the two are keeping the details under wraps.
For Thomas, he still feels a divine connection to Lake Orion despite living in Florida for the last 15 years. That connection has also impacted Mercado, a life-long Floridian, who has witnessed the unique outpouring of support and draw to Orion.
‘I feel like, even though it might be quite the opposite, something about Lake Orion water makes you tough,? Thomas said. ‘I may live in Florida, but this is where my heart is. The vibe and the heart here is different than anywhere you go.?
Barnett said he is looking into doing something special for both Thomas and Mercado, but like the duo’s 2018 event, it’s going to remain a surprise.
For more information on the Road Warriors visit roadwarriorscorp.org