Rudy ran his first marathon in 2002 Dublin City Marathon and has been running ever since. He first heard about the Blue Planet Run at the Thanksgiving Day Atlanta marathon in November 2006 and was shocked to learn that so many people lacked access to safe drinking water. Going from attraction to action, he logged on to the BPR Web site that night, applied for the run and made a donation to the cause. Post Run: “There are a lot of problems in the world we cannot solve, but lack of safe drinking water is not one of them!” The cure is simple and inexpensive. All we need is commitment, engagement and desire. The power of all of us coming together, each doing a small part, is the solution! It was only a short while ago that the idea of a run around the world for humanity was a vision and for most of us an impossible dream. But on September fifth, 2007, under a clear blue-sky, we celebrated our global roundabout in New York City amidst family and friends and curious bystanders. And now as our footprints of the past are fading away in those far away places we traveled by foot, it is important to walk together and step into the future, leaving new footprints, because our mission to bring safe drinking water to the world is far from over. And there have been numerous rewarding “Blue Planet moments” since that final day on the run in September. Over one hundred and fifty water projects have been funded as a result of fundraising and awareness efforts, while the global water crisis is being debated like never before! And who could have imagined that one of those official runner team pictures taken after our final sprint through Manhattan made it all the way into the December issue of Runners World magazine? But it did, under the topic of “Heroes of Running” the blue planet runners were selected one of ten recipients for this prestigious annual award. What a surprise and great honor! With the support of many friends and colleagues at my work place in Michigan I have been able to present the Blue Planet Run story line and message to local school districts, organizations and fitness places. We organized local runs and fundraisers and in April participated in the BPR 24 hour trail run in the North Carolina Black Mountains, with all proceeds going to the peer water exchange water projects! At the end of last year, the Blue Planet foundation published an incredible book addressing the global water problems, its root causes and solutions, and also includes a chapter on the Blue Planet run. The book is an educational read with many illustrations and diagrams. Purchasing the book is a win-win way to support the cause as it is a 240 page hard covered photographic masterpiece worthy of your coffee table, corporate lobby area or local library. Yes, we are collectively responsible to take care of one and other, near and far, no matter what creed, color or religion. Only by our actions can we be an example to our children, so that they can learn this most valuable life lesson and sustain this obligation from generation to generation. Problems like access to safe drinking water can easily be solved for millions of people around the world in our lifetime. So please join the Blue Planet Foundation in making this world a better place for all to enjoy! Pass the website on to family and friends, buy the book, get on the blue planet mailing list and find out how you can support our upcoming projects to bring safe drinking water to villages in need all around the world! There are so many little things we can do to make a big difference in the life of others. Thank you for all your wonderful comments, support and continued interest. Water is life. Pass it on! www.rudyvanprooyen.blogspot.com There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative. W. Clement Stone