Miles That Matter: Honoring Ted Epstein by Supporting the Causes He Lived For
Ted Epstein believed endurance was never just about distance.
It was about purpose.
Throughout his life, Ted ran across states, climbed mountains, and swam through some of the most challenging waters on Earth. But many of those miles carried a deeper mission. He used his endurance to raise awareness, inspire others, and support causes that made the world stronger, healthier, and more compassionate.
Today, we honor Ted’s legacy by supporting the types of organizations that reflect the values he lived by: resilience, health, opportunity, and care for others.
🧠 Brain Health & Alzheimer’s Research
In his later years, Ted focused on keeping his mind as active as his body. He understood that mental sharpness, movement, and social connection are all part of lifelong health. His family requested support for Alzheimer’s research in his memory.
Organizations aligned with this cause include:
• Alzheimer’s Association – https://www.alz.org
• Cure Alzheimer’s Fund – https://curealz.org
• BrightFocus Foundation (Alzheimer’s Research) – https://www.brightfocus.org/alzheimers
Supporting brain health research helps future generations stay mentally strong and independent — just as Ted worked to be every day.
🫁 Respiratory & Lung Health
Ted once ran across Colorado to raise awareness for asthma research in honor of his father-in-law. He understood how essential healthy lungs are to a full, active life.
Organizations making an impact in this space:
• National Jewish Health (Denver-based, world-renowned respiratory hospital) – https://www.nationaljewish.org
• American Lung Association – https://www.lung.org
These organizations help people breathe easier — giving them the chance to move, live, and thrive.
🏃♂️ Youth Fitness & Active Living
Ted believed physical activity builds more than fitness — it builds confidence, discipline, and resilience. Supporting youth movement programs carries that belief forward.
Great organizations aligned with Ted’s spirit:
• Girls on the Run – https://www.girlsontherun.org
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America – https://www.bgca.org
• Playworks (bringing safe play and activity into schools) – https://www.playworks.org
These programs help young people discover strength they didn’t know they had.
💪 Mental Health & Emotional Resilience
Ted’s life was a masterclass in perseverance. He faced fear, exhaustion, setbacks, and loss — and kept going. Supporting mental health initiatives helps others develop that same inner strength.
Organizations making a difference:
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – https://www.nami.org
• The Jed Foundation (youth mental health and emotional resilience) – https://www.jedfoundation.org
Endurance isn’t just physical. These groups help people build emotional endurance too.
🌊 Ocean, Water & Environmental Stewardship
Ted swam around Manhattan, Hong Kong Island, and across the Bering Strait. He experienced firsthand the beauty — and vulnerability — of the world’s waters.
Environmental organizations aligned with his experiences:
• Surfrider Foundation – https://www.surfrider.org
• Ocean Conservancy – https://oceanconservancy.org
Protecting oceans and waterways ensures future generations can explore, challenge themselves, and connect with nature like Ted did.
♿ Adaptive Sports & Access to Movement
Ted believed everyone deserves the opportunity to push their limits. Supporting adaptive sports helps athletes of all abilities discover the power of endurance.
Organizations opening doors through sport:
• Challenged Athletes Foundation – https://www.challengedathletes.org
• Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB) – https://www.teamrwb.org
• Wounded Warrior Project – https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org
These groups help people rebuild strength, confidence, and community through movement.
❤️ Turning Inspiration Into Action
Ted Epstein’s life showed us that endurance is not about suffering — it’s about showing up for something bigger than yourself.
By supporting these causes, we make sure Ted’s miles continue to matter. His spirit lives on not just in stories of mountains climbed and oceans crossed, but in research funded, kids empowered, veterans supported, and lives improved.
Every donation, every share, every act of support is another mile added to Ted’s journey.
He kept going.
Now we carry it forward.