A long run to help veterans. Share your inspirational L.A. Marathon stories

So you think you're busy?

Permanently disabled Iraq war veteran Mervin Roxas of Fullerton works as a life skills coach for Easter Seals of Southern California daily from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Then the Marine veteran goes to Cal State Fullerton until 10 p.m., studying history while working toward a teaching degree.

And, by the way, he's training for Sunday's L.A. Marathon.

Roxas lost his left arm in 2004 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The roadside bomb that injured him also caused various facial injuries and left him with permanent scars. But he refuses to let any of that deter him from a planned career as a high school teacher.

When a friend told him about an organization called U.S. Vets, he decided to run the marathon to raise awareness and funding for the organization, which provides housing and employment assistance for homeless veterans.

If you'd like to sponsor Roxas, go to http://firstgiving.com/mervinroxas, and if you'd like to learn more about his story be sure to read my column in Sunday's paper.

And, in the comments below, please send along other inspirational stories related to the marathon.

-- Steve Lopez

Photo credit: Steve Lopez / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Delia]

My mother was murdered in her home in 1999. I ran the LA MARATHON in her memory in 2000. Every step I ran and Mile I completed gave me some closure and comfort. At Mile 16 when it got really hard for me too continue on, I felt her spirit pick me up and I finished 7 hrs later but I did it.
I love you mom. I'll never forget your kindness and love you gave me. I'm running the 5K this saturday and dedicating it too my entire family.

[Jim G.]

Thank you Steve for your story on Mervin Roxas and for helping to support our U.S. veterans.

[Mr. G...]

Thank you for your service Mervin...OORAH

"He who shed blood with me, shall forever be my brother"

Lcpl Garcia
I 3/10 2nd. Mar Div.
Camp Lejeune, NC
Gulf war Veteran

[Steve Shepherd of MobileGive]

Thanks for raising awareness for this great cause, Steve. We're also helping U.S. VETS raise funds via mobile text donations just like we've done for Haiti relief. Hope to see you all at the LA Marathon!
ps. this will be the first marathon I've attended as a non-runner. Looking forward to helping out...
http://mobilegive.us/vets

[Gowri]

Wow, this is so inspiring. I googled "inspirational marathon stories" and came upon this story, as I myself just started training for my first marathon. I look up to people like Mervin Roxas! He makes me feel so thankful about having my body intact and healthy, and inspires me to go out there and go for it.

Thanks for covering this story!