SAYiWON'T blog

Welcome to the SAYiWON'T® blog.  This is a new feature on our site that functions as our "Letter to the Editor" / blog digest.  You’ll find stories of inspiration, commentaries, and simple excerpts that we find relevant to the SAYiWON’T® cause and concept.  Chime in on a topic, see what others have to say, or give us a SAYiWON'T story or topic of your own.  We are always happy to hear from those of you who are answering challenges and redefining life.  SAY i WON'T ... and i will.™

Previous stories from years past are below.  

September 20, 2007
Hi guys,
Not sure if you were responsible for this or not, but I saw quite a sight on Sunday in Seattle, WA at the 3 day - 60 mile breast cancer walk. While I was waiting at the finish line, a team of 5 women walked by with shirts on that had the "say i won't" logo and the tag line underneath that said, "save the twins" - with arrows pointing! Unfortunately I didn't have my camera to send in the photo! But if you were at all involved it was quite impressive... if not, your idea keeps growing!!!

Cheers!!!
Cheryl
Seattle, WA

Cheryl, thanks for passing this story along to us. We didn't know about the cancer walk nor the women involved. We are impressed by their idea to use our concept for such a good cause and to do it with such vigor, candor, and action. We would love to have received a photo... so, if anyone knows this group of women or has a photo to pass along, please let us know. Contact us at cus@sayiwont.com. Thanks again, Cheryl! We hope we hear from someone. We'll let you know if we do.
-SiW

June 7, 2007
"Say I Won't" has been my motto for the past few years. I was introduced to your website after watching numerous episodes of MTVs "Real World." I ordered my first sweatshirt about two years ago when I started my new job. At that time, I was the youngest person working for a new company and I felt I needed to prove myself. I used the "Say I Won't" motto to get me through a very productive, successful year.
On my one-year anniversary with the company, September 1, 2006, I was involved in a motorcycle accident less than a mile from my home that left me paralyzed from the chest down. The doctors told my family that I didn't have a good chance of surviving due to extensive lung damage and if I did survive, I would be paralyzed. They were told I would be on a ventilator and wouldn't be able to move my arms. Well, I proved the doctors wrong and pulled through. Although the active life I once knew of playing softball every night, riding my motorcycle and traveling for work has changed, I am proud to say that I can now use my biceps and wrists which is more function than I was told I would ever have. Living life in a wheelchair has changed my life forever, but I know that I will get through this and live my life to the fullest. Say I won't and I will.



Patrick S.
Port Washington, WI

Patrick, thanks so much for sharing your story with us. We were very humbled when we read the comments on your order form and are glad we have been part of your growth both before and after the accident. We can't choose the adversities in our life, but we can always choose how to answer them... and it sounds like you are convicted about your answer. We wish you all the best and hope you keep us posted on your progress. We will keep you in our thoughts.
-SiW

January 5, 2007
Hi SiW! I received the T-shirts today with the stickers and the posters. I cannot thank you enough for your help! I look forward to the NJ Polar Plunge every year. This is something I've done for the past 11 years. This will be my 12th year plunging. Not just for the challenge, but for the cause as well. The NJ Special Olympics benefits from this event and it's well worth the effort. My Team has gone from being just me, to a few friends, all the way up to a dozen and hopefully more, growing every year. We live by your concept for the day and jump into the frigid Atlantic Ocean, which sounds tough to do in February, but these athletes of the Special Olympics live by your concept day in and day out every day of the year. That's why we do this and that's why our team, with your help, has their adrenaline flowing, and we can't wait to "Go Swimming!" We really are a team now and we are living by the concept of "Say i Won't". Thanks again, We really appreciate it!

Sincerely,
Captain, James R., Team Say i Won't

Update 4.1.07:

SiW, here's an update and photos. There were approximately 2,550 plungers We officially went swimming in the icy Atlantic Ocean at 1:00 on February 28th. The water temp was 33 degrees and the air temp was 38 degrees. With the wind chill, we were looking at approx. 14 degrees for the air temp! We heard that there were people being represented from 13 states including Alaska. Altogether the event raised over 700,000.00!

James, it's like we told you and what we love to say, you guys are the reason why we are really here and to know you all are out there going against the grain to help athletes that go against the grain is AWESOME. Thanks!!! We are thrilled that you are letting us be a part of the event. And thanks a lot for the update.
-SiW

November 24, 2006
Whats up? I just want to tell you that I love the new sayiwont stuff. I told my dad that I wanted one of everything for Christmas. I also like the new sayiwont pbr hats. My dad is going to send you two pink shirts to put sayiwont on them cause three of my Aunts had cancer - it's for their memory. Also a late Happy Thanksgiving. I will talk to you later.

sayiwont,
Avery




Avery, you and your brother look great in those shirts and are good men for doing that for your aunts. We hope you two are riding well and continue to be such good role models!
-SiW