This fall we are approaching our main fundraising campaign a bit differently than in previous years! We were not allocated BIBs for this year’s 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, which has impacted us, as the NYC Marathon has been our most successful and only annual fundraiser for eight years. Last year, our 15 Charity Partner Team runners raised over $150,000, which represents a significant amount of the Stay-Focused budget. Following a wonderful summer, running our two largest programs to date, and certifying 15 teens with disabilities in SCUBA diving, we are launching a unique fundraising campaign to get back on track.

This year’s campaign features two Stay-Focused alumni in a friendly competition to raise funds for the organization! Brian Siemann and Aaron Pike will be participating in this year’s NYC Marathon and, in the coming weeks, going head to head in all sorts of challenges in The Deep-End Duel. Brian, a 4 x US Paralympian in wheelchair racing and 2 x medalist in 2024 vs. Aaron, a 3 x US Winter and 3 x US Summer Paralympian in wheelchair racing, biathlon, and cross-country skiing. Brian and Aaron are excellent athletes and competitive, so let’s see who wins the most challenges!

In the coming months leading up to the NYC Marathon on Sunday, November 1, you can follow along on Facebook (@Stay-FocusedInc) and Instagram (@stayfocusedinc) as Brian and Aaron face off against one another right up to Marathon Sunday

Huge thanks to Brian and Aaron for their commitment and support of Stay-Focused.

We hope you enjoy following along as much as we will!

 

 

BRIAN SIEMANN

Hometown: Millstone, NJ

Dueling Message: “I’m committing to this challenge because Stay-Focused has been part of my life for over 20 years. During that time, I’ve had the opportunity to be part of its legacy and see firsthand how it fosters independence, confidence, and lifelong friendships through SCUBA diving. This challenge is a small way for me to give back, share what makes Stay-Focused so special, and help make sure the next generation gets the same opportunities, experiences, and friendships that have meant so much to me.”

 

 

AARON PIKE

Hometown: Champaign, IL

Dueling Message: “I committed to raising funds for Stay-Focused because SCUBA diving gave me an extraordinary sense of freedom – the feeling of moving through the world without barriers. The only experience that comes close is cross-country skiing. Through SCUBA diving, I was able to go anywhere a person without a disability can, swim at my own pace, and feel completely independent. Stay-Focused gives teens with disabilities the chance to experience that same freedom underwater, where they can explore, challenge themselves and see themselves in a whole new way. I’ve seen firsthand how kids overcome fears and grow as individuals. I’m proud to support a program that builds confidence, nurtures independence, and helps kids discover their true potential is far greater than they may have imagined.”

 

The Deep-End Duel Fundraising Campaign

In the summer of 2026, Stay-Focused ran two programs for first-time divers with physical disabilities and PADI certified 15 new SCUBA Divers. It was a remarkably successful and fun summer for everyone. In 2027, we plan to run four week-long programs: Two for reunion divers (the divers we certified in 2026), and two for 16 first-time divers. All funds raised from The Deep-End Duel Campaign will support these upcoming programs. Our goal is to raise $75,000 … You can help … A donation of any amount will be greatly appreciated.

 

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