Rowers

Ryan Meyer

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

Email: ryan.s.meyer at gmail dot com

Birthday: March 22, 1984

School: Philadelphia University '07

Major: Masters in Business Administration

Current Employment: Teacher at Father Judge High School, Philadelphia

Why You Support RTB: "Personally, I want to help Rock the Boat because I know how much autism can affect someone's life. My sister, Faith, has difficulties due to autism. Though she is a very happy and seemingly "typical" 14-year-old girl, she struggles greatly, everyday. By participating in Rock the Boat and supporting ASA, I hope to raise enough awareness and funding for research on autism that families everywhere can benefit."

James O'Donoghue

Hometown: Bellerose Village, NY

Email: jo331042 at sju dot edu

Birthday: July 24, 1987

School: St. Joseph's University

Major: Finance

Current Employment: Financial Advisor at ING Philadelphia

Why You Support RTB: "My main concern is the mystery of what causes Autism and why it is becoming more and more prevalent in children across the country. I would like to help the families affected with Autism."

John Lose

Hometown: Cinnaminson, NJ

Email: jslose at udel dot edu

Birthday: May 31, 1987

School: University of Delaware

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Why You Support RTB: "This is my favorite question on the sheet! I firmly believe that Christ Jesus was the Son of God, and He sacrificed his precious life for my sins so that I may have life in him. I want to serve my Savior and do as he commanded in loving my brothers on Earth. I want to love my brothers and Christ loves me. There is no doubt that God has called me to do this event. He has opened all the doors to make this dream become a reality for all of us. ASA is a great non profit organization that helps improve the lives of all families who have been affected by autism."

Dan McCann

Hometown: Sea Isle City, NJ

Email: daniel.mccann at sju dot edu

School: Saint Joseph’s University

Major: Economics Major

Current Employment: Perusing the field of Law

Why You Support RTB: Last spring I took a class called Intro to Autism, which really opened my eyes to the seriousness and alarming rates of individuals that are diagnosed with autism today. I was blessed with the opportunity to work with young children with autism and meet the families of these special children; the experience was needless to say overwhelming and shocking. Overwhelming because of how talented and intelligent the children were, and shocking because of the daily challenges these families under went everyday with little to no outside aid. I wanted to do something to help but didn’t know what talents I could use to bring awareness to others while raising financial support for some families. That was until I heard about this great fundraiser, one that utilized my talents and expressed my feelings about this cause.

First, Rod Pierce, a member from the original crew of 1989 is my first cousin. I can recall reading the articles from his trip and hearing about his stories at the dinner table, I had always imagined participating in a similar expedition but I honestly never thought one such would occur. It’s not just about raising the money, but how we are that makes this event feel like it was predetermined for me to be apart of. My father and his three brother were all long time lifeguards, two of them Tom and John McCann were even beach patrol captains in Sea Isle City and Wildwood respectively. Lifeguard boat rowing had become more than a hobby in my family starting then and now a generation later it has become a family tradition, one that brings everyone together each summer. I have been fortunate enough to have continued this passionate tradition on the beaches of Sea Isle, the city that my family first settled down in back during the roaring 20’s and I am honored to represent our city while I push off the dock in Florida this June.

While I know this row will be extremely challenging both physically and mentally, I will continue to push myself knowing full well that this money will make at least one families life a little more easier, even if its for just one day, that alone makes this row worth it to me.

Larry Maher

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

Email: maher.larry at gmail dot com

Birthday: November 7, 1986

School: SJU

Major: Pharmaceutical Marketing

Current Employment: Currently coach the freshmen crew team at Father Judge High School and lifeguard at LA Fitness

What will be the most challenging aspect of being a part of RTB? "The most obvious challenge is the physical aspect, which I do not think much detail is necessary. I think the unexpected will prove to be our biggest challenge, however, whether it be that mother nature treats us poorly, an unexpected injury occurs, or an unanticipated problem that occurs with our team back at home. There is not one specific part I can say I am looking forward to the most because this entire experience, from the planning, to the rowing, to our arrival back in Wildwood, will be a life changing experience."

Larry Maher, Ryan Meyer, John Lose

James O’Donoghue, Larry Maher, Ryan Meyer, Dan McCann, John Lose

Ryan Meyer, James O’Donoghue