Give Generously; Make the Fat Man Run.

 Posted on April 07, 2011 in Uncategorized

Ellen Alexander (the nicest person in the courthouse, and not just in contrast to her judge, who's a grump [but only to criminals, and fools, and the unprepared]) is once again raising money for the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Two years ago Becky Pope, Ellen Alexander, and Robb Fickman raised $14,475 for M.D. Anderson. Last year they raised $19,276. Robb is the cheerleader of this escapade, getting criminal-defense lawyers, prosecutors, and anyone else who will listen to him to cough up money for the cause.

This year Robb wants to raise almost $50,000. And we are going to help him raise it.

Why are we going to help him? Because it's a good cause. Because Ellen Alexander is so nice. Because cancer sucks. Because wherever we are in the world, we might wind up being treated for cancer at M.D. Anderson.

And because Robb has upped the stakes:

1. If HCCLA members AND any OTHERS donate a combined total of $50,000 to this charity request, I, Robert Fickman, agree to walk/jog/crawl to Austin from Houston and back in 80 hours or less. Departing no later than September 1, 2011. (Houston City Hall to State Capital and back to Houston City Hall in 80 hours or less.)

2. If HCCLA members AND any OTHERS donate a combined total of $50,000 to this charity and I fail to do the hike in 80 hours or less, I agree to shave my head and permanently tattoo "I love Pat Lykos" on my right forearm no later than October 1, 2011.

Here's the route from Houston to Austin:

And here's a recent photo of Robb:

[Photo redacted to protect your sensibilities. 2/28/14]

I'm sorry I had to do that to you, but get the picture? There is no chance that Robb will move 320 miles on foot in 80 hours six months from now. So if we raise $50k (actually $44k and change) for M.D. Anderson before 7 May 2011, Robb gets "I Love Pat Lykos" tattooed on his right forearm, which will be epic. (I expect heavy participation from the Sixth Floor.)

If we do not raise the $50k, I will bait-and-switch the your blog comments with pictures of Robb's gut.

Please make your contributions here, and spread the word.