Mic McConnell was a long time supporter of Health Brigade. He was also an award-winning lawyer specializing in healthcare law. He was a bodybuilder, a long distance swimmer, and a triathlete. In August of 2025, we lost our friend to cancer.
Mic believed deeply in doing good, keeping his word, treating people with respect, and advocating for those who needed a voice. He brought that same purpose to his life as a bodybuilder, swimmer, and triathlete.
Mic's superpower wasn't that he was the fastest, strongest, or most naturally gifted athlete. (although he was pretty great!)
It was that he just didn't quit. That is the spirit of the Excelsior Challenge.
Like Mic, you don't have to be the fastest or the strongest. You just have to show up, keep moving, and give it all you’ve got. And look around and bring someone else with you along the way.
Every mile, walk, swim, stretch, and act of kindness can help make a difference for someone else. Funds raised through the Mic McConnell Excelsior Challenge will help Health Brigade provide continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and support to patients living with diabetes.
Nationally, an estimated 1.56 million adults with diabetes are uninsured. When people can’t get the care and tools they need, managing diabetes becomes harder and long-term health can suffer.
Your 30 days of showing up can help another person get the tools, support, and care they need to keep moving ever upward!
Download the Challenge guide with all the instructions for setting up your fundraising page, tips and schedules for workouts, a calendar and inspiring stories about Mic and Health Brigade!
Strong. Kind. Brave. Kids and families (grandparents too!) are invited to join us with a special family-friendly version of the challenge. Mini-fitness challenges, kindness missions and an activity sticker tracker are all included!
How to get started? 1.Pick a movement and one act of kindness to do. 2. Decide on a frequency. 3. Make your fundraising page. 4. Invite friends and family to support you. 5. Get moving!
Join us on September 27th from 3pm-5pm for The Excelsior Challenge Kickoff Celebration! We’ll have food, music, fitness experts, crafts for kids and more!