Center for Native American Youth

Stories of Inspiration

Dirk Whitebreast, a 31-year-old member of Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa, took on the challenge of running 10 marathons (listed below) in 30 days in an effort to raise awareness of the tragic level of youth suicide in Indian Country and other challenges faced by Native youth. All the money raised for Dirk’s 262 Mile Run has been donated to support the Center for Native American Youth.

On March 28, 2003, Dirk suffered the tragic loss of his 18 year old sister, Darcy Jo Keahna, to suicide. At that moment, in an effort to cope with the loss of his sibling, Dirk decided to take control of his life and become a healthier, stronger leader for his family, tribe and the entire community. Dirk’s running career began in the fall of 2003 and it didn’t take long for running to become his passion.

Running is important to the culture of many Indian tribes across the United States. It is a challenge to one’s body, mind, and spirit. Dirk ran his first marathon in April of 2006 and after that race he was hooked. To date, Dirk has run 29 marathons in 17 states. Today, Dirk serves as the Secretary of the Sac & Fox Tribal Council and is in his 8th year of alcohol sobriety.

Dirk hopes to share his experience of running marathons with Native youth, tribal leaders, and other organizations. Through his running, Dirk aims to first and foremost honor his sister, promote healthy living in Indian Country, and set an example of commitment, motivation, hard work and leadership for all Native American youth. Dirk’s 262 mile challenge is a symbol of strength and endurance for Indian Country, and will create hope for Native youth while playing a part in preventing and raising awareness of the tragedy of youth suicide.

Be a part of Dirk’s 262 mile run and show your support for the Center for Native American Youth by donating today.

 Dirk crossed the finish line at the following marathons:

The North Face Endurance Challenge - Madison, WI
September 17th, 2011 * Run is actually in Eagle, WI
http://www2.thenorthface.com/endurancechallenge/

Community First Fox Cities Marathon - Appleton, WI
September 18th, 2011
http://www.foxcitiesmarathon.org/

American Birkebeiner Trail Run - Hayward, WI
September 24th, 2011
http://www.birkie.com/

The Quad Cities Marathon - Moline, IL
September 25th, 2011
http://www.qcmarathon.org/

Freedom's Run Marathon - Shepherdstown, WV
October 1st, 2011
http://www.freedomsrun.org/

Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon - Milwaukee, WI
October 2nd, 2011
http://www.milwaukeelakefrontmarathon.org/

Prairie State Marathon - Libertyville, IL
October 8th, 2011
http://www.allcommunityevents.com/fall_marathon/psm_home.html

Bank of America Chicago Marathon - Chicago, IL
October 9th, 2011
http://www.chicagomarathon.com/

Waddell & Reed Kansas City Marathon - Kansas City, MO
October 15th, 2011
http://www.waddellandreedkansascitymarathon.org/

IMT Des Moines Marathon - Des Moines, IA
October 16th, 2011
http://www.desmoinesmarathon.com/