Dylan Cuddy runs an average of 15-20 miles a day across the United States, passing through the Holy Doors of Mercy at basilicas and cathedrals in each state he visits.
This mission was a dream of his that came to fruition on February 26, 2016. Since then, he's covered 5 states and around 700 miles and he plans to continue running until late summer, when he will end at the cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, California.
DYLAN CUDDY
Runner, Mercy Run
'I started running two years ago, right after I turned my life back over to God. I wanted to be healthy. I wanted to be happy. I wanted to
be beautiful. I just wanted to be me. You know, created in the image and likeness of God.â?
Cuddy is sharing his re-found identity in Christ with those he meets through the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. He speaks and prays with the struggling and homeless, and buys them meals with the restricted monetary funds he has. The more he gives, the more mercy he receives, not only by Catholic churches, but by every denomination and person on the street.
DYLAN CUDDY
Runner, Mercy Run
'Sometimes homeless people give me money, which is pretty amazing. And a lot of times they tell me to be careful and that they're going to be worried about me. And it's kind of this peculiar thing where a complete stranger cares about me. You know, it's pretty amazing.â?
He is completely reliant on the mercy of others during this journey, and there are times he has gone without food or a place to sleep. Cuddy runs with all his belongings in a Jeep stroller from St. Vincent de Paul in Pensacola, Florida. Included in his stroller is a backpack and a hammock, which acts as his bed in many states.
Besides basic needs challenges, he also experiences unforeseen struggles and has encountered every type of animal from alligators to snakes.
DYLAN CUDDY
Runner, Mercy Run
'Just yesterday I got stung by a bee. A bee landed on my eye and stung me. So there's all kinds of different challenges, but I find strength in the name of mercy to perservere through those these challenges.'
Amongst the challenges, there are also times of peace and beauty. He now truly appreciates every sunny day and the ability and strength he has to continue.
DYLAN CUDDY
Runner, Mercy Run
'This is what I'm looking at...This is what we're looking at! This is a team effort. I couldn't do it without all you guys.â?
His daily adventures are posted on his blog: MercyRun.com, where he writes about his experiences, posts pictures and even live streams videos of himself so anyone can follow along and pray for him on his journey.
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Up: IPC
