Christopher Williford has influenced my attitude towards competitive sailing. And now Christopher needs our help!
When I began sailing my Optimist competitively there were hotshot sailors that everyone idolized. As all things in Optimist, those top gun sailors quickly aged out and were replaced by others. Before long, sailors that I knew pretty well were among the top of the class, and one in particular stood above the rest. 
Christopher Williford was one of the best sailors of his time. He excelled in the sport and was at the top of every regatta he sailed in. While this is surely an influence in itself for a young gun like myself, Christopher went beyond just being a great athlete. Christopher was from Florida and I sailed in Ohio. The amount of time he got to spend on the water was far superior to mine, so his knowledge of boathandling, heck his knowledge of everything sailing related far surpassed mine! Chris was one of those sailors that was never afraid to offer some criticism or suggestion at an event. Both on the water and off, he offered tips on body movement, boat handling and sail trim that helped to make me more competitive on the racecourse. Christopher Williford was never afraid to help someone become better.
When I moved down the Florida to train for Team Trials, I came to the club where Christoper Williford and many other top level Opti sailors trained, and Chris was there to offer support on a weekly (and sometimes daily) basis. He demonstrated to me that above all, helping others to be better was critical! Christopher Williford was an inspiration!
Today the tables have turned. Not on the water but in real life Christopher Williford needs help from each one of us. Back in November Chris was diagnosed with Leukemia and immediately began treatment which lasted through the Holidays. The initial round of treatment did not kill off that bastard we know as Cancer, so he had to be transferred from South Florida to Boston to continue a more aggressive type of treatment. By the grace of God, this treatment has seen success and Christopher’s leukemia is in remission. The treatment has created other issues that are far beyond my understanding, but he is now i the process of having his bone marrow replaced (because all of his is gone) via a series of transplants. Christopher Williford’s treatment has been expensive and hugely disruptive for his family, and they need our help. 
In May, the families of Lauderdale Yacht Club have organized a regatta to support Christopher. they want to get as many boats as possible to compete in the regatta, but they also want to give sailors the opportunity to “compete” to help him even if we can’t come to Florida for the regatta so they are also offering a “virtual” fleet so everyone in the sailing community from around the globe can support Chirs and his battle against Leukemia! Please login to the event Website at http://www.yachtscoring.com/emenu.cfm?eID=815 and register today. I know Chris would be there for each of us, and now it is time for us to do the same!
In the meantime, it would be great to send Christopher a note or at least a card to lift his spirits through this painful process. He is at the Boston Children’s Hospital and they will accept all forms of mail for him! You can send mail to 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115. Make sure it has Christopher Williford on the front so they know how to get it to him!.
Thanks for demonstrating your Corinthian Spirit to help Chris battle this horrific ailment!