Tyler, Texas — Chris Sams says some people refer to him as a real-life Forrest Gump. Sams said he "had an epiphany" and woke up one day with a big goal—to run across America.

Sams said, "I just had this real strong powerful thought that said I gotta run across the country."
 

He's running to promote health and wellness, but he's also running for a cause, he says, "I'm running for three charities: Wounded Warriors Project, Soles for Souls, and the Ulman Cancer Foundation."

His tread across America has added more than a thousand miles to his running shoes, and much more to go.

Sams only runs with the bare necessities strapped to a baby-stroller with a California license plate as a reminder attached to the front, so he can remember the goal he put in motion.

On Sams' journey he made a pit-stop in East Texas.

Sam's stays with host families on his run from state to state. Here in our own backyard he was sponsored by a man from Whitehouse, Rob Mullins.

Mullins heard about Sams run and immediately thought about his wife, and what he had promised her. Mullins says, "I had made a promise to her that I would fight my battle with obesity."

Since Mullin's wife lost her batter with lymphatic cancer last year he has been motivated to venture on a health conquest of his own. Since last year he has since lost 70 pounds.

Mullin's holds back tears and says, "She never gave up her fight through her battle with cancer and so I didn't want to give up my fight."

Mullins plans to join Sams for a jog before he leaves East Texas. Sam's says, no matter what your goals in life are, write them down and do them. He says, "I have a saying, 'if you think it, ink-it' ...you'll be surprised how your goals will happen much sooner than you think if you write them down."

To follow Chris Sams on his journey across America, visit his website at:

http://www.samsacrossamerica.com