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QUINCY, ILL. -- A Florida man's taking on the Mississippi by paddle board, spreading the word that miracles do happen.

Last year, Matthew Crofton suffered from a respiratory disease called Histoplasmosis. He later slipped into a coma that lasted two weeks. Doctors said he'd never come out of it, but Crofton defied the odds. When he awoke, his body had deteriorated, denying his ability to walk. Crofton spent three months in the hospital and three months learning how to walk again. A paddle board like the one he uses today helped him in his physical therapy.

Now, one-year later, Crofton is attempting to shatter the world record for longest distance on a Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) to raise money for the hospital that kept him alive and to write his book, The Mighty Journey. Crofton will take on the 2,400 + miles of the Mississippi River solo; armed with only his 14' YOLO paddleboard. His gear consists of: 1-man tent, sleeping bag, clothes, and a small laptop is strapped to the front of his board.

Crofton's paddled the Mississippi for two months now, and expects to paddle through another 6-8 weeks before arriving at the Gulf Coast. He spent much of the weekend in Quincy. He'll head south to Hannibal on Tuesday.

You can read about Crofton's latest experiences here.