PARKER, Colo. (CBS4) – On Saturday a 43-year-old Marine Corp veteran completed an incredible journey.

Five years ago Sean Sweeney from Highlands Ranch had emergency surgery at Parker Adventist Hospital. He had a potentially deadly blood infection and had his colon removed.

On Saturday Sweeney ran 32 miles from Castle Rock to the hospital. He says the run was a way to thank the hospital staff for his life saving surgery, and to show others with similar conditions they can still lead an active life.

The Parker Adventist Foundation helped Sweeney pay his hospital bills. His goal was to raise $50,000 for the foundation to “pay it forward.”