Gearing Up For 2011

With the release of my piece in Triathlete Magazine, I got some great emails. Two in particular came from race directors, inviting me to race in their states and their races. So it looks like I am bound for Kansas in July and Oregon in August. How exciting that my race calendar is filling in only a week after my 2010 season ended.
Another email came from a firefighter in Dallas, Texas whose wife is battling ovarian cancer. He has wanted to do something for this "teal" cause but didn't know if anything existed. He has raced for other charities and thought it would benefit many people if he could spread the word about ovarian cancer. Resigned to take on the task himself, he read about my 50x50x100 campaign and contacted me. We have been emailing ever since and it looks like he and his triathlon/fire fighter buddies are going to join my campaign this year. They will don the teal colors and race to raise funds for OCRF. So it looks like Dallas, Texas will also be on my list for 2011.
I am thrilled this campaign is becoming viral. That is the only way we will save lives, one person at a time. Spreading the message and getting donations into the hands of researchers is how we will conquer ovarian cancer. I am doing my part. Would you consider helping with a $5 donation?

Hot Off The Presses

Just back from Mississippi and treated with more southern hospitality than I thought possible, I made it in the papers. Click on the link here for the Hattiesburg American and check out my results. It was a great race and because the race director had put my story on the race website, lots of folks knew me before I arrived and approached me during the event. That made my grass-roots effort of talking to people about signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer easier. I already had to "opener" with the story of my campaign and as a result, I was able to talk to many more people about this disease. The weather was perfect and conditions were beautiful. I'm pretty happy with my results too. A great way to end my 2010 season. Recap of the season in my next blog post.

Where It All Began

When I was receiving chemo, I saw an ad for a triathlon series in 3 states, benefitting ovarian cancer. I committed to participate in the entire series when I got better. That ad was in Triathlete Magazine and it started my journey and my current campaign.

This month I am the featured triathlete in the same magazine. It is pretty exciting and my hope is that it reaches many people and saves some lives. Click on the link below to read the article. Triathlete Magazine

And while you are at it.... would you be willing to donate $5? Even if you have already donated, can you donate another $5? Thanks so much for your support!

State #20 Coming Up

My final race of the 2010 season represents state #20 on my mission to complete all 50 states. I am so happy the campaign has come to fruition and that I will be 40% done in less than 2 weeks. More exciting is how many people have come on board, donated and thanked me for my efforts. I am 100% convinced lives are being saved.
The race director in Mississippi caught wind of my campaign and has asked if I would like to wear #20 on race day. He also found a bike mechanic that is receiving my bike (via UPS) and putting it together for me. Thanks Ben and Sam! Now that's southern hospitality.
Someone asked me at the beginning of the season if I had a goal. Honestly, I wanted to come out of the season still enjoying the sport and uninjured. I am happy to report success in both areas.
If you are in the area of Hattiesburg, MS next weekend, please come out and say hi. I'd love to meet you.

Ever Wonder Why Kelly Ripa Fights For Ovarian Cancer?

Just released, this short video explains why Kelly Ripa is so passionate about ovarian cancer, early detection and the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.