08/14/2026
I chose my challenge. Life chose theirs.
Last weekend’s Olympic-distance triathlon was hard from the very first second. Although I came out of the water 1st in my age group, improved my bike time by four minutes, by the time I got to the run portion, I had to dig deep as temperatures climbed above 100°F.
When I wanted to slow down, I kept thinking about a patient call we had just days earlier through the Icla da Silva Foundation. They shared their pain, how they are adapting to a new normal, and what they still look forward to.
Their strength stayed with me. I chose the heat, the pain, and the challenge. They didn’t.
That perspective and strength carried me to the finish line — 3rd in my age group and eight minutes faster than my previous race - potentially classifying to the 2027 Nationals!
Now I keep focused and training toward North Carolina in October, but with a bigger purpose. There are still patients fighting leukemia and other blood cancers who need support.
Donate if you can. Share this campaign if you can. Help us reach one more person. Because there is always another patient who needs someone in their corner.
