Actually that's not such a difficult question. I've been racing triathlons and marathons
for many years, and I've wanted to do something to help make a difference for as many years. But not until
I worked with the Leukemia Society's "Team in Training" (TNT), raising funds for Leukemia research, did I
know that one could so successfully facilitate the other. Along with numerous other athletes, I raced the
Wildflower Triathlon for TNT, promoting and raising funds for the Leukemia Society, and in doing so quickly
found out how successful such a campaign could be. I had intended to continue with TNT until I found out
that a childhood friend, Suzanne, and the Sarcoma Alliance have had a similar vision for fund raising and
promoting their cause. So I was more than eager to jump on board to help with raising funds and awareness
for the Sarcoma Alliance, and then it was just another short step to finding the Marathon des Sables as a
platform for a grand fund raising event.
People (particularly my family) often ask, "why such a difficult and dangerous race? Why not pick a local marathon
or bike ride, or some other safe and controlled event?" The reason is impact. I've come to the realization that
the only way to accurately communicate the severity of the disease and the importance of the work being done to
fight Sarcoma is by associating it with an extreme event. I'm doing this because it's the closest thing I can
imagine to what Suzanne has gone through in terms of a physical, emotional, and psychological battle, and it
signifies the immense resilience and strong spirit with which she has approached her cancer.
In a short time I'll be off to Morocco, ready to face whatever challenges the desert has in store for me.
Armed with confidence and the knowledge that by participating in the Marathon des Sables, many more people
will know about Sarcoma and the Alliance will be receiving the support it needs to continue its tremendous work.
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