Two years ago I met Dave and Mary Veldink and learned that two of their children, Kate and Olivia, had been diagnosed with ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T).  A-T is a fatal genetic disease that attacks children causing loss of muscle control, immune system problems, and a strikingly high rate of cancer, particularly leukemia and lymphoma.  Children struggling with A-T are usually wheelchair bound by the age of ten and their life expectancy is tremendously reduced. 

After meeting the Veldinks, along with a large group of their friends, I was quickly invited to join them in Florida to run the Disney Half Marathon.  I didn’t initially commit because it was my off-season, I was out of shape, and I typically only like to race when I know that I can win.  The story of Kate and Olivia touched my heart and in January 2008 I ran the Disney Half Marathon for A-T Children’s Project.  This was the first time I had ever experienced the joy of racing for a cause.  During that weekend at Disney, I was met many other families and kids that struggle with A-T.  My heart was changed and my motivation to race changed as well. 

As I trained for my 3rd Olympic Games in Beijing, Kate and Olivia were with me every step of the way.  The hope and perseverance they show as they fight such a horrible disease every day was an inspiration to me.  I was hoping to come back from Beijing with a medal, not just for me, but also for Kate and Olivia. Although I didn’t bring home a medal, I realized that we don’t have to win medals to make a difference.  We all have the opportunity to help others in need just by racing for a cause. 

You may have a friend, relative, or classmate in school that struggles with a disabling disease.  Did you know that by competing in a triathlon, you too could make a difference in the life of that person?  You can wear something that represents the person or cause you are racing for, or you can raise money for your cause by asking people to sponsor you. 

          I love the Disney World Marathon Weekend because I get to see my friends Kate and Olivia along with all my friends from the A-T Children’s Project.  Most of us race to beat a certain time, to accomplish a goal, or to just finish.  I race in the sport of triathlon because I love to compete against the best athletes in the world.  At Disney I get to run for a group of kids who aren’t able to run for themselves.  It feels rewarding to run for something, A-T Children’s Project, or for someone, Kate and Olivia, when it doesn’t matter how or where you finish.  I promise that if you race for a cause, your heart will be changed forever.

HK

For more information about A-T Children’s Project you can go to atcp.org.  Join Hunter’s A-T Cure Team at the Hy-Vee Triathlon on June 13 and experience the joy of racing for a cause.