Half Full Tri

As most of you know I have a new job! I'm working for an amazing organization called The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults (check out their site to learn more). While the organization does many wonderful things to support young adults fighting cancer, there is an arm of the organization that is dedicated to sports related initiatives. One of their biggest events of the year is Half Full Tri. The event was this past weekend and it was a total success. Jon and I (he was such a trooper) spent the entire weekend working the event and I must say it was an eye opening experience.

Now, I don't know if many of you have been to a triathlon or have ever been exposed to that world, but it is a sight to see and filled with people that are more dedicated to a sport than I have ever seen. Not only are triathletes hardworking, inspiring, and dedicated, but the participants of this particular triathlon have something special that others may not- they have incredible stories of hope and are racing to honor, support, and fight the battle against cancer. It was incredible to see the athleticism of these individuals, but what stood out to me the most was hearing the stories that the athletes were willing to share! The question we asked individuals was "please tell us why you are HALF FULL" and the responses were amazing!

I have worked in the field of oncology for over a year now, and I am very aware that there are many people out there fighting cancer (sadly I see way too many of them on a daily basis), but this was my first experience seeing how people have moved on from cancer by using a sport. Of course they feel good about paying to race and knowing that their money is going toward the mission of UCF, which is supporting and connecting young adults with cancer, but it was apparent that their reasoning goes way beyond that. They continue to fight this disease using this sport as a way to cope and honor themselves or their loved ones. Participating in a triathlon not only empowers them, but helps them to feel as though they are reaching beyond and are fighting their own battle and surviving. It was truly a joyful experience and one that I will look forward to annually.


Here are a few pics from the weekend.

Athletes Serving Athletes
(an athlete with a disability is participating in the triathlon by being pulled by another athlete)

Check out the video below to see highlights from last year's Half Full
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_0uPy7ywRY

Working in this field can be challenging... there is so much loss, grief, and endless obstacles that can at times seem to be too much for any person to handle. Seeing the hope at this event reminded me that there is always a reason to move forward and that there is always a way to see the glass "half full".

Let's keep up the good fight!

-lma