Great Day for TEAM FIGHT

An unbelievable weekend for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults and TEAM FIGHT. The weekend was kicked off by a very generous group of volunteers helping at the Columbia Triathlon Packet Pick-Up. We could never think of doing any of this without the support of our Voluteers. THANK YOU ALL!

The TEAM then assembled for a pre-race dinner with over 70 people in attendance. Inspirational and emotional stories we shared by survivors Sylvia and Laurel further connecting the TEAM to the reason why we were all there. 70,000 Young Adults are diagnosed with cancer every year. Survival rates have not improved in over 30 years! This is unacceptable and TEAM FIGHT’ers have stepped up in force to get noticed and make a difference.

Coach Kevin was kind enough to share his story of his good friend “Ironman Dan” who recently lost his battle with Leukemia earlier in the month. Thank you for sharing Kevin and thank you to Colleen for telling the story of Dan’s fight in a way that we could connect even further.
Race day came before the sun came up and actually I don’t think we ever saw it through the clouds and rain. But, trust me, there was no way it could rain on our parade. There was so much positive energy that morning. The support that each and every one of the TEAM FIGHT’ers received on the course was truly inspirational. As I rode my bike on the course I could hear a chorus of “GO TEAM FIGHT” every time I needed it most.

During the time I spent on the bike I had time to reflect on what this race was about to me. The race was about people rallying together for a great cause and uniting to create awareness about the support that is necessary for the Young Adult Cancer world! New friendships were forged and those observing the race HAD to have recognized the group of triathletes decked out in YELLOW and BLUE having the time of their lives.

TEAM FIGHT was privileged to have a pre-race meal with the eventual 2009 Columbia Triathlon 1st and 3rd place finishers, Bec and Laurel Wassner. I had chills as I heard their names as I went out on the bike course to the cheers from the thousands of fans on hand. What an unbelievable accomplishment and what a prideful way of representing TEAM FIGHT. You will never hear bragging from the Wassner’s. BUT you will see them FIGHTING each time they hit the course.

Thank you all so much for your support. You have all contributed in such a powerful way. We are hopeful, optimistic and we are making a difference in the fight for young adults affected by cancer.

Brian
UCF Assistant Director