With a strong surge at the finish, Arnie's Army exceeded its $20,000 fundraising goal in support of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and closed its campaign as the #1 fundraiser in the Nation for the St. Anthony's Triathlon. In St. Petersburg, hundreds of blood cancer patients, survivors, and family members -- including many of the participating triathletes -- gathered at the Inspiration Dinner the evening before the event. Their stories, as well as their courage and determination, reminded us all of the concrete difference LLS has made over the years in the battle to defeat blood cancer. Thank you for your exceptional generosity in support of this worthy effort.
The morning of the race, as the participants assembled at the swim start at 5:30am to don their wetsuits, the race officials announced that, with two to four foot waves challenging the ability of the kayaks to get into position along the swim course without capsizing, safety considerations required them to cancel the swim portion of the event. While disappointed, everyone understood that safety must always come first. I completed the balance of the course -- the 40km bike and 10K run segments -- in 2:15:55. All in all, it was a great experience.
"I want to add my enormous thanks and deepest gratitude to all of you for your support. That support will make a material contribution to improving the treatment of, and hopefully finding a cure for, blood cancers, diseases that at present are in desperate need of both. At least as important, it stands as a vivid reminder of all of the folks out there who are rooting for me. With all due respect to modern medicine and wonderful oncologist, it is hard to exaggerate the difference that makes. I am coming up on the second anniversary of my initial diagnosis, and while the past two years have had their ups and downs, the bottom line is that I continue to beat the odds, and I want to thank all of you for the part you have played in making that possible."
Thanks again and best wishes to all.
"Dan, Thank you for doing this. John"
"Dan: I am available as your pit crew, as needed. Anything for you and Arnie. Thanks for doing this, for all of us. Jon"
"Dan, I'm pleased to support you in this good fight. Perry"
"Thanks Dan for leading this effort on behalf of Arnie and for others like our Arete colleague Joe Schaffner whose own battle with leukemia ended last year. John"
"Dan - Thanks for doing this for all of us who love Arnie and many others who are afflicted. Peter"
"We are all pulling for you and Arnie. And happy Obama year!"
"Dan -- Kudos to you and healthy thoughts for Arnie. We're pulling for both of you!!"
"Dan, You are a good man, working for a good cause, and I am honored to support the Arnie Kantor team. Mark"
"In honor of Arnold Kanter and in memory of Peter Rodman and Adm. Donald Pilling"
"Dan - My thoughts are with Arnie. You are a true friend, and I take it, fully recovered from your summer injury! "
"Dan: You and Arnie are heros!"
"Dan, Rita and I are glad to join Arnie's Army. Arnie is a treasure, and it's great that you're doing this so we can pitch in on behalf of our friend and colleague. Bruce"
"An honor to enlist in this Army -- go Arnie!"
"With sincere admiration for Arnie and Dan!"
"Fresh from the Boston marathon, I am prepared to pace you on the 10K leg!"
"Welcome, from a survivor (Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, 13 years), to the newest member of the club."
"I want you to run as tenaciously as you play (and beat me) in Words with Friends! Love you! "
"So Proud of you! I know you can do it... Dad"
"So proud of you!!!! We know you can do it. Love, Dad and Kathleen"
"Keep fighting the good fight, KLove! Godspeed!"
"Love you KLove,you are amazing! "
"Too many of our dear friends have been plagued by cancer of some kind. Let's find a cure!"
"We love and miss you and You will always be in our hearts and minds. Thank you for the time of joy and happiness you shared with us and for bringing two bundles of joy, Alex and Christian, into this world and into our lives."
"Go Ismael! Sanchez clan will be cheering for you."
"I'd walk around the world for my Ally-Girl. You are more like a daughter to us than a daughter-in-law! Love Donny and Marcie "
"Proud of your accomplishments - keep them coming!"
"Keep up the great work Ismael!!!!"
"Congratulations to you and Allison! Best of luck on race day!"
"In memory of my Dad and oldest little brother who both died from leukemia."
"Jenna congratulations to you for wanting to take steps to help Amy. You Nanna has always said you were something special - I guess she is right. God Bless you Jenna Love Aunt Clara and Uncle Jim. "
"Mother was treated for Lymphoma at age 82 and was cancer free when she died at age 92. Let's help stamp out this beast."
"All the best to you and your family..... (My son in law got outstanding care and treatment at Dana Farber...may your care also be a success!)"
"Thoughts and prayers from The Calhouns..."
"To help fight this problem"
"In memory and in honor of the life of my sister-in-law Cherie"
"Proud of you Ismael. Donated in memory of Tim Hufford who died from Hodgkins lymphoma. Jeanette"
"Stay strong-stay positive. You are powerful. "
"Enjoy the walk in honor of Mary wickland. An outstanding. Helper"
"My dear cousin Natalie, you are such a strong and inspiring person. Xander and I will be sending you lots of love and support on this day! xoxo"
"I am so glad you do this every year and I am thrilled to be able to support you in this. "
"Go Wicklund Warriors! Our thoughts and best wishes are with you."
"We will always remember John. His sweet and special spirit will live on in all of those who love him... Enjoy your walk tomorrow for John... with love, The Panicas"
"I will always remember John's smile, laughter and the good times we all had together...Wish I was able to walk with you ...but I will be there in spirit! Love and miss you!!!"
"sending you love in memeory of our wonderful john"
"I am happy to donate in honor of Deanna Wicklund and her family as they fight this disease together! I do this with a heavy heart as we lost a dear family friend Mariann DeLuca to non-hodgkins lymphoma at age 62 - much to soon. May every penny go toward finding a cure!"
"Good Luck Ben and Allison. Love, Sal"
"Thank you for championing this effort"
"$30 in raffle tickets :):)"
"I love you Dad !!! and thank you to my daughter Leticia for doing this wonderful fundraiser, love you too !!"
"so happy to be able to contribute to your cause. . love you uncle John"
"Run, Fee, run! Very proud of you--have fun!"
"Sending our love and support! The McRae's"
"good luck in both races..for the money and the run. "
"Happy walking for a cause! Greg Dean"
"Good luck in the half marathon and have fun!"
"Thanks for Lighting the Night"
"Wish we could be there tonight! Love you, Lauren!! Love the Villeneuevs"
"I'm supporting you Fee and my prayers will be with you during the race. You can do it!!! "
"Wish we could be there tonight! We love ya'll! "
"Since "Star" is in my last name, I guess I will donate $25! Best of Luck, George!"
"You give so much to everyone. Thanks for all that you do."
"Go friend!! What a great cause!"
"Can't wait for Christmas Cookie fun!"
"Happy to support our amazing teammates!"
"Judy: Thank you for doing this. Looking forward to seeing you again in San Luis Obispo."
"stand up to cancer &#128156;"
"Love you boo!! You're my hero."
"Veronica, I donated bc I want to help join the fight against cancer. You are an amazing leader, brave, and courageous with such a big heart. I love you V!"
"Go Kades!! You're going to do great!!"
"Nunca olvidaremos tu alegria,bondad y enorme corazon."
"Donated by Darrell Jackson and Richard Shuttlesworth"
"Clarice and Weeza suuport you Paul! :)"
"I support you Paul! "
"I appreciate your doing this. Good Luck!Jane"
"Johnny you were an inspiration to so many people - you fought long and hard and never once complained - you had compassion for others and such a loving heart - people will never forget you - you will live on in the hearts of so many people !!!!"
"Ismael, it has been great getting to know you traing for a good cause."
"Deb, may God bless your efforts!"
"to honor a strong, kind , and loving son, husband, and father."
"Here's to a great cause! Good luck Deb!"
"Sorry we could not walk with you, but we are there is spirit and sending our love and support <3 Love you! Laurie and Chris"
"Jenna, you are wonderful to help your friend! We will certainly keep her little sister in our prayers!"
"In honor of our friend Charlie Julian and in memory of his precious wife Kathy who died of Leukemia. "
"You're a good friend, a spunky, beautiful granddaughter. Enjoy the walk while helping others. Love you, Nanna & Bacca"
"You can do it, Pamela!"
"My husband has lymphoma. This is a wonderful organization abd I'm happy my Grandaughter Leticia is participating. "
"SO PROUD OF YOU FOR DOING THIS. HUGS SUE"
"My friend Stephen is currently day 78 post Bone Marrow Transplant! Everyone should join the be the match registry, you could save a life like Stephen's! Thanks for running Karen :) good luck! KATN!!!"
"Great read about your friend Brian Ms. Klove. :) -Shaggy"
"Good Luck K-Love! I'll be rooting you on from Louisiana!"
"GO KAREN!!!!! :) So proud of you and looking forward to hearing about the awesome journey you are setting out on! Sweat, inspire, enjoy! Thank you for all your support always too. xoxoxo"
"Good luck Karen. We know you can do it! Larry and Mattie Peterson"
"Go for it Karen! Remember, Roadrunners can do it! Go for the necklace!"
"I'm so proud of you Karen. Such a worthy cause and loving endeavor for our friend Brian. I'm looking forward to following your journey. Jeannie Ward"
"Thanks for your generosity Karen! You really are making a difference and not just from the donations. People you know AND the other runners and spectators will see those names of those you cared about but lost to cancer. You are a fighter for making this world better. Run on tough lady , run on. "
"Way to go Karen!! "
"You're AWESOME! The TTTs have so much LOVE for KLOVE!!! Good Luck! XO"
"Go get 'em! Here's to an injury free training and marathon!"
"Karen, you are awesome to do this in Brian's memory!! Such an unselfish thing for you to try. Good luck!! Wayne and Trish Armstrong"
"So Proud Of You! Love You Sweet Friend!!"
"In honor of Karen Love - everyone's friend and inspiration! "
"Donating to help fight cancer, in honor of Karen Love who is in training, and in memory of our son, Brian Little, who lost his battle with cancer at age 32. Danny and Kathy Little"
"So proud of you Karen, and proud of your efforts on behalf of so many others with this horrible disease. Mrs. Williams "
"So excited for you Karen! Great thing you're doing. "
"Congrats on your determination! You will be a huge success in both fundraising and running. Looking forward to mutual motivation in Vegas. "
"It is an honor to support you Katie! "
"You are an inspiration KT Quick!"
"Go Katie Go! Keep up the good work :)"
"All of us are touched by this disease. I hope everyone responds to this appeal."
"You are an inspiration! Stay strong and be blessed always! Stephanie xoxo"
"Good Luck Shannon. Thanks for doing so much to beat cancer!"
"I hope this commits you to doing an event! Love to see that you are continuing to push yourself and support such a good cause."
"Your Such a SUPER STAR <3 Love youuuuuuuu <3"
"We love you!!!! You are one strong women!!!"
"Have a great strong run Judy!!!"
"Go Judy!! You are an inspiration to us all! My friend Dave is undergoing similar type cancer, so also wanting to honor him with this donation."
"Donation in lieu of going to the trampoline event... think I got Precious' cold!! :( "
"Wish I could join the actual walk but I'm so happy to be able to support you &#10084;&#65039; -Rachelle Thompson"