1) How long have you been involved with Team Fight?
This is my 3rd season with Team Fight.
2) How did you get involved with Team Fight and the Ulman Cancer Fund?
A friend introduced me to Team Fight. From there on, I made a second family of my own and developed new valuable friendships. Team Fight has been one of the most inspirational organizations I have ever worked with. From the patients, employees, coaches, racers, volunteers, this non-profit is comprised of the most caring and appreciative bunch of people. I am drawn to the vision behind the Ulman Cancer Fund and Team Fight. I volunteer and race in honor of my Aunt Dee Dee, Mardel and Lisa as well as in memory of my Oma and Opa.
3) What is your favorite race on the Team Fight schedule and why?
Iron Girl – for several reasons. 1. It was my first race. 2. I love seeing women from from all over to embark on a new, old, or regular journey through a sprint triathlon. 3. I love hearing the stories from those participating for the first time about why they wanted to compete in such an event. 4. The race is so inspirational just seeing the community come together to support so many women.
4) Tell us more about you…
I am the oldest of 2 brothers and a sister. I am a special ed teacher devoted to my job and a goal of making a difference for as many children with autism as I can. I have been doing triathlons for 4 seasons now and I love them more and more each year (however I could do without the swimming). At the age of 26, my parents still attend just about everything I do. My parents have never missed a race. They even traveled to my first Ironman in Florida. They also always come to volunteer even if I am not racing. I feel strongly that thing happen for reason – even if we don’t know what that reason is at the time. I try to live by this daily, especially when things get tough. I enjoy every aspect of UCF and Team Fight and I try to be involved in as much as possible. I am also an honorary board member for the Autism, Society of America-Baltimore Chesapeake Chapter and I host a fundraiser for autism each year. Through Team Fight, I have met one of my best friends and now boyfriend, ROb. IT has been a challenge for the both of us to learn how to balance work, volunteering, racing, family, and school, but that’s life and I enjoy all I am involved with too much to ever give any of it up!
5) What are you most looking forward to for Team Fight in 2012?
The new programs and being more involved with volunteering. I am also looking forward to racing Iron Girl with my mom as a realy. My mom is the most wonderful woman in the world, who has never run a day in her life until she attended Iron Girl for the 3rd time in 2011. All of a sudden, she decided she wanted to give it a try. I can’t wait for her to be a member of Team Fight!
