With the hopefully promises of 2020 on the horizon, it seems only fair to pause for a moment and reflect on all the blessings that 2019 provided.
530+
A dedicated team of volunteers, donors and Angels successfully helped over 530 Captains cross the finish line this year! Among these 530+ teams were many first-timers, the "race as much as possible-ers", a bunch of walkers, a few speed racers and everything in-between!
The Bellin Run 10K in Green Bay hosted the largest myTEAM TRIUMPH event in the world when 54 race chairs lined up at the start and a Veteran focused program, Operation Guardian Angel, launched this spring thanks to our friends at Schneider.
If there was ever a doubt, 2019 proved that this truly is a team for anybody and everybody!
Eddie.
At every training opportunity and each event, there are always a handful of stories that will give you the "goosies". One of our favorite stories from the 2019 season comes from our North Central Region's, Captain Eddie.
Eddie was recruited by the local volunteer team in 2018 to join myTEAM TRIUMPH WI as a Captain. But he had other plans. Eddie, who has a primary diagnosis of cerebral palsy, had no interest in sitting in a race chair but rather running as an Angel and helping someone else have their moment of TRIUMPH.
Months of training as an Angel went by and 'Fast Eddie' registered to run the 2019 Wausau Marathon. With a brace on his right foot, his team beside him and his very special friend in the chair - Eddie started that 26.2 mile journey determined to finish.
As the day went on, the team became concerned for Eddie's health. Temperatures continued to rise and frequent feeding stops for his Captain meant that the Eddie would be running the last 10 miles under 'less than ideal' conditions. At the myTEAM TRIUMPH tent, the group became anxious to receive any word from the other team Angels on how both the Captain and Eddie were doing. Then, after an exhausting 6 hours and 43 minutes, Eddie and his team were spotted!! Seeing his family and friends just yards away from the finish line, Fast Eddie showed his stuff and kicked it in to the finish line!
While we are proud of every single athlete that stands up for inclusion, watching Eddie cross that finish line behind his Captain will hold a special place in our hearts for a very long time.
Thank you.
Thank you for helping to provide opportunities for athletes like Eddie. It is because of your generosity that Eddie was able to participate shoulder to shoulder with the rest of his community.
Here at myTEAM TRIUMPH WI, we are convinced that the best gift you can give someone is the gift of inclusion. But, we need your continued financial support to make that a reality. Will you help us?
Ways you can help!
One Time Donation
You can make a one time donation to help support athletes like Eddie by clicking here!
Sponsor a Captain
Or, learn how you can Sponsor a Captain for as low as $25 a month! Your sponsorship will connect you one on one with a Captain for the 2020 season and beyond. You'll learn about your Captain in your welcome packet, get regular race updates and MORE. This is the perfect way to see your donation dollars in action!
Become a Member
Race with us? Become a Member and get special perks that include race swag discounts and breaks on Angel fundraising minimums!
'Tis the season of giving, so why wait?! Wether it's a one time donation, a sponsorship or a membership - your donations ensure the future of inclusion in your community.
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