Triathlon Tribute: Honoring Jim Wallace's Memory

Back in December, I lost my grandfather, Jim Wallace, due to esophageal cancer. One of my favorite things to do with my Grampy was to go to his house to help him with lawn care where we talk sports for hours and hours. We would often go out to lunch after, along with my Granny and my sister Abby. While yard work isn't always fun, I always loved going over to his house to catch up and spend time together.

Right before I returned to school after thanksgiving break, I was able to visit him in the hospital to spend time with him. We shared a beautiful moment where we sat and watched college football together. In that moment, it didn’t feel like he was sick or that he was dying. It was just me and Grampy, watching football and chatting like nothing had changed. In the midst of all the chaos, everything was peaceful, and I got to just spend time with Grampy. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to do so, and I will always cherish this memory.

Recently I had the idea to challenge myself by running a triathlon. When I looked up races near me, I found that there was a race coming up in Lake Anna, VA. The same lake where my family would visit him and my Granny during the summers. This gave me the idea to run this triathlon in memory of him. As well as running this triathlon in his honor, I want to raise awareness for esophageal cancer. I have been in close contact with doctors at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and will be donating all money raised towards resident Alex Allen's research in finding cures for esophageal cancer.

Resident Allen is currently in the process of testing the effectiveness of two potential treatment regimens. Resident Allen is testing a combination of two treatment regimens that have been individually studied, but never evaluated together before surgery. This research could make a real impact in improving treatments for esophageal cancer. Resident Allen's team is in the process of applying for a grant, but all donated funds would go a long way in helping to support their research.

2 Corinthians 9: 11-12

"You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God."

In honor of my grandfather's passing on December 12th, I am setting my donation goal at $1,212. Please consider sponsoring me during my triathlon and joining the fight against esophageal cancer. Every contribution is a step towards life saving treatments. Thank you all and God bless!