My goal is to raise $12,000 by competing in a triathlon to support those who are currently fighting cancer. The triathlon is June 28th in White Bear Lake, MN and I will be registered as Taylor Majeres in honor of my son who we lost to bone cancer a few years ago and would be turning 25 on June 29th. My hope is to provide a mini adult version of “Make a Wish” to help improve the emotional well-being; reduce the trauma; the fear; and the anxiety, etc. for those who are dealing with a cancer diagnosis and treatment. 100% of the money raised will be distributed evenly to following exceptional people:

TOM GESKE (Marshall, MN)

Tom is the husband of my good friend Susan. Tom was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 renal cell carcinoma. He’s being treated at the same hospital system where Tom, Susan and daughter Katie spent the final days with their teenage son/brother who lost his courageous battle to a Ewing Sarcoma 10 years ago…a cancer similar to the one my son had. Tom is normally the protector of their family and he now needs some protection of his own. Let's help Tom get back to his woodshop and tapping trees for maple syrup with his friends!

ALISSA ASHBURN (Jacksonville, FL)

Alissa is married to an old friend of mine I met at the Naval Medical Center when I was living in San Diego. Alissa is a U.S. Navy veteran and mother of 3 (Taryn, Taylor and Trenton). She beat lymphoma 16 years ago but has now been fighting stage 4 inflammatory breast cancer since late 2024. This warrior exudes kindness, humor and positivity and although she has faced challenges no would should have to endure, she has managed to maintain her warmth, humor and determination throughout it all. Alissa's family needs her at full strength and we're here to help!

TOM REID (Huron, SD)

Tom was my 9th grade science teacher and is a legendary basketball coach and player. He has two adult sons (Chase and Rory). Tom was diagnosed with bladder cancer last year and is now in remission but still undergoing immunotherapy and fighting his way back to normalcy. Anyone who knows Tom is aware of his work ethic, determination, passion and unselfishness and now is the time to pay it forward. Tom is still fighting and still winning. Hang in there coach!

STEPHANIE PRIMOLI (Stillwater, MN)

Stephanie is best friends with my Stephanie. Roughly a year ago a she was diagnosed with an inoperable multi-focal (two different spots) high-grade glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. Knowing the hell she has been through leaves no doubt why she is the unwaverable matriarch. A ferocious protector with profound strength who ensures the well-being of not only herself but her entire pack with her survival instincts and affection. Rarely showing fear, she maintains the strong bonds of her family and friends with remarkable stamina and determination. Her amazing daughters (Olivia and Erika) and husband Craig, are doing for her what she has done for them all these years and they too need our prayers and support. Stephanie, this is your "footprints in the sand moment." God is carrying you and we are too!

HEIDI ADAMS (Huron, SD)

Heidi was a year behind me in school and I played softball with her husband Todd. Heidi has spent the past year battling breast cancer and while her latest scans revealed no cancer cells, she is still undergoing immunotherapy for the next several months. Heidi has stayed active in her church, continues to work and is willing to pitch in and help whenever needed. Heidi and Todd have three adult kids (Kinsey, Jenna and Carsen). Heidi’s kindness and bubbly laugh is second to none and now it’s our turn to help her! Let's get Heidi back to baking and camping!

Angie Aylward Schultz (Sioux Falls , SD)

Angie is a dear childhood friend of mine and is sweeter than a Krispy Kreme soaked in Nutella. It's impossible to be any more genuine than Angie and her husband Bill makes Tom Hanks look like an asshole. Their 30 years of marriage has been so fun to watch that I'm guessing they both walk around the house wearing matching t-shirts imprinted with "LUCKY YOU" on the front. I recently found out that Angie has breast cancer and she just finished another radiation treatment yesterday. Ooof...my heart hurts. I have no doubt Angie is receiving the finest possible oncology care and their beautiful daughter Emma and son Cooper, who just turned 19, are definitely going to be chicken soup for her soul. I'm also 100% certain Grandma Mary, sister Chris and brother-in-law Dougy are also spreading their Juju not mention her Heavenly father Paul who loved you girls with all his ❤️. Speaking of birthdays, Angie has a birthday the same day as my race...June 28th! We love you Angie and we've got your back!!

Cancer is devastating but we can't lose hope. I lost a son to this horrible disease but I still have my aunts Sharon and Sandra and my cousin’s Widow Angie who all survived breast cancer. My aunt Jane is an ovarian cancer survivor. There are many more success stories to tell! I know the money raised won’t be a cure or enough to cover the financial devastation that comes with a cancer diagnosis. However, maybe together we can provide enough money for a fun family event, a luxurious long weekend or front row seats to a favorite concert or sporting event. Thank you for taking the time to read my post and for your donation!

Nate

“For I am convinced that neither life nor death, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God.” Romans 8:38-39