One of our readers (who was diagnosed with celiac earlier this year) is participating in the Ironman Florida Triathlon (swim 2.4 miles, bike 112, run 26.2) in less than three weeks. Kendra is raising funds for the NFCA, an organization committed to raising awareness about celiac disease and helping people with it, live full and delicious lives!
Kendra’s efforts are truly inspiring! Here is the information she shared with us about her goals related to this big event.
“Sponsored by Janus, the Janus Charity Challenge was designed to motivate Ironman athletes to use participation in any of the U.S. full distance Ironman races to increase awareness and raise money for charity. The program is unique in that there is no designated beneficiary and athletes can choose to raise funds for the charity that they are most passionate about.
To inspire athletes to participate, Janus makes additional contributions to the beneficiaries of the top fundraisers at each of the seven U.S. Ironman races, up $10,000. Every dollar counts. The time cut off for Ironman Florida is 17 hours (I’m hoping I can finish in time!), so I’m asking for donations of $17, but even $5 would really help.”
Though we are very familiar with the wonderful work of the NFCA, Kendra does a great job explaining why she personally chose that organization to raise funds for.
“The NFCA’s Gluten-free Resource Education and Training program (GREAT) is helping educate food service professionals in a way that I think will make it easier for celiacs to enjoy a meal at a restaurant and feel like a normal person. The Gluten-Free Cooking Sprees hosted by NFCA furthers those goals. Similarly, the GREAT program geared towards health care professionals is shortening the length of time for a diagnosis. Because celiac disease can cause so many other problems when left untreated, it’s important for people to get diagnosed as soon as possible. I believe the NFCA’s work is helping with quicker diagnosis’. I’m hoping that by raising money for the NFCA through my Ironman race, I can help NFCA continue to increase awareness.”
Thank you so much Kendra. I couldn’t have said it better myself! As someone who personally attended a Gluten-Free Cooking Spree hosted by the NFCA, I know first hand the power of us all working together to promote change in our community!
Though the economy is tight these days and everyone is watching their pennies, I hope those that have a few dollars (or more) to spare will join Kendra’s campaign and donate to this great cause. You can follow Kendra’s training blog here, and read more about her story here. I’m betting that together, we can help Kendra’s exceed her fundraising goals!
