Derrick Hesser

I believe that if you vigorously explore your boundaries, you can accomplish anything. Test yourself as often as you can so when the real test comes, you will be ready.

My family and I have had cancer touch our lives through my mother. Four years ago, my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. The struggle with cancer is very tough; there are daily ups and downs. The disease is insidious. It tests you physically and mentally. It tests all of our family and friends. It makes you scared and vulnerable. It is hard for adults to cope with the pressure and the uncertainty. Now imagine if you were only 5 years old.

How can we help? I have been an endurance athlete for more than 5 years and I love to participate in these events. As these events are often long and have many hours of training, traveling and racing involved it gives you plenty of time to think. I often wondered: "How could I put my disparate interests and talents together to help someone else?" By chance, I met Jason Sissel through triathlon and heard the story of Endure to Cure. I was instantly inspired by his story and his cause. Children do not have the same capacity to cope with the disease as adults. They should be playing, growing, learning; not spending time in the hospital. I plan to help by dedicating my 2010 race season to the fight against pediatric cancer and raising money for Endure to Cure.

By making a contribution, you are not only helping me meet a goal of mine, but more importantly, you are helping the life of a child with cancer. The proceeds we raise at Endure to Cure go to fund research, treatment, and care for pediatric cancer patients. I am inviting you to be a part of my special journey, and the journey of many children fighting pediatric cancer. The average age of diagnosis is just six years old, but together, you and I can do our part to help them survive and thrive.