This all started for me in 2008. My family and I had just moved back to Rhode
Island from New Hampshire and we met our new neighbors. One of our neighbors have a son who was battling
Leukemia. His father was involved with
Team in Training and I was curious so I started to ask some questions. Before I knew it I was signed up for the
Seacoast Century ride in Hampton Beach New Hampshire. I chose the century ride because the idea of
running turned me off at the time. I had
a great time, and met some incredible people.
I watched what they were doing and started to “wonder” what I could
do. In 2009 and 2010, I participated in
the NYC Nautica Triathlon. I wasn't sure how it would go, but swimming came
easy to me. The running was a constant
battle, but my teammates kept me moving, and that’s really all it takes. Through the people I met, I began to realize
that anything was possible. In 2011, I
earned my Triple Crown with the COX Providence Half Marathon. I have since completed a handful of
half-ironman distance races, and this past fall, my first marathon.
{Brian, making triathlons look easy!} |
But that is only part of the story. What really keeps me going are the people and
their stories. I do what I can for those
who cannot. There is one story that I
have heard over the years that rings in my head like it was yesterday. It was at the inspiration dinner for the 2010
NYC Nautica Triathlon. The speaker went
by Murph, which was his last name, and he was a survivor. He shared his story and struggles with a room
of over 500 people and the quiet that came over the ballroom was chilling. He has a daughter who was old enough to start
asking questions about her father’s past illness, and he answered them very
candidly. One day his daughter asked him
if he could “keep her safe,” and Murph’s answer was no. As I sat there pondering his answer and
thinking about the unbiased nature with which cancer chooses it’s patients, I
looked to my right and caught my daughter’s eye. I then continue to look further right and
made eye contact with my wife who was pregnant with our second child at the
time. That is when the immeasurable gravity of Murph’s words hit me. I felt helpless. If cancer wants to find it’s way into my life, I cannot stop it. The helplessness was
thankfully short lived. In a matter of
seconds, I realized the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, through Team in Training,
is my way to keep my family and others “safe”.
This is what fuels my fire and keeps me involved. See you out there. GO TEAM!!!!
~Brian Dubois
{Brian with his daughter Hunter} |