Hi all,

As many of you know, my niece Riley has been battling cancer for the past year. It has been inspiring her watching go through surgery after surgery and treatment after treatment, smiling and laughing again at the end of it all. I am in awe of her strength and bravery and I'm so proud of my niece and goddaughter.

Leaving for California at the end of last year was hard as my family began to face this daunting challenge, particularly as the world entered into what have certainly been unprecedented times. Not being able to help out, especially with covid travel restrictions in place, has left me feeling dismayed as family is so vital to who I am and is the reason I have made it this far.
Though it's far from how I'd want to aid my family, I have decided to run (now virtually) the Santa Cruz (Sprint) Triathlon on September 27th and fundraise for Tackle Kids Cancer, a charitable organization focused on raising money for research and patient care programs at Riley’s hospital (and championed by my favorite muppet, Eli Manning). As hard as a triathlon can be, I am 100% positive it requires only a fraction of the endurance and tenacity Riley has put forth these past months.

Stolen from my sister: September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Only about 4% of the national cancer research budget goes towards pediatric cancer. Together, we can help change this by raising awareness as well as by supporting other philanthropic groups dedicated to funding research and clinical programs.
I hope you will join me in Riley's and other children's fights to overcome this terrible affliction. Every bit helps and is greatly appreciated: http://www.hackensackumcfoundation.org/goto/christiantacklesatriathlon

Hoping you are all keeping safe and well during these times. Be good to each other and be kind to yourselves.

Best,

Christian