Some Stories and Thoughts...
Please join RACC in the Fight to Defeat Childhood Cancer – Pledge today!
Thomas Buck
   Born: May 26, 2004 — Died: August 31, 2008

We all run and bike and swim for our own personal reasons. This year, the five people on the Lord Have Mercy! team competed in the 24 Hours of Triathlon for Thomas Buck, a 4 year old boy who was dying of brain cancer. Thomas died on August 31 — the Sunday evening of the 24 Hours of Triathlon.

The money that we raised, and the awareness that we created, were too late to save Thomas. But know that we made an impact beyond the satisfaction we got from competing in this challenging event. Thomas' family was moved that people cared enough about the cause of childhood cancer, and enough about Thomas, to take on the physical challenge of competing for 24 hours; that people cared enough to make raising money a part of their personal goals. We made a small difference to one family in a time of devastating grief.

We say this from the bottom of our hearts: if the efforts of the athletes in the 24 Hours of Triathlon and the other Racers Against Childhood Cancer can save one 4 year old child, and save one family the ravaging grief of loosing a child, then we have all achieved an enduring triumph.

Thank you to the 24 Hours of Triathlon event staff and volunteers, thank you to Racers Against Childhood Cancer, and thank you to all of the athletes that competed to raise money for children like Thomas. We pray that you will never be personally touched by the tragedy of childhood cancer. But if you are, take hope and strength knowing that there are people out there like you.

The Lord Have Mercy! Team

Hi Cole: Great run today. My first time doing RACC. I finished 3rd in my 40-44 age division. I have a personal side to running today that I wanted to share. My 2-year old niece was diagnosed with leukemia 8 weeks ago. Without hesitation, I registered for all 4 races when a running friend sent me your link. I felt little Erin's energy this morning as I did my best for her. Thanks for all of your efforts.

Sue German

I lost my best friend Andy Peterson to cancer when we were both in the 5th grade. The memories of seeing him physically change before my eyes as the chemo therapy tried to save his life is something I will never forget. No parents, no family, no best friends should have to see their loved ones go through what Andy had to go through. I know the dedication of racers will help RACC raise the money to make a difference.

Brad Schneider, Age 26

My son lost his battle with Acute Lymphatic Leukemia in 1996. He was 7 years old. Despite the pain of treatment, his spirit and faith remained a bright light for all to see — even in his last days.

RAAC Athletes need your support to ensure that children and families will not have to live with the memories of a race against cancer that was lost prior to a cure.

Dwight Sandvold, Father of Luke
Owner — Fitness and Sports Training [F.A.S.T.]
Veteran of over 100 Multi-Sport Races

Kids are kids...simply amazing and resilient. They never cease to amaze me on a daily basis. Unfortunately kids aren't spared the pain and suffering associated with cancer. Althought survival rates are much better than 50 years ago, kids still die from this horrible disease. We are learning more and more about how to treat children with different types of childhood cancer, but unless we continue to vigorously study it and better understand why one child survives and another doesn't, we will never cure childhood cancer.

We desperately need funding to continue the research necessary to generate future treatments and to drive survival rates up. Organizations like RACC are a key to generating the funding required to support the work that needs to be done.

Amy Newman
Oncology Nurse, Children's Hospital of Milwaukee

RACC reminds and inspires each athlete to thank God and not take for granted the opportunity and the ability to compete... to use one's talents to the fullest. Every event, every race, and every athlete has a chance to raise awareness of the devastating effects brought by the suffering and potential loss of each child inflicted with cancer. RACC provides an avenue for people to support the medical research required to find the cure for cancer and restore the quality of life for these children.

Mark M. Bahr, Principal
Lake Country Lutheran High School

I learned early in life the pain that even one case of childhood cancer can spread throughout so many lives. I'll never forget the Sunday morning shortly after my ninth birthday, when my Dad awoke me early in the morning with the words "Cynthia... died this morning." As kids, we didn't know how horribly sick she was. So I'll also never forget the shock and sadness of losing my favorite baby-sitter.

Matt Mayer, Age 44