The final 140.6 miles in honor of Dustin Rhodes

My quest for Kona started almost one year ago. I am less than three weeks from my last Ironman along this quest. I started with one goal, to qualify for the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. Throughout this journey I have met and been inspired by countless individuals whose drive was more than themselves and that finish line. It was about making a difference.

Your journey, your cause is a program that allows Ironman athletes to race for a cause. I am deeply saddened by my reason to raise awareness but Ironman has provided me the platform to do so. This final Ironman will be for a man so many loved and held close to their hearts. His name is Dustin Rhodes. I had the pleasure of knowing Dustin through Gulf Winds Track Club.
 
Dustin was diagnosed with stage 4 (severely rapid & aggressive) glioblastoma multiforme. There are only approximately 140,000 people in the world with this at varying stages and severeness. He is approximately 1 of 200 in the world in their 20's. The typical age is in their 50's.  

 

Dustin fought this disease till the very end and passed away on July 31, 2013 at the age of 29. He leaves behind his wife Rebecca (Russo) and their son, Michael Alexander.

Before Ironman Louisville my goal is to raise $1,406 for the National Brain Tumor Society. In a hope of finding a cure to this disease that has taken a life to early.

To donate to this cause CLICK HERE!

For more information on Dustin and his story and to donate to his family directly: http://dustrhodes.com/