A Full Family Affair

Cecilia and Andrew Kielt are participating in the Nations Triathlon in Washington DC. The brother/sister team is raising money in honor of their grandfather, who passed away from multiple myeloma, and their mother, who was diagnosed in 2010. “Our mom has been through some tough times over the past year, but has been fighting with such strength, poise, and determination to beat MM,” they say. “Her strength and courage motivated us to do something positive and focus on making a difference.” Cecelia and Andrew are so thankful for all the support they have received from their friends and family, particularly their cousins, Ariel and Blair, who helped organize two fundraising events. “We started this venture to give us something positive to focus on during our mother’s treatment, but we never thought it would have this enormous impact,” says Cecelia. With the support of the people they love, the Kielts hope to honor two other people they love: their mother and grandfather, Poppy. “They have been role models of giving and helping who have inspired us to do the same,” says Cecelia.

Early Mornings for the Ironman!

Joseph Rogge will race in an Ironman for his mother, who passed away from Multiple Myeloma in 1998. As a single father, Chiropractor, AND Ironman, Joseph is a busy guy! “I do have some great support, but I wake up pretty early to train while my son sleeps,” he says. We are thrilled to have such a dedicated individual on our team!

Our Youngest Team Member

At 10 years old, Logan Dickey is the youngest member of the Multiple Myeloma PowerTeam. Logan Dickey was first inspired to complete a triathlon when her uncle, a 9 time Ironman, took her to some of his events. She was impressed by the way everyone ran their own race; people who finished at 10 hours were just as excited as those who came in at 15. She entered an Iron Kids event this past May, and she trained by biking each week and joining a local swim team. Logan finished 119^th out of 150, but she crossed the finish line at a sprint with her arms raised high. After the race, Winter Vinecki, founder of Team Winter, challenged the participants to race for a cause, and not just for themselves. Her motto, “Who do you race for?” stuck with Logan, and inspired her to join the MMRF PowerTeam to raise money for her Uncle Bobby, who is currently living with multiple myeloma. Now, Logan’s race is not just her own. She claims to be “just a normal 10 year old that wants to help people with multiple myeloma,” but Logan’s commitment to helping others is anything but ordinary.

Eric's Epic Journey For A Cure - 155 Miles WOW!

On August 12 and 13,  Eric Gelber will embark on what he calls “a new journey;”  We call it AN EPIC JOURNEY!  Eric will take the longest run of his life when he will run  6 consecutive marathons, a total of 155 miles. A veteran of a multitude of ultra marathons, including two 100 milers, Eric raises money for the MMRF with every mile he runs.  Over the last four years, Eric has  raised more than $50,000 for multiple myeloma research.  This effort alone is approaching $20,000!

He is calling his run the Catskill 155 because his journey will take him from upstate NY in the Catskills to his friends home in Westchester County NY. 

Why does he do such a thing?   “I am inspired by the strength and courage of people like my friend Anita and Kathy Giusti in their fights,” he says. Eric's enthusiastic attitude and his commitment to making a difference makes him an inspiration as well! Part of the beauty of the PowerTeam is that each individual can motivate and inspire the others, and together we can accomplish great things. Keep on running Eric!

24 Hours!

On average, it takes 4.5 hours to complete a marathon. On September 17-18^th, Jeanette Spada will run a full 24 hours in the NorthCoast 24 Hour Endurance Run! Jeanette started running with the MMRF PowerTeam, because she has two very close friends with multiple myeloma. This is Jeanette’s first 24 hour endurance run, and though it will be a tremendous challenge, she is building up to it one step at a time.