Janesville Woman Pursues Ironman Goal
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
JANESVILLE WOMAN PURSUES IRONMAN GOAL, WHILE RAISING $50,000 FOR INJURED MARINES
Janesville, Wisconsin – July 6, 2010 - Janesville resident Kitty Clark Cole, 56, insists she is not a hero. But she is embarking on two goals that many would call heroic: completing the Ironman Florida triathlon on November 6, 2010, and raising tens of thousands of dollars for the Injured Marines Semper Fi Fund.
"My father was a World War II Navy veteran – one of the Greatest Generation. My younger brother Bill is a Navy veteran. My son is a Captain in the U.S. Marine Corps," said Cole. "Through them I have met or heard the stories of many other veterans, and I’m so grateful for their sacrifices as they fight for freedom."
To honor those sacrifices, Cole is raising $50,000 for Injured Marines Semper Fi Fund (IMSFF). The money will be used by IMSFF to provide financial aid and quality of life solutions to Marines and Sailors injured in post-9/11 combat. "I chose a goal of $50,000 because it is enough to support three to four prosthetic limbs," said Cole. "With every kick, pedal, and step of the Ironman, I wanted to support the mobility of wounded soldiers who have fought for our nation."
The Semper Fi Fund offers a range of services, from financial aid to injured Marines and their families to the Team Semper Fi "Recovery Through Sport" program, which provides injured Marines with coaching, financial and logistical assistance to compete in athletic events. "We are one of the few organizations that are there from the time [soldiers] reach the hospital until they go into the VA system and beyond," said Angie McCrary, IMSFF Director, East Coast Community Outreach. "Each family is unique, each service member is unique. We're flexible in how we care for them," said McCrary.
Cole is unwavering in her quest to finish the Ironman triathlon, with involves a 2.4 mile swim in open water, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2 mile marathon - all back-to-back. "I've attempted Ironman Wisconsin three times, with 3 DNF's [Did Not Finish] for varying reasons - so the motivation to cross the Ironman finish line is very strong," said Cole. Her rigorous 2010 season included both the Kansas Ironman 70.3 and the Door County Half-Ironman. In each, Cole posted a personal record.
"I've had to maintain discipline while in training, but the discipline that IMSFF has is truly an inspiration," said Cole. Having distributed over $40 million in aid to wounded soldiers and their families since Semper Fi's establishment in 2004, leaders of the organization pride themselves on efficiency and low overhead. "Athletes like Kitty are key to spreading the word about the needs of our veterans,” said McCrary. "Her running the Ironman is not only helping her complete her mission, but it helps us complete ours too.” And with the number of injured Marines climbing due to the war in Afganistan even as the recession resulted in a 34% reduction in donations in 2009, Semper Fi staff urge that the need is great. "If supporters like Kittycan keep spreading the word about the needs of our wounded, we'd really appreciate that. [The needs are] never-ending," said McCrary.
To contribute, visit januscharitychallenge.kintera.
Contact:
Kitty Clark Cole
kittyruner@sbcglobal.net