A Call from World Triathlon Corportation

About a week ago, I received a message from the director of the Ironman Foundation, David Deschenes, about the recent emails that WTC has received on behalf of Shawn's Ironman.  He said that he would like to talk to me about creating "synergy" between Shawn's Ironman and the Ironman foundation.  Today, I finally was able to talk to David for him to tell me more about the Ironman Foundation:

Each year, The Ironman Foundation selects groups within its various event markets for donations including organizations located in the two World Championship host cities – Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i and Lake Las Vegas in Henderson, Nev. The Ironman Foundation also recognizes a multitude of groups on a national and international level. Some of last year’s grants and donations were received by the following: The American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, American Red Cross, American Heart Association, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Boy Scouts of America, Boys & Girls Club and The United Way.

To date, more than $2 million has been raised through the annual Ironman eBay auction. Through the success of the auction specifically, The Ironman Foundation has donated to organizations like Team Blazeman, Hospice of Kona, C Different, Daniel Robert Sayre Memorial Foundation – with funds benefitting the Hawai`i Fire Department on the Big Island of Hawai`i, The Pediatric Cancer Foundation, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawai`i (PATH) and the County of Hawai`i Parks & Recreation Department.

(taken from Ironman.com)

So here is the bad news that David gave me.  He expressed to me that there was no possibility of me making the Ironman World Championship because there were not slot to give out.  The good news is that he really likes the story of Shawn's Ironman and wanted to extend me an offer to purchase a foundational slot for Ironman Texas.  A foundation slot is usually twice as much as regular entry, but 50% of the money would go to the Ironman Foundation.  In return, since the foundation gives back, that additional money that was given to the foundation would then be redirected to the Shawn's Ironman Project along with any other donations that were given to Ironman on behalf of Shawn's Ironman. 

Another thing that he was talking about was at each event they showcase a story about one of the athletes and a local charity or foundation.  All money raised from the foundational slots that are purchased for that event (200 per individual race) would go to that charity.  So in the example of the Ironman Texas:

An Ironman Foundation entry is $1,250 USD, with $625 going toward the race entry fee and $625 for the charitable donation. The charitable donation portion is tax deductible.

$625x200= $125,000

This would mean that if our charity was selected then we could receive a portion of the $125,000 to help research and families that are going through what our family did.   Contributions generally range from 500 – 5K spread across numerous groups.  Of course there is an application process, selection of charity, etc.

For more information about the IMTX Foundation Slots click HERE!

In reality, I have never been in control of this journey.  The journey has always seemed to have a life of its own and goes where it wants to go.  I planned on competing in St. Croix 70.3, something happens that does not allow me to do that, and I ended up completing my first 1/2 Ironman in Orlando, FL.  In hindsight, it was so much better than St. Croix ever have been.  We got to spend time with our close friends and Godparents to Shawn, the Lathrops, we got to see our newborn nephew Carter Ryan, and we were not strapped from spending a lot more money that we would have had to for St. Croix. 

Kyle Garlett at Lavaman

When I started this journey I really imagined that my story ended at the finish line in Kona. It is what Ironman has been to me every since I watched in on televisoin as a child. When I did not win the lottery I was very disappointed and somewhat felt that my journey failed.  I was not willing (and still somewhat not willing) to give up on WTC extending an invition to because of our story.  I knew that other inspirational athletes like Kyle Garlett never qualified or won the lottery to get into Kona, so why not me?  That may be a very selfish way of thinking on my part though.  An Ironman is an Ironman regardless if it is in New York, Florida, Hawaii, or Texas right?  That is the beauty of having an in so many places all over the world.  It gives the opportunity for anyone to become an Ironman in their backyard.  The chosen few that get to compete in Hawaii or qualify are blessed to have that opportunity.  



Now I sit here, discouraged, thinking about what is the next step.  I guess I am training for an Ironman, but I am not sure where that will be now.  I also feel like I am letting my sponsors and supporters down by not being able get to Kona.  I also am also in tears, because I am afraid that our goal of preventing another family from going through  what we went through with Shawn may be lost.  I feel so alone, I don't want to give up, but I just don't know where to go from here.

I am really hoping and praying that you will give me your imput as well.  Can you let me know your thoughts?   Feel free to comment below or write me at shawnsironman@gmail.com.