PERSONAL STORIES

Wendy C, cancer survivor since 1994

I had heard about the Danskin after I moved to Austin in '97, and was encouraged to participate by a male co-worker who volunteers for it. He knew I was a breast cancer survivor and he told me about Sally and how she is inspiring. I always told him how I could never do such a thing, as I was not a good swimmer, did not run and did not have a bike. He told me that it was a very friendly triathlon that encouraged the novice, but I just couldn't do it. I did go hear Sally, though, at Academy, and she was very inspiring, though I just did not have the confidence to do it.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in '94 at the age of 36. In early 2004, I decided, out of the blue, to celebrate my 10 years of survival by doing the Danskin Triathlon. I knew how to swim (the dog paddle), but not enough for 1/2 mile open water, so I took some semi-private swim lessons. This was tough, since I could not even get my head into the water! My instructor told me about team survivor and that they helped with training. I looked it up in the computer and found out that training was in full swing. This was in late March. That is when I met Jimmy, Sharon, Paula and all of the rest of the wonderful people involved in Team survivor. Jimmy taught me how to finally get my head into the water and I worked out more than I ever have in my life! I was very driven just to complete the event. I did not care how long it would take me, I had only myself to compete with.

I completed my first triathlon in 2004, not fast, but who cares? I did it again in 2005, a little faster with a newer bike. Since team survivor, I have learned how to swim, ridden my bike more than when I was a kid, and have learned how to run for the first time in my life. I have also met some of my best friends. It is a good support group and I am so glad to be a part of it. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful coaches who give their time to train us.