I was eight the first time I saw Field of Dreams.
I was eight the first time I saw my father cry.
It was no coincidence.
Sniffling, wiping tears from his eyes, my father explained that the movie reminded him of his father.
I was 22 the last time I saw my father cry. He called my mom, my sister and then me into the living room. He spoke softly. Something about cancer. And then there were misty eyes. And then words. And then tears mixed with the words and then the words sounded like tears and then the crying wasn’t for some movie that reminded my dad of his dad. It was for my dad.
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That was exactly ten years ago today. We haven’t had much time for tears since then. Too many chemo infusions and IRONMAN competitions. My dad took charge of the former while I worked on the latter. By the end of 2012, “Team Poppy Tony” had raised $45,000 for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (the MMRF), which continues to play a key role in the research and development of my father’s treatments.
This January, I wanted to celebrate 10 years of my father’s cancer-fighting courage and optimism with something new. I wanted to design an event that would be as fun as it was fundraising. And just like that, Team Poppy Fest was born.
After nailing down a venue, I wrote letters to triathlon companies to request donations for the raffle. Within a few weeks, my mailbox overflowed with gift cards, triathlon gear, and cycling gloves. Sunglasses multiplied, backpacks had babies. Soon, my bedroom doubled as a prize storage unit.
On January 17th, nearly 300 (!!!) folks piled into Bailey’s Pub to win some fan-freakin’-tastic prizes. And by the end of the night, we had raised $13,000 for blood cancer research.
At one point during the night, I thought of that old Field of Dreams quip. “If you build it, (they) will come.” Many thanks to the generous prize donors who helped us build it, and to all of those who came.
And the winner is…Team Poppy!
Click here to see more pictures from our lovely photographer, Beth Sullins.
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GIVING THANKS TO OUR WONDERFUL PRIZE DONORS:
- Tri360, the title sponsor, for donating a HOT Felt F4 Road Bike
- Nelson and Kate Morse, for sharing their tips of the trade
- Bailey’s Pub
- The Training Cave
- Oakley
- Kurt and Laura Kunoth
- Roxy
- Pearl Izumi
- Rev3
- Setup Events
- Savageman
- Garrett County Gran Fondo
- Bike Arlington
- Georgetown Productions
- Coach AJ Morrison of Multisport in Motion
- Lululemon
- Revolve Fitness
- Nalgene
- Gillian McNally and Mary Kay
- Zensah
- yurbuds
- Nathan Sports
- Pacers Running Store
- Potomac River Running
- Uncle Julio’s
- Cheesecake Factory
- The Melting Pot of Arlington
- Great American Restaurants
So freaking awesome.
Thank you, James. I was just reading your blog. See you in O’side. Stoked that you got in! –Kgo
When I first heard of your Dad being sick, I cried. When I went surfing and saw him in the water, I paddled over and cried. What kind of supportive friend would cry instead of encourage? He just smiled. I have watched him for the last 10 years and he continues to smile. Never complain just smile. His smile is one of faith and toughness. He is a role model for people undergoing trials and tribulations. I can only hope that I can be so determined and tough when tribulations hit me.
Thank you, Jose, for being such a good friend to my dad! And to our whole family
See you in March!
So glad the event was such a success, and it was great to see you after way too long! I know you are very proud of your dad, and I can’t even imagine how proud he is of you. You are a wonderful and strong person, Kgo, and I’m happy to have gotten to know you.
Thank you, Kathleen. Loved seeing you and hugging you at the event. Forever bonded by a crazy 24-hour trip in a van!
What a nice tribute Kendra. So proud of you. You have worked so hard and I know your Dad is so proud. You are truly amazing
Congratulations…wish I could’ve been there <3 <3 <3
Congratulations! You are doing a fantastic job promoting awareness and I can only imagine how proud of you your dad is! “Go the distance!”
Thank you so much, Maria! BTW, I’ve been working on my stroke and I think I’m seeing some improvement. Woot Woot! -Kendra
That is great news! We still want to help any way we can!!!
Great post about a great event for a great cause. Loved the writing, the sentiment, the eloquence, and particularly the line “backpacks had babies.”
Miss you, amazing friend!
Haha! You were there in spirit. I think your spirit even won one of those backpack’s babies
So glad that you are out living life! Kgo