My Fundraising Page

Jun 20, 2014

Welcome to my 2014 Team In Training home page! 

It's hard to believe that seven years have passed since my mother (Joan) was taken from this earth by Lymphoma, that six years have passed since my father (Jim) lost his life, that seven years have passed since my sister (Cindy) died.  Cancer decimated my family in its wake - so many losses...my uncle (Bob), my wife's uncle (Bern), one of my best friends (Don)...all within this same time period.  Funny, it seems like a lot of time has gone by, but, simultaneously, it feels like merely the blink of an eye.  Personal loss is timeless, I suppose.

You know what else does not seem to wane through the years?  It is my relentless passion to race in their honor and to raise research funds for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s (LLS).  If my physical torture (ever done an Ironman?) can in some small part help find a cure or a more effective treatment or provide some relief to just one person, then it makes it all worth it.

On July 13, 2014 I will be taking on the Vineman Ironman 70.3 course, and until then I will training 9 - 13 hours a week in preparation.  I'll be in the pool, on the treadmill, on the bike trainer, in the open water, on the trails and on the road.  One step at a time, I will be getting my body ready to take on this tough course.  Also one step at a time, I will be inching my way toward my fundraising goal of $5,000.00.  I simply cannot do it alone.   Won't you please be a part of my TEAM and make a donation in support of my efforts with Team In Training and help advance the research for cures?

I do this for my family, and for everyone who has suffered a loss due to cancer. I also do this in celebration of life and of the blessings I receive every day from my wife (Jennifer) and our three sons (Adam, Jake & Connor).  Thank the Lord for their good health and happiness!

This year, I'm also doing this to honor my friend and former TNT TEAM-Mate who is my personal hero.  We actually met during the run on the full Vineman course back in 2009, and this past year she faced cancer with incredible dignity, honesty and bravery.  Every day she inspired me.  Today, she is on the way back to full health, and soon she'll be kicking my ass on the race course again.  One Step At A Time!

The Cheryl Wheeler song link below is my own personal mantra.  I hope you enjoy it, and gain some of your own inspiration from it.  Thank you for your donations, and thank you for your consideration.

David (Bulldog) Ruckman

David Ruc

Make a Donation

We are no longer accepting donations for this event, however you can still make a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Supporter Comments

"Looking forward to your training updates, David...and hopefully to seeing you this summer! Let me know if you need any support in this area!"
Susie Helton
Sat Mar 8 11:25:57 EST 2014
"I lost my mother to Lymphoma in 1975 and yet I can't beleive this horrible disease is still around after all these years!! Thank you David, for your dedication and love honoring all those who have lost their lives and those who still battle this awful illness. YOU are my hero!"
Debbie Lowe Smith
Wed Mar 19 08:04:56 EDT 2014
"Boy you really have a lot of courage and determination. "
Metta Holt
Wed Mar 19 08:25:23 EDT 2014
"Go David ! Good cause people !"
Will Pettite
Wed Mar 19 08:46:00 EDT 2014
"Wishing you much success David!"
Belinda henriques
Thu Mar 20 01:06:20 EDT 2014
"Great cause. Good luck at Vineman!"
Chris Hutchison
Thu Mar 20 01:45:34 EDT 2014
"David - your story brings tears to my eyes, and love and support for you in my heart. God willing they will find a cure. Thank you for doing for those who can't."
Deanna Lee
Thu Mar 20 03:36:03 EDT 2014
"I lost a great aunt to Lymphoma several years ago and have two friends with family members fighting Leukemia as we speak. If everyone could do a little something to make a difference to find a cure, we could be that much closer! Thank you David for helping to make that difference!! "
Gigi Calilan
Thu Mar 20 07:44:10 EDT 2014
"Good Luck Dave!"
Jo Ann and Stacy
Thu Mar 20 10:48:44 EDT 2014
"Good luck David!"
Alyson Quast
Fri Mar 21 11:22:53 EDT 2014
"Wishing you much luck in reaching your goal, David. Love the cause...our son, Cory, died of Hodgkins in 1996."
Diane Gambrell
Fri Mar 21 02:09:46 EDT 2014
"Well done, Old Sock!"
John Halmi
Fri Mar 21 06:29:06 EDT 2014
"Great cause. All the best, David !"
Rajat Tripathi
Sat Mar 29 01:25:20 EDT 2014
"For all our moms and dads "
Christi Segal
Sat Mar 29 04:49:08 EDT 2014
"I am very proud of your courage and strength each time you go out! My prayers are for your safety and success and may the force be with you. Love Renee"
Renee Keels
Tue Apr 1 09:28:58 EDT 2014
"Go David. Lost my dad to cancer and mums in remission - can't imagine what it must be like to have so many of your family affected. Hope the training pays off and you do well at this. "
Geoff
Wed Apr 2 03:29:38 EDT 2014
"Go kick cancer in the *ss."
Daryl Stone
Wed Apr 2 03:30:21 EDT 2014
"The women above all had or have different cancers. Kelly Loy passed on last year and was taken down so quickly. Judith has fought her cancer for over 11 years...maybe next year they will have the perfect chemo for her. Bless you David! Your hard work inspires us all and helps those fighting the battle see the care and love we have for them."
Peter Snyder
Wed Apr 2 03:58:21 EDT 2014
"Wishing you much success! You are an inspiration!"
Mary Kay Vona
Wed Apr 2 04:24:44 EDT 2014
"David good luck with the 100 donations! "
Claire Partin
Wed Apr 2 09:49:56 EDT 2014
"Thanks for fighting the good fight!"
Julie Fleming
Wed Apr 2 10:53:53 EDT 2014
"GO DAVID!"
Moksha Bruno
Wed Apr 2 11:21:46 EDT 2014
"Swim/pedal/run your ass off Rucky. Kick cancer in the $%@#&."
Clyde Reyes
Thu Apr 3 12:05:49 EDT 2014
"go David!!!"
Carol Shin
Thu Apr 3 12:46:55 EDT 2014
"So proud of you. GO TEAM!"
Elizabeth Wydra
Thu Apr 3 04:53:53 EDT 2014
"In memory of a loving father, Ken Dalton. "RMA" (Right Mental Attitude) lives on forever. We miss you! Dr. Matt Dalton & Mrs. Tawney Dalton GO GET EM' DAVID, Kick some ass!! F Cancer!!! With Love, Tawney Dalton "
Tawney Dalton
Thu Apr 3 05:12:16 EDT 2014
"Good luck, David!"
Thomas Jaeger
Thu Apr 3 07:13:48 EDT 2014
"Go Iron Dave!"
Mike Kimura
Fri Apr 4 02:55:47 EDT 2014
"Because I love you and you always make me proud to call you family."
Sandra Arden
Fri Apr 4 03:43:59 EDT 2014
"Go go go, David!"
Peter & Andrea Flynn
Fri Apr 4 07:38:50 EDT 2014
"Lisa and I are proud of you ironman!"
Christopher and Lisa trent
Fri Apr 4 10:50:19 EDT 2014
"Thank you for doing this, David!"
Stephen Burdman
Mon Apr 7 12:31:52 EDT 2014
"You are a ROCKSTAR!"
Kathleen & Julie
Tue May 6 02:19:13 EDT 2014
"Good luck on your good work, my friend!"
Sam Linsky
Fri May 30 01:30:05 EDT 2014
"Best of luck! KICK BUTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! xo "
Mike Gomborone
Fri May 30 05:00:22 EDT 2014
"You rock David! "
Nancy
Sat May 31 02:50:01 EDT 2014
"Way to go David! On the day, I will swim the distance here in TN... that bike thing is all on you though... :-)"
Stace
Sat May 31 07:17:24 EDT 2014
"Thanks, David, for your passion to this very important cause!"
Stephanie Boyle
Sat May 31 12:26:16 EDT 2014
"Go Dave! I'm 18 years recovered from Lymphoma and glad to support my old friend!!"
Robert Ham
Mon Jun 2 01:32:59 EDT 2014
"Step by step!"
Martin Madden
Mon Jun 2 10:22:52 EDT 2014
"Good luck!!"
Derrick Wasicki
Mon Jun 9 01:55:29 EDT 2014
"Some extra help from the Silversteins,Thank You for making a difference!"
Eric Silverstein
Wed Jun 11 02:16:22 EDT 2014
"Keep getting after it!Brian N"
Brian Naftaly
Wed Jun 11 03:35:41 EDT 2014
"Go Ruckman Go!! You're going to rock it! So glad we reconnected :-)"
Anonymous user
Wed Jun 11 04:43:02 EDT 2014
"GO GET UM Bulldog (BiH)!! They are gone but never forgotten...SiH"
SiH
Fri Jun 13 03:19:16 EDT 2014
"Wish this could be more. I admire your commitment and dedication to this cause. Good luck!!"
Angela Murphy
Fri Jun 13 03:29:20 EDT 2014
"Great job David! I agree F Cancer!"
Kristin Crum
Sat Jun 14 06:09:23 EDT 2014
"go for it DR!!"
Gareth Thomas
Thu Jun 19 07:45:43 EDT 2014
"Hope this helps"
Dennis Bevan
Thu Jun 19 09:05:25 EDT 2014
"Thank you for your commitment!"
Jane Beresford
Fri Jun 20 10:04:30 EDT 2014
"Cheers, David."
Elizabeth & Timothy Saunders
Sun Jun 22 05:47:30 EDT 2014
"Be courageous and know I truly admire you."
Bob Lumby
Mon Jun 23 07:44:44 EDT 2014
"Sending you a big dose of Big Apple love, per usual!"
Anne Holland
Mon Jun 23 12:57:54 EDT 2014
"Way to go, Mr Ruckman...thanks for all you are doing for this important cause!"
Michele Lachoff
Fri Jun 27 03:33:32 EDT 2014
"David, so sorry to hear the poker tourney didn't materialize. Glad you can still do the run, though."
Steve Marvel
Fri Jun 27 04:16:36 EDT 2014

My Fundraising Total

92%
92 %

Make a Donation

We are no longer accepting donations for this event, however you can still make a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

My Thanks To

Dennis Bevan $400.00
Martin Madden $250.00
Gail Gavlock $200.00
Steven Ruckman $100.00
Elizabeth & Timo... $100.00
Jane Beresford $100.00
Brian Naftaly $100.00
Sam Linsky $100.00
Tracy Kaiser Morelan... $100.00
Sandra Arden $100.00
Christi Segal $100.00
Stephanie Boyle $100.00
Eric Silverstein $75.00
Nancy $50.00
Brian Naftaly $50.00
Dani Almany $50.00
Rachel Crang $50.00
Deb Gram $50.00
SiH $50.00
Emily B $50.00
Mike Gomborone $50.00
Kathleen & Julie... $50.00
Melissa Costa $50.00
Peter & Katie Th... $50.00
Christopher and Lisa... $50.00
Dani Almany $50.00
Elizabeth Wydra $50.00
Darin De Paul $50.00
Daryl Stone $50.00
Diane Gambrell $50.00
Alyson Quast $50.00
Jo Ann and Stacy $50.00
Susie Helton $50.00
Anne Holland $40.00
Liz Haggar $35.00
Kenny Lombino $25.00
Sonia Lomeli $25.00
Thomas Jaeger $25.00
Geoff $25.00
Anonymous $25.00
Clyde Reyes $25.00
Anonymous $25.00
Liz Haggar $25.00
Robert Breach $25.00
Stephen Johns $25.00
Orly Kroh-Trifman $25.00
Michele Lachoff $25.00
Kristin Crum $25.00
Robert Ham $25.00
Stace $25.00
J-Gro $25.00
Stephen Burdman $25.00
Dave Beuscher $25.00
Mike Kimura $25.00
Yoko Gascon $25.00
Greg Reed $25.00
Tiffany Flynn $25.00
Vanessa Davis $25.00
Lucas Rakocija $25.00
BRYAN ELLENBURG $25.00
Carol Shin $25.00
Moksha Bruno $25.00
James Crum $25.00
Mary Kay Vona $25.00
Kendra Silverstein $25.00
Renee Keels $25.00
Edward Hoxsie $25.00
Anonymous $25.00
Rajat Tripathi $25.00
Jennifer Scarry $25.00
John Halmi $25.00
Gigi Calilan $25.00
Deanna Lee $25.00
Belinda henriques $25.00
Will Pettite $25.00
Metta Holt $25.00
Debbie Lowe Smith $25.00
Jeremy Miller $25.00
Tracey Kostich $25.00
Heidi Johnsen $20.00
paola cresti $15.00
Anonymous $5.00
Peter Snyder $1.00
Kirsten Pielstick
Bob Lumby
Dave Ribar
gloria cruz
ERIC CROWN
David Schnider
Peter & Andrea F...
Marilyn Turbush
Harry Althaus
Steve Marvel
Wendy Steinhoff Bald...
Gareth Thomas
Tawney Dalton
Chris Hutchison
Derrick Wasicki
Stephanie Boyle
Angela Murphy
Julie Fleming
Mark Wohlgenant
Claire Partin

Supporter Comments

"Looking forward to your training updates, David...and hopefully to seeing you this summer! Let me know if you need any support in this area!"
Susie Helton
Sat Mar 8 11:25:57 EST 2014
"I lost my mother to Lymphoma in 1975 and yet I can't beleive this horrible disease is still around after all these years!! Thank you David, for your dedication and love honoring all those who have lost their lives and those who still battle this awful illness. YOU are my hero!"
Debbie Lowe Smith
Wed Mar 19 08:04:56 EDT 2014
"Boy you really have a lot of courage and determination. "
Metta Holt
Wed Mar 19 08:25:23 EDT 2014
"Go David ! Good cause people !"
Will Pettite
Wed Mar 19 08:46:00 EDT 2014
"Wishing you much success David!"
Belinda henriques
Thu Mar 20 01:06:20 EDT 2014
"Great cause. Good luck at Vineman!"
Chris Hutchison
Thu Mar 20 01:45:34 EDT 2014
"David - your story brings tears to my eyes, and love and support for you in my heart. God willing they will find a cure. Thank you for doing for those who can't."
Deanna Lee
Thu Mar 20 03:36:03 EDT 2014
"I lost a great aunt to Lymphoma several years ago and have two friends with family members fighting Leukemia as we speak. If everyone could do a little something to make a difference to find a cure, we could be that much closer! Thank you David for helping to make that difference!! "
Gigi Calilan
Thu Mar 20 07:44:10 EDT 2014
"Good Luck Dave!"
Jo Ann and Stacy
Thu Mar 20 10:48:44 EDT 2014
"Good luck David!"
Alyson Quast
Fri Mar 21 11:22:53 EDT 2014
"Wishing you much luck in reaching your goal, David. Love the cause...our son, Cory, died of Hodgkins in 1996."
Diane Gambrell
Fri Mar 21 02:09:46 EDT 2014
"Well done, Old Sock!"
John Halmi
Fri Mar 21 06:29:06 EDT 2014
"Great cause. All the best, David !"
Rajat Tripathi
Sat Mar 29 01:25:20 EDT 2014
"For all our moms and dads "
Christi Segal
Sat Mar 29 04:49:08 EDT 2014
"I am very proud of your courage and strength each time you go out! My prayers are for your safety and success and may the force be with you. Love Renee"
Renee Keels
Tue Apr 1 09:28:58 EDT 2014
"Go David. Lost my dad to cancer and mums in remission - can't imagine what it must be like to have so many of your family affected. Hope the training pays off and you do well at this. "
Geoff
Wed Apr 2 03:29:38 EDT 2014
"Go kick cancer in the *ss."
Daryl Stone
Wed Apr 2 03:30:21 EDT 2014
"The women above all had or have different cancers. Kelly Loy passed on last year and was taken down so quickly. Judith has fought her cancer for over 11 years...maybe next year they will have the perfect chemo for her. Bless you David! Your hard work inspires us all and helps those fighting the battle see the care and love we have for them."
Peter Snyder
Wed Apr 2 03:58:21 EDT 2014
"Wishing you much success! You are an inspiration!"
Mary Kay Vona
Wed Apr 2 04:24:44 EDT 2014
"David good luck with the 100 donations! "
Claire Partin
Wed Apr 2 09:49:56 EDT 2014
"Thanks for fighting the good fight!"
Julie Fleming
Wed Apr 2 10:53:53 EDT 2014
"GO DAVID!"
Moksha Bruno
Wed Apr 2 11:21:46 EDT 2014
"Swim/pedal/run your ass off Rucky. Kick cancer in the $%@#&."
Clyde Reyes
Thu Apr 3 12:05:49 EDT 2014
"go David!!!"
Carol Shin
Thu Apr 3 12:46:55 EDT 2014
"So proud of you. GO TEAM!"
Elizabeth Wydra
Thu Apr 3 04:53:53 EDT 2014
"In memory of a loving father, Ken Dalton. "RMA" (Right Mental Attitude) lives on forever. We miss you! Dr. Matt Dalton & Mrs. Tawney Dalton GO GET EM' DAVID, Kick some ass!! F Cancer!!! With Love, Tawney Dalton "
Tawney Dalton
Thu Apr 3 05:12:16 EDT 2014
"Good luck, David!"
Thomas Jaeger
Thu Apr 3 07:13:48 EDT 2014
"Go Iron Dave!"
Mike Kimura
Fri Apr 4 02:55:47 EDT 2014
"Because I love you and you always make me proud to call you family."
Sandra Arden
Fri Apr 4 03:43:59 EDT 2014
"Go go go, David!"
Peter & Andrea Flynn
Fri Apr 4 07:38:50 EDT 2014
"Lisa and I are proud of you ironman!"
Christopher and Lisa trent
Fri Apr 4 10:50:19 EDT 2014
"Thank you for doing this, David!"
Stephen Burdman
Mon Apr 7 12:31:52 EDT 2014
"You are a ROCKSTAR!"
Kathleen & Julie
Tue May 6 02:19:13 EDT 2014
"Good luck on your good work, my friend!"
Sam Linsky
Fri May 30 01:30:05 EDT 2014
"Best of luck! KICK BUTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! xo "
Mike Gomborone
Fri May 30 05:00:22 EDT 2014
"You rock David! "
Nancy
Sat May 31 02:50:01 EDT 2014
"Way to go David! On the day, I will swim the distance here in TN... that bike thing is all on you though... :-)"
Stace
Sat May 31 07:17:24 EDT 2014
"Thanks, David, for your passion to this very important cause!"
Stephanie Boyle
Sat May 31 12:26:16 EDT 2014
"Go Dave! I'm 18 years recovered from Lymphoma and glad to support my old friend!!"
Robert Ham
Mon Jun 2 01:32:59 EDT 2014
"Step by step!"
Martin Madden
Mon Jun 2 10:22:52 EDT 2014
"Good luck!!"
Derrick Wasicki
Mon Jun 9 01:55:29 EDT 2014
"Some extra help from the Silversteins,Thank You for making a difference!"
Eric Silverstein
Wed Jun 11 02:16:22 EDT 2014
"Keep getting after it!Brian N"
Brian Naftaly
Wed Jun 11 03:35:41 EDT 2014
"Go Ruckman Go!! You're going to rock it! So glad we reconnected :-)"
Anonymous user
Wed Jun 11 04:43:02 EDT 2014
"GO GET UM Bulldog (BiH)!! They are gone but never forgotten...SiH"
SiH
Fri Jun 13 03:19:16 EDT 2014
"Wish this could be more. I admire your commitment and dedication to this cause. Good luck!!"
Angela Murphy
Fri Jun 13 03:29:20 EDT 2014
"Great job David! I agree F Cancer!"
Kristin Crum
Sat Jun 14 06:09:23 EDT 2014
"go for it DR!!"
Gareth Thomas
Thu Jun 19 07:45:43 EDT 2014
"Hope this helps"
Dennis Bevan
Thu Jun 19 09:05:25 EDT 2014
"Thank you for your commitment!"
Jane Beresford
Fri Jun 20 10:04:30 EDT 2014
"Cheers, David."
Elizabeth & Timothy Saunders
Sun Jun 22 05:47:30 EDT 2014
"Be courageous and know I truly admire you."
Bob Lumby
Mon Jun 23 07:44:44 EDT 2014
"Sending you a big dose of Big Apple love, per usual!"
Anne Holland
Mon Jun 23 12:57:54 EDT 2014
"Way to go, Mr Ruckman...thanks for all you are doing for this important cause!"
Michele Lachoff
Fri Jun 27 03:33:32 EDT 2014
"David, so sorry to hear the poker tourney didn't materialize. Glad you can still do the run, though."
Steve Marvel
Fri Jun 27 04:16:36 EDT 2014