Cris' Fundraising Page

Racing to Save Lives - Including My Own!

*Thanks everyone for your support - although the race is over and I've reached my goal, you can still donate until the end of May. Please forward along if you like. Either way, I plan on participating in this race next year, so I plan on calling you again!*

The race weekend was incredible. I met so many fantastic people who shared in the mission with me and completed the race. Unfortunately, the swim was canceled due to rough seas, but it won't be my last triathlon. I finished the bike/run in 2:19:57. See my pictures here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cotepka/sets/72157617711987998/

Thanks again- couldn't have done it without you all!

Greetings Family & Friends-

As many of you may (or may not) know by now , I am a recent cancer survivor. Two years ago this month, I completed treatment for a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. I was diagnosed in August 2006 with Stage I, nasal type NK/T-cell lymphoma, a rare cancer of which there are less than 20 cases per year in the US. It manifested itself as a small tumor in my left sinus.

Although we never learned the cause, we did learn how to beat it! I spent the next 6 months under the care of some of the brightest minds at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Four cycles of aggressive chemo and 30 radiation treatments later, I was quickly in remission and have been ever since.

I am forever thankful to the incredible support from my then girlfriend and world's greatest caretaker, family, friends, and the NIH team.

Athough I have some uncomfortable sinus side effects from radiation that will remain with me for the rest of my life, I'll take it - I'm now cancer-free. I've got my hair back, lost the cancer weight, and married my #1 caretaker. As I approach my 2-year remission mark, I'm ready to tackle my next goal: giving back.

Because cancer research has saved my life, I joined in the cause. I trained for the St. Anthony's Triathlon on April 26th in St. Petersburg, FL as a member of the National Capital Area's Team in Training (TNT) program on behalf of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

TNT exists to find a cure for blood cancers: leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. It also looks to improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

I will never be the same person I was before the diagnosis; the experience was life-changing. One of the things that really made a lasting impression on me was the dedication and support from everyone involved in the research and treatment process. I had the privilege of being treated at NIH, which enabled me to reap the benefits of countless hours of scientific research. This research saved my life, and I want to make sure it not only continues to save more lives, but find a cure to wipe out blood cancers forever.

Also, not only was I a participant in this event, but I was chosen as an 'Honored Teammate'. I had a unique opportunity to participate in the event as well as represent fellow survivors and the memories of those who have lost this battle.

I want to thank you for reading my story and for your interest in this cause that holds so much meaning in my life. Please join me in support - any amount is greatly appreciated!

Much Love, Cris

Christopher Otepka

Last Edited on: 05/05/2009

29 comments

"Way to go Chris!! Thanks for running for the cure!! The picture of you and Noelle is fantastic. Hugs to you both! You always write so well and you did this time too - what a nice tribute to the NIH!"

karen ullman

Tue Jan 06 09:55:15 EST 2009
"I'm very proud of you! I saw that you were going to do this on your website and was anxiously awaiting you tnt website. Best of luck! "

Pia Nierman

Wed Jan 07 07:14:39 EST 2009
"Good luck and have fun, look forward to all the stories from training and the event"

Jamie, Jen and Rachel

Wed Jan 07 10:14:51 EST 2009
"You're awesome Cris! "

Lacey Chong

Wed Jan 07 10:33:00 EST 2009
"Congrats Chris! I think I'll be able to start riding outside in March so let me know if you want a training partner! "

Angela Carr

Wed Jan 07 12:09:55 EST 2009
"Cris, I am so happy for you and proud of you! I did a triathlon with TNT 3 years ago and loved every minute of it. Enjoy and good luck! I'm praying for you."

Katie Laramie

Wed Jan 07 02:17:58 EST 2009
"Wow, what an amazing thing you are doing. Good luck and we are rooting for you! "

Heidi, Neil, and Grace

Wed Jan 07 02:43:25 EST 2009
"Best of luck!"

Shannon

Wed Jan 07 02:59:11 EST 2009
"Best of luck to you! We'll post something on our new blog as well if you want."

LOLA Event Productions

Wed Jan 07 03:19:56 EST 2009
"Cris- Good luck! Our donation is in your honor and in memory of Camille's Dad. Maybe you should do the bald thing again...I hear it is more aerodynamic for racing!"

Chad and Camille

Wed Jan 07 06:45:05 EST 2009
"CAO, you are a warrior! Love You, Mom"

Janet Otepka

Wed Jan 07 11:25:10 EST 2009
"Best of luck to you with your training, Cris! I look forward to hearing about it! "

Kim Otepka

Thu Jan 08 10:40:21 EST 2009
"Chris - You may be too young to remember this but there was an old bit on the Johnny Carson show where Ed McMahon would say slowly to Johnny "I did not know that". That was my first thought when I read your courageous battle with cancer. Good luck in your triathlon training. I just gave to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society last month (my sister also had a rare leukemia) but glad to give some more to support your special effort. I think you are a winner for just giving it a go "

Stuart Williger

Fri Jan 09 11:34:45 EST 2009
"Chris! What a guy! We survivors stick together. Have a great time Thanks!!!"

Tom Diesing

Sat Jan 10 07:27:19 EST 2009
"Go Cris! You can doooo it!!! We're behind you all the way buddy."

Todd Pearce

Sun Jan 11 05:35:44 EST 2009
" I am an oncology RN, so it is nice to hear the happy endings!! This cause is near and dear to my heary, so good luck. I am sure you will persevere."

Mary C Kennedy

Tue Jan 13 07:56:07 EST 2009
"Great work and best of luck!"

Katie Herbert Meyer

Tue Jan 13 08:32:30 EST 2009
"Cris, We are so very proud of you. Every dollar that you raise takes researchers one step closer to solving the puzzles of lymphoma and leukemia. Great work! Love, Dan and Rach"

Daniel and Rachel Johnson

Tue Jan 13 08:35:14 EST 2009
"My mother in law (Peg O'Malley)is a recent lymphoma survivor. Thanks for doing this and congrats on your health."

Sam and Bridget Tynan

Thu Jan 15 05:51:11 EST 2009
"Good luck Cris! We're proud of you and will be there to cheer you on!"

Nick and Susie Constantino

Thu Jan 15 10:06:51 EST 2009
"Cris, Good luck and run for a good life! Peg O'Malley"

Peggy OMalley

Thu Jan 15 10:24:04 EST 2009
"Cris - your inspiration and enthusiam sets a standard that the rest of the family strives to attain. Keep that drive going. Pappa Giorgio!"

george nista

Tue Jan 20 09:32:42 EST 2009
"A) so happy you are still around and B) so excited for you to participate and support a phenomenal cause! Love you!"

Todd, Kate, and Lauren Marschke

Wed Jan 21 11:39:05 EST 2009
"you the man"

Mark Maziarz

Thu Mar 05 05:27:47 EST 2009
"Hi Cris - I don't know you but I know your brother Matt. I lost my dad to non-hodgkins lymphoma 10 years ago. Thank you for what you are doing! I am a big supporter of people like you who take action and step up. You are very close to your goal - nice work! "

Kerri Shea-Beers

Thu Mar 05 10:56:24 EST 2009
"Hey Cris - Best of luck with the rest of your training. You're an inspiration!"

Mary Mullin & Ryan Dvorak

Sat Mar 14 04:49:17 EDT 2009
"It's not much, but I know every little bit will help. Take care and lots of love. BAM"

BAM

Mon Apr 13 10:15:03 EDT 2009
"Congratulations Chris!! All the best, Doug and Mary Beth"

Mary Elizabeth Polley

Mon Apr 27 04:46:03 EDT 2009
"I am tardy, but you are awesome, Chris! Hope to see you in July!"

James Otepka

Fri May 29 07:36:22 EDT 2009

My Fundraising Total

Raised: $8,140.00 | Goal: $8,000.00

102 %

Make a Donation

We are sorry donations are no longer being accepted for this participant for this event.

My Thanks To

Jaros Family Foundation	$1000.00
george nista	$250.00
Pia Nierman	$250.00
Mary Elizabeth Polley	$150.00
Tom Otepka	$100.00
Tim Carson	$100.00
Susan Fortner	$100.00
Mitch Naumoff	$100.00
Kathleen Warin	$100.00
Christopher Folts	$100.00
JoAnn Zimmerman	$100.00
Jennifer Manser	$100.00
Barrett Pitts	$100.00
Michael Grace	$100.00
Kenny and Katie Kraft	$100.00
Dr. David Chiappone	$100.00
Karen Herndon	$100.00
Susan Batchelder	$100.00
matt hermanek	$100.00
Daniel and Rachel Johnson	$100.00
Mary C Kennedy	$100.00
Janet Otepka	$100.00
Elizabeth Mesplou	$100.00
Betina Margolis	$100.00
Shannon	$100.00
Emily Cyr	$100.00
Dan	$100.00
Sara Conrad	$100.00
Mary-Kathryn Grey	$100.00
Anthony Capra	$100.00
Nicole Poulos	$100.00
Tom Greco	$100.00
Thera Gaston	$100.00
Leopard Inc. Staff	$90.00
Stuart Williger	$75.00
James Otepka	$50.00
Xudong NI	$50.00
Sherry Van Sloun	$50.00
Nathan and Oscar	$50.00
Regan Baron	$50.00
Claire Wolter	$50.00
Mike Swatske	$50.00
Lara Darner	$50.00
Chris Sheehan	$50.00
Elizabeth Olson	$50.00
Mary Mullin & Ryan Dvorak	$50.00
Liz Johnson	$50.00
Nick & Rhiannon Simon	$50.00
Mark Maziarz	$50.00
Angela & Ryan Stroschein	$50.00
Emily Beale	$50.00
Jason Shedlock	$50.00
Meghan Schlattmann	$50.00
Sean Gard	$50.00
Jennifer Diesing Falcey	$50.00
Peggy OMalley	$50.00
Nick and Susie Constantin...	$50.00
Elizabeth Howell	$50.00
Sam and Bridget Tynan	$50.00
Anne Batchelder	$50.00
Tom Diesing	$50.00
Kim Otepka	$50.00
Carrie Conway	$50.00
Chad and Camille	$50.00
Sammy	$50.00
Brooks Scoville	$50.00
Heidi, Neil, and Grace	$50.00
Katie Laramie	$50.00
Andrew Dorchester	$50.00
Michael Johnson	$50.00
Laura Otepka	$50.00
Jamie, Jen and Rachel	$50.00
Beth Wladyka	$50.00
Jeff Bogacki	$50.00
David Ippolito	$50.00
Amy Choi	$50.00
Megan Gottig	$25.00
Macy's Foundation	$25.00
Courtney Wolf	$25.00
sarah huck	$25.00
BAM	$25.00
Denise Lewis	$25.00
Gina Gerken	$25.00
Sean Oblack	$25.00
Heather Hallead	$25.00
Kerri Shea-Beers	$25.00
Allison Huerter	$25.00
Lori Bowman	$25.00
Christym Matt & Gigi	$25.00
Jack & Jennifer Otepka	$25.00
Abby Bownas	$25.00
Gerald Chiappone	$25.00
Lauren Gibbs	$25.00
Michelle and Mark Basi	$25.00
Erin Corrado	$25.00
Todd, Kate, and Lauren Ma...	$25.00
Maggie Anderson	$25.00
Paul Hasenjager	$25.00
Erin Mumm	$25.00
Nicholas Nista	$25.00
Katie Herbert Meyer	$25.00
Christine Carter	$25.00
Todd Pearce	$25.00
James Otepka	$25.00
Christopher Maletz	$25.00
Kalleen Steele	$25.00
Lindsey Matese	$25.00
Anonymous	$25.00
Anita Hall	$25.00
Angela Carr	$25.00
Patrick Powers	$25.00
Dana Brookes	$25.00
Daniel Longo	$25.00
Courtney Sigmon	$25.00
Anonymous	$25.00
CARRIE SCHUYLER	$25.00
Lacey Chong	$25.00
Kate Linden	$25.00
Lindsey Melander	$25.00
Kayleen Baur	$25.00
Mike Brown	$25.00
Mike & Hannah Otepka	$25.00
Lauren Gibbs	$25.00
karen ullman	$25.00
LOLA Event Productions