UNBROKEN [21.17]

October 6, 2017

Thumb jwood d10

Market: San Francisco
Athlete: Jesse Wood, JPMorgan

2017 will be my second D10 competition. I headed into last year’s competition with a nervous energy and excitement that I haven’t felt very often since my “playing days” ended (gulp) more than 15yrs ago. In our inaugural event in the Bay Area, we had a great turnout and we raised over $250k for pediatric cancer research.  My team of four team raised over $17k alone! Less importantly, we came in 2nd place and had an absolute blast in doing it. While we didn’t break any world records on the track, we pushed ourselves physically and mentally in a really fun and healthy way.

Nearly everyone you know has a heartbreaking cancer story. We lost my four grandparents to cancer, all before their 75th birthday and none of which were able to spend time with my kids. I compete for them. My family has been lucky that our direct experiences with pediatric cancer have had happy endings. I compete for the families that have been less lucky. The D10 is contributing to the funding the research and development of treatments for the 20% of children who do not respond well to traditional therapies. Building teams and communities like this can and will bring happy endings to these children. I’m proud of that. 

This year, we are building on the great momentum from the 2016 Bay Area event and the more than $1M raised at the NYC 2017 D10. Personally, it has been a rough year for conditioning. From minor, nagging injuries to life just happening, consistent training has been a struggle. I will say this – for one day, I have a handful of events that will make a meaningful impact for our fundraising. When you see the fellow competitors rooting each other on for the most important common goal – it is energizing in an incredible way … and be sure that I will BRING IT. The dollars raised always outweigh the temporary pain!

I spoke to numerous people this year that could not compete in the event for various reasons. We may not have gotten you in 2017, but come 2018 we are coming again. There isn’t a better feeling in the world than raising money for a tremendous cause (and getting in shape doing it!), and competing in an event where 200-300 people become your biggest fans and good friends. Do the event once and you’re hooked.

Bring It!