Market: Houston

Athlete: Ryan Walsh, Post Oak Energy Capital

“We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too.” President John F. Kennedy said these words during his famous moon speech at Rice University and most recently Vice President Joe Biden echoed these words while visiting Rice to discuss America’s new moon shot - to cure cancer. 

 
It is a painful truth that everyone reading this blog has been affected by cancer in some way. My aunt, my grandmother and most recently one of my closest friends are my list of those dear to me that have been affected by this disease and it is a sad reality to know that many will consider this to be an enviable list. The numbers are staggering, over 14 million people will be diagnosed with cancer and over 8 million will lose their fight in 2016 alone. To put it in perspective, an equivalent of the greater Houston area will lose their fight in 2016… and 2017… and 2018 and so on… unless we all join together to beat this disease. My contribution to this fight is through The D10 and it is an honor to be a representative on the Houston Competitor Board.

There is neither a venue nor city more fitting to host D10 than Rice University in Houston, TX. Houston with its world-renowned medical center is a city that creates miracles and Rice has been instrumental for many of them. To highlight our track record of accomplishments, Houston performed one of the first successful heart transplants, the first coronary bypass procedure, invented a plastic isolator for severe immune disorders, invented the electric portable heart pump, discovered how to regrow blood vessels and capillaries, pioneered nanotechnology and even put a man on the moon, and we, with MD Anderson at the tip of the spear, will forever eradicate cancer. This is both a challenge that we accept and one that we are unwilling to postpone. 

 
This is my second year competing in The D10 and for those of you on the fence debating whether or not to compete, I will tell you that it is one of the most enjoyable sporting experiences that I have had since my collegiate days from long ago. The energy is high, the comradery is real and the cause is worthy for everyone. 

 
Grandma Tomasik, Aunt Megan, and Jeff Galletly I’m bringing it for you.
- Ryan Walsh