GENESEO — Neil Gallivan,48, from Geneseo, is participating in Ironman Lake Placid 2013 in an effort to raise money for the Cancer Stinks Charity,
Ironman Lake Placid is a gruelling event that conists of 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and a 26.2 mile run all in the same day.
Gallivan participated in and completed the Ironman Lake Placid 2011 but this year Gallivan wanted to participate in the Ironman Lake Placid not for himself but for the Cancer Stinks Charity, a charity which falls close to Gallivan’s heart. Gallivan was a paramedic for 26 years and he dealt with a lot of sick kids.
“I couldn’t get over how good they are with illnesses,” said Gallivan. “Why not make it count for something.”
The Cancer Stinks Children’s Foundation was founded by an 9 year boy named Nicholas. Gallivan contacted Nicholas’ mother and told her that we wanted to raise money for the Cancer Stinks Charity by participating in Ironman Lake Placid 2013.
“I thought, alright home run,” said Gallivan.
The most challenging part of training for such an event is sticking with the workouts.
“It’s the mental grind, day after day doing the same things,” said Gallivan.
A little bit of everything inspires Gallivan.
“Knowing how much the kids love seeing my blog inspires me the most,” said Gallivan.
Feeding off the energy of the crowd really makes completing the Ironman Lake Placid worth it.
Gallivan is hoping to reach the goal of $3000 for the Cancer Stinks Charity.
“The more I can get the message out the better, but if I could I would erase my name from all of this because for me it is just about the kids,” said Gallivan.
All donations go to directly to funding the Nights of Love care packages for kids battling cancer at the Golisano Children’s Hospital in Rochester.
CLICK HERE TO MAKE A DONATION AND VISIT NEIL’S SITE.