Why Get Involved?

I participate in the Tri-Adventure because I can. I often get caught up in my day-to-day grind, and a spark of reality about other people, families, and entire communities in Africa that are being wiped away by HIV/AIDS shocks me back to reality. When not enough is being done by the world to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa, I can't sit back and do nothing. Plus, I'm hard pressed to think of a better way to help the people of Africa by participating in challenging athletic events that I already enjoy doing, with other like-minded people. WE HAD SO MUCH FUN LAST YEAR!!

The Tri-Ad was brought to my attention by a personal friend, Alexis MacDonald, Director of Projects with the Steven Lewis Foundation. As for the decision to commit to the Tri-Ad, it seemed like the right time in my life to try something like this – a first for me. The cause is definitely worthwhile and one of great need. More personally, to be able to work towards assisting in this cause AND improve my quality of life sounds perfect.

Over the past several years, I progressively worked more hours every week, ate worse and exercised less. The result, as expected, was to feel worse, weigh more, and experience less enjoyment in all aspects of my life. So, on March 1, I cancelled the cable TV, got on my bike and back in the pool and radically changed my diet. My goal was to lose 40 pounds by this summer and then figure out where to go from there. At the time Alexis told me about the Tri-Ad, I had lost 30 pounds and was enjoying my new lifestyle – biking and swimming up to three hours a day!

The challenges of training and fundraising for The Tri-Adventure is a perfect next step for me. At the same time, the proceeds help out those suffering through the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa. Events like the Tri-Ad help raise awareness. Ultimately doing this will improve the health and quality of life for all involved – I know it will for me!

I am excited about The Tri-Adventure! I am working hard to get ready, but still have a long way to go between now and August 18.

Robert Goderre is an unusal participant and a remarkable individual. He stands out not because of his reasons for being involved but for the degree to which he has committeed himself to fundraising, raising awareness and training. He is an inspiration to the entire Tri-Ad Team, especially those who understand what it takes to achieve the goals Robert sets for himself. Robert makes his extraordinary contribution with tremendous passion, compassion, grace and humanity.

We would like to share with you Robert's story written in 2005 following the first Tri-Adventure.