Andreas (left) and Jonathan Deguzman at the ElliptiGO clinic

 Count Down to the CMT Challenge
by Andreas Johansson

People like Jonathan Deguzman are the reason why I want to get involved with CAF. Jonathan is a bi-lateral below-knee amputee, a meningitis survivor and the challenged athlete I met at the St.Patty’s Day ElliptiGO Clinic at the Challenged Athlete Foundation Headquarters in San Diego. I too am a challenged athlete suffering from Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease which affects the strength in my hands, wrists, legs and feet.

On Saturday, March 17^th, I rode my ElliptiGO through the rain to The Deni + Jeff Jacobs Challenged Athletes Center where I met Jonathan, and the two founders of ElliptiGO: Brent and Bryce. Jonathan was determined to ride the ElliptiGO and jumped right on it as soon as it was set up on the stationary training machine. In the beginning Jonathan wasn’t able to brake or shift gears because he is missing all of his fingers except his thumbs and was experiencing some problems with booth of his below knee prosthetics.It could have been so easy for Jonathan to give up at this point, like so many others would have done — like I would have done — but Jonathan persevered while Brent and Bryce tweaked and adjusted the bike to fit. Before long, Jonathan was riding on his own.

Andreas and Jonathan riding on their own

It wasn’t until reading about adaptive sports in a forum that I knew it was possible for people with disabilities to be involved in sports. When I realized that I too can participate in sports despite my disease, I embarked on a bicycle tour, riding through Europe and across the United States twice. Now I will embark on my journey called the CMT Challenge touring the country on an ElliptiGO, to raise awareness of and funds for CAF.

In 2011 I spent 179 days on an 8,000 mile bicycle tour across USA beginning in New York to Solana Beach before crossing the border into Mexico and continuing down to South America. While I stopped in Solana Beach, I took a test ride on an ElliptiGO then spent the rest of my bike tour thinking about it.

As I cycled towards the Mexican border, I happened to meet the cyclists on the last leg of CAF’s Million Dollar Challenge and the riders informed me on the philosophies of CAF. Before I crossed the border to Mexico a new idea was formed. Almost a year after I took off from New York and started my fifth bicycle tour, and now I will go back to New York and cross the country again, but this time I will use a trailer instead of panniers, an ElliptiGO instead of bicycle, all to raise funds for and spread awareness of CAF instead of doing the tour just for myself.

Follow Andreas’ journey across the country. Stay up to date on his location and experiences by checking out his blog: www.cmtchallenge.com and Facebook: www.facebook.com/cmtchallenge.

Denise and Paul Fejtek at the top of Everest

CAF is pleased to announce and recommend a GREAT new book called “Steps to the Summit – Reaching the Top in Business and Life” by business leader and CAF’s 2010 Most Inspirational Athlete, Paul Fejtek.  It is a captivating account of the quest of one challenged athlete to climb Mt. Everest and all of the highest mountains on each continent around the world. In his book, Fejtek recounts the risks he took to achieve his goal while delivering impactful messages to help every reader conquer their own summit successfully, whether it is a literal, personal or professional summit.

The entire book is brimming with valuable advice, but the chapter titles or “Steps” stand powerfully alone.

"Steps to the Summit - Reaching the Top in Business and Life"

  In a clever and gripping read you will learn to:

• Dream Big and Step Up
• Live Courageously
• Discover Your Creativity
• Be Determined and Disciplined
• Lead and They Will Follow
• Be Prepared
• Don’t worry Be Happy
• Have a Little Faith
• Move Fast
• Take a Step Back
• Maintain a Sharp Focus
• Build Quality Relationships
• Make a Decision
• Just Breathe
• Never Give Up

These phrases are important to any aspect of life. Readers will take from this book the knowledge that often we are our biggest obstacle in our personal and professional paths.  As Sir Edmund Hillary said after becoming the first person to successfully climb Mt. Everest in 1953: “It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves. “ Fejtek prompts us to “Step Up” and over ourselves and realize that great rewards involve great risks. Allow yourself to “Dream Big” – any dream you want — and recognize the courage within you to take the necessary steps to reach your summit.
Fejtek’s detailed account of his suspenseful journeys and his logical application of his lessons to life and business deliver a one-two punch. Not only are we awed by Fejtek’s courage, but he lends us insight on how we too can be just as courageous and successful in our own endeavors.

Fejtek along with his wife and climbing partner Denise, who were side-by-side on all of these journeys, are inspirations to the Challenged Athletes Foundation and its community of athletes and supporters. The Fejteks are donating 100% of the profits from the sale of the book to CAF.  Find out more information here and pick up your own copy of this wonderful and insightful book! http://StepsToTheSummit.com

The sleek design of the Nike Sole fits the minimalist curve of Ossur’s carbon fiber running blade. It is composed of four layers and includes an outsole inspired by Nike cofounder Bill Bowerman’s iconic waffle traction design and a layer made of recycled Nike Air Bag units. The Nike Sole also features a rubber leash that hooks onto a tab for extra security.

Athletes usually have to buy a pair of shoes and cut the sole out of one of them to tape, glue or Velcroe it to the Flex-Run Foot, but this innovation eliminates that need and makes going for a run more convenient.  Read the full article here.

Watch the video

By Denise Castelli

I’ve learned a lot about support over these past few years.  I often stop and think to myself that I don’t know where I’d be without my family, friends, the support of my community and the Challenged Athletes Foundation.

In April 2008, I was your ordinary senior in college.  Well, maybe not entirely ordinary. I was an NCAA softball player, as well as a dean’s list student at the University of New Haven in West Haven, Connecticut. I was only looking forward to my next journey: Life after college.  With graduation around the corner, I couldn’t help but think about the world of possibilities that were out there for me.

But on April 22, 2008, tragedy struck. During one of the final games of that season (and ultimately my career), I took off from first base on a steal, headed for second and broke my leg.  I can still remember hearing the snap and the instant pain that I felt.

Up until this point in my life, I had never really experienced a moment that was so heartbreaking.  I couldn’t finish out my senior year (including  the NCAA tournament) or play in my senior game, and the chances of me walking across the stage at graduation looked slim.  I wish I knew then, how little all these things would matter to me in the months to come.

I wish I knew then what I know now.

To make the longest, most epic medical story short, I ended up with an infection in my broken leg.  I would spend the next 18 months of my life battling that infection. After osteomyelitis (an acute or chronic bone infection) set in, I soon lost complete circulation in my foot.  An amputation was inevitable.  On November 4, 2009 I had my right leg amputated below the knee and my world, as I knew it, ended.

I wish I could tell you that the first month or so after my amputation was filled with optimism and hope, but sadly, it wasn’t.  I really wanted to do nothing but lay around in my bed and cry.  I had no idea which direction to take or who to even reach out to.  That’s when fate stepped in and decided to make it happen.

My prosthetist had heard about a one day running/mobility clinic held by the Challenged Athletes Foundation. With nowhere else to turn and very little confidence under my belt, I went.  That day changed my life.  My eyes were opened to an entire world of people who were not only amputees, but also athletes in every sense of the word.  From that day on, I was determined to not let this amputation beat me.  I had to find a way to not just survive, but thrive.
And that’s exactly what I did.

So what does Fit Nation mean to me?  In one word: EVERYTHING!  It means having the life that I used to have.  It means being active, being competitive, having a purpose.  Though I do have some fears (okay, maybe more than some) about becoming a triathlete, I realize that they’re the same fears I had when I faced my amputation.  I’ve never let the fear of the unknown stop me before and I’m not going to let that happen now.

So, yes, on November 4, 2009, my world as I knew it, did end. But the beauty of it is that an entire new world opened up to me.

“There’s nothing funnier than the human animal.”
       - Walt Disney

A horn bellowed through the damp wet fog covering San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf and suddenly a gaggle of human animals were sent flying throughout the City streets.  Swept up amongst the thundering hooves we were soon deep into a concrete canyon surrounded by sheer vertical buildings at every turn.  The terrain was up, the terrain was down, and filled with many crevices and fissures that had to be negotiated along the way.  And like every great migration – such as the wildebeests crossing the treacherous Mara River – our passage had critical moments that demanded more attention to detail, skill and a little luck.  Whether it was hurdling freeway barriers; or diving under Jeeps; or ascending an endless flight of stairs inside AT&T Park (fresh with remnants from the previous nights epic battle Bears & Beavers); or vaulting over school buses … the obstacles made our travels more challenging, yet more rewarding!

So maybe the inaugural Men’s Health Urbanathlon in San Francisco didn’t have quite the death defying drama of the Great Migration, however, it sure was fun pretending it did.  And it sure was beautiful every step along the way – look to the left and see the radiant Ferry Building being kissed by the morning sun; look to the right and see the Occupy Villagers awakening from their slumber; crest the climb, take a deep breath, and appreciate the Bay Bridge connecting into Treasure Island; and run to the finish line with the always spectacular Alcatraz Penitentiary and Golden Gate Bridge in full view!  As for the aforementioned gaggle of human animals, a wonderful group of fun-seeking athletes which included a flock of Challenged Athletes Foundation friends completing each obstacle much more gracefully than I.  And in the end, if even for just a few hours, everyone had great fun experiencing the City with the imagination, smile and enjoyment of a child!

Alan Shanken, the new face of Men's Health Magazine! See him soon on NBC's coverage of the Urbanathlon.Awesome Athletes, Awesome People!Awesome Athletes, Awesome People!

As we gear up for the September 2012 CAF Yosemite Hiking Challenge, a hiking adventure featuring 3 hikes throughout Yosemite National Park, I took a moment to reflect back on the amazing memories from the 2011 trip.  This past September hikers from San Diego, Washington DC, Philadelphia and even Perth, Australia met at Yosemite National Park for an intense hiking challenge to raise funds for CAF.  After checking into the Yosemite Lodge at the Falls, we met in the restaurant for a pre-arranged welcome dinner and briefing.  The anticipation, energy and excitement were palpable as participants got to enjoy the fun meet and greet. 

Day 1:

We met early outside the hotel to take the pre-arranged bus to Glacier Point.  After getting a fix of the breathtaking views and posing for a group photograph, we began the 12 mile hike down to the Valley. 

We set out on the Panorama Trail to the top of Nevada Falls, our lunch stop.  From there we went down the famous, or infamous, Mist Trail and the granite steps within a stone’s throw of Nevada and Vernal Falls.

We used the shuttle from the trail’s end at Happy Isles to return to our hotel for a well earned hot shower.  Even though we were hit with a rather intense storm on the way down, everyone felt exhilarated by the experience.  It built wonderful camaraderie.

We met for a pre-arranged dinner at the Yosemite Lodge and traded stories of our first day with new found friends.  After a briefing for our next day, most retired early to bed, tired yet eager for the next day’s adventure.

We met for a pre-arranged dinner at the Yosemite Lodge and traded stories of our first day with new found friends.  After a briefing for our next day, most retired early to bed, tired yet eager for the next day’s adventure.

Day 2:

 What lay ahead – an undulating 12 mile hike with no steep climbs to some of the iconic view points overlooking the valley.  We began the day with a 1 mile “warm up” hike up Sentinel Dome to take in the fantastic views.  We continued on to Taft Point and the Fissures. The brave were willing to lie on their stomachs and peer down the sheer cliffs to the valley floor, 3000 feet blow. 

We then continued on a less used trail through beautiful forest to Dewey Point, our lunch spot.  The views from this isolated spot were breathtaking. This particular stop was one the group talked about for the rest of the trip.  One of the beautiful features of this trip is having knowledgeable and experienced guides lead us through some of the beautiful yet lesser known trails and sights. From there we had a gentle return through the forest and along McGurk Meadow. 

Day 3:

As we stood in the parking lot of our hotel, we could see the highest point we would ascend to on today’s hike – the top of Yosemite Falls.  Amazingly enough the Falls, which is usually dry by this time of the year, was still running due to the record snow melt this year, what a treat! This was the day we had the opportunity to earn bragging rights – a 3000 ft climb from Yosemite Valley to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls. 

What a feeling to get to the top and relax for a well-deserved lunch before heading back down the mountain.

Some elected to take it easy today with a more gentle hike in the Valley, a bike ride or fly fishing.

We enjoyed a farewell dinner at the Lodge and had the opportunity to share photos, laugh and chat about trip highlights. 

This year the 2012 CAF Yosemite Hiking Challenge will yet again promise an amazing adventure filled with challenging yet beautiful hikes.  We hope you join us this September for this amazing experience and opportunity to support CAF.  For more information visit http://cafyosemitehikingchallenge.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1003345

That’s what CAF does; we get people back in the game of life through sports. I was reminded of this very thing as I stepped up to the plate  during a Sport Chalet  hosted softball game  that I attended with fellow CAF athlete Denise Castelli , (a game that left me more sore than a 20 mile training run, but more on  that later).  The last time I had stepped up to bat was when I was 12 years old (that’s 22 years ago) and after I foul tipped the first pitch the first thing that came out of my mouth was, “look out guys, the last time I did this I had 2 legs!”

The softball game was part of the launch of a very exciting new partnership for CAF with Sport Chalet and their desire to use what they know best, SPORTS, to give back.

Sport Chalet asked us to speak at their annual managers meeting and play in their softball tournament the next day.  For me, one of the best parts of working at CAF is having the opportunity to meet, spend time with and sometimes even mentor other incredibly inspirational people. One such athlete is Denise Castelli from New Jersey.  Denise is a fired-up collegiate softball player from Jersey who some might say got a tough break in life (literally), but has taken what life has given her and run with it. Denise played softball for the University of New Haven in Connecticut and was one of the Chargers’ speediest base runners. In one life-changing game, with no outs, she got the steal sign, took off for second, and broke into an awkward slide. Her right leg got caught under her left and she felt it snap. She crawled to the base before the tag, but she knew her leg was broken. She had no idea, though, of the complications that would follow and after 37 surgeries, she had to have her right leg amputated. Not only has she bounced back from her own challenge, but she has come back on top! Most recently Denise was a featured ball person at the 2011 US Open. Not only did she qualify for the position, but she ended working in MAJOR matches saved for only the best athletes.

The night before the big game, Denise and I were asked to speak to the Sport Chalet’s retail managers to kick off their busy holiday season. Now that I’ve had the honor of presenting to a number of our supporters, I was feeling pretty confident about my portion of the evening, but Denise on the other hand, was feeling a bit of pressure. I simply reminded her on our long drive up to just speak from the heart, no one knows your story better than you and just by getting up there, the audience will love you. She did great!  After our video presentation was over, and I was done rambling on, Denise got up there and stole the show. She spoke from the heart, told her story about learning to run again at one of our clinics, gave her thanks to Sport Chalet for supporting CAF and coined the theme for the rest of the evening, “Congratulations to all of you at Sport Chalet, you are now in the business of giving back.”

As for the softball tournament the next day; it was HIGHLY competitive and Denise and I set on opposing teams. After playing 7 games each, luck will have it, she and I ended up playing each other in the championship game.  During that final game I must have lost track of the score because I was told later that my triple in the 9th put my team in the lead and later, gave us the win.  I was too busy reveling in the fact that I was in the game… I was “playing” again! When I lost my leg at the age of 13, I thought I had lost the ability to ever “play” again. I was wrong because 17 years later, and thanks to the good work of organizations like CAF and Sport Chalet, Denise, I and so many others, are back in the game.  Stepping back up to the plate and seeing Denise standing out there in the outfield, as an amputee athlete, really made me stop and say, “thank you.”

A huge thank-you to Sport Chalet for not only hosting Denise and I but for allowing us to show your employees the value of their commitment and how great it is to be in the business of giving back.

One last highlight just for Denise: I’ll make sure and keep the (MY) trophy shiny until next year’s rematch!

Guest blogger: Arch Fuston, director of the ActiveX Employee Wellness Program at Active Network

Nearly 700 athletes, both physically challenged and able-bodied, will charge a one mile stretch of chilly waves, cycle 44 miles and complete the challenge event with a 10 mile run this weekend at the 18th annual San Diego Triathlon Challenge. Imagine the miles of road biked, trails ran and laps conquered that got these athletes to this day. After witnessing this amazing athletic feat on Sunday morning, October 23, at La Jolla Shores, spectators will be hard pressed not to be inspired.

The relationship between CAF and Active Network runs deep and this year, and we’re excited to support CAF to get the roughly 4,000 inspired event spectators active themselves.

I’m inspired to…
Our mission is similar to CAF’s in that we strive to connect people to the things they love, want and need to do. This Sunday, we hope that our Active.com booth will be a motivational hub where onlookers can gather, meet inspirational athletes and learn ways that they themselves can get active. Stop by our booth – we would love to meet you!
• Share. Let others know how the event inspired you to get active in your community with our “I’m Inspired” stickers
• Be inspired. CAF athletes and the Voice of Ironman, Mike Reilly, will be at the booth throughout the day signing autographs
• Find ways to get active. We’ll show you how to get active on the go with our new Active.com Couch-to-5K mobile app and how to sign up for activities near you
• Support. Donate to CAF onsite at our booth and be registered to win an Active.com cycling jersey
• Can’t attend? Follow all the action live via our Corporate Twitter handle, @ActiveNetwork

Ashley Heath waits to start the swim portion

CAF Florida joined DRC Sports for the AmeliaMan and Atlantic Coast Triathlons on October 16. Two of our athletes, Ashley and James Heath, were both named to the DRC Sports’ 12-person triathlon team, Team Inspire.  Team Inspire consists of a group of athletes whose purpose is to spread an attitude of optimism and determination through encouraging others to be their greatest selves.  James and Ashley are using their new roles on Team Inspire to share their own experiences of competing in handcycles and spread the mission of CAF.

Ashley poses with her friends that came out to support her

Ashley participated in the AmeliaMan Sprint Triathlon where she finished in 1 hour and 39 minutes , cutting over 17 minutes off her time from her last triathlon on this same course only two months ago. In addition, she placed 24^th overall in the women’s division. Ashley was also thrilled to have some her friends out to support ‘Team Heath’ where they donned themselves in shirts with Heath candy bars adorned on the back.

Team Heath! Ashley's friends cheered her on complete with custom shirts

James gets ready for his ride with a little help from DRC staffer

James completed the bike portion of the half-iron distance Atlantic Coast Triathlon (ACT) on his handcycle.  Despite receiving two flat tires, James was able to complete the 56-mile bike route against some grueling head winds.  His determination despite adversity is what James and CAF is all about.

Mark Dobersch of Lakeland represented CAF as he competed in the half-iron distance ACT.  Mark faced a difficult current on the swim, a flat tire and tough head winds on the bike, but finished first in the physically challenged division with a time of 7 hour and 34 minutes. Way to go Mark!

Mark before the start of his ride

Lin Dolan also participated in the ACT half-iron distance.  While she lost seven minutes on the swim due to the current, Lin was determined to pick up some time on the bike. Unfortunately, all the athletes found the head winds on the bike portion of the triathlon to be a struggle.  Lin missed the cut-off for the run by only a few minutes. DRC was so nice and offered to let Lin finish the triathlon, but she decided to take ques from her body and as always, ended the race with a positive attitude and determined to come back and try the race again. We are always encouraged by Lin’s determination, athletism and commitment to a sport she loves.

CAF athlete Lin Dolen is an inspiration to all of us

Overall, it was a great weekend for CAF and all our athletes. The Challenged Athletes Foundation and DRC Sports will be announcing some new perks for the 2012 Triathlon season.  We will keep you posted as we continue to grow this partnership.

Well, there are a lot of answers to that question: there’re the combined efforts – blood, sweat and tears – of dedicated CAF staffers, volunteers and athletes that work to the bitter end making sure every T is crossed and I dotted; and then there’s the ceaseless generosity of CAF supporters that step in like angels in Earthly clothes. Dan Williamson is one of these “angels” – he is the man behind SDTC’s Title Sponsor, Aspen Medical Products.

This is Aspen Medical Product’s third year as the Title Sponsor of SDTC, and 11^th year overall as a significant supporter. Aspen Medical Products is a leader in the design, development and marketing of spinal immobilization products, which means that it is highly involved in the physically challenged community. So it seems like having this company as the Title Sponsor is a perfect fit, and it is – their presence is strongly felt at SDTC. AMP’s employees are given the opportunity to involve themselves in the weekend of events and Dan Williamson has even competed in the triathlon challenge.

President and CEO of Aspen Medical Products, Dan Williamson says, “CAF’s mission of helping people with physical challenges find the athlete within aligns extremely with our company’s core values,” – a company Dan founded after a distinguished career in corporate America where he achieved senior executive status with American Hospital Supply Corporation and Baxter International. Dan left Baxter International in 1988 to first serve as Chief Financial Officer and then General Manger of another medical device firm in California before founding Aspen Medical Products in 1993.

As SDTC nears, and we prepare for what has come to be known as “The Best Day in Triathlon,” CAF would like to take the time to thank Dan Williamson and Aspen Medical Products.  As one of SDTC’s longest-serving sponsors, Aspen Medical Products has helped grow SDTC from a $49,000 fundraiser to an event that raises over $1 million each year for physically challenged individuals world-wide.