Wellbeing
After learning about Athletes for a Cure (AFAC), Darren Ritch fundraised and volunteered on behalf of the program at the 2008 Athletes for a Cure Triathlon at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida though unable to participate as an athlete. Being around the excitement of the event and meeting other AFAC participants, Darren made a promise to himself and set a lofty goal: become an AFAC participate and raise awareness and funds to find a cure for a disease that affects 2 million American men each year – Darren being one of them. The three-months prior to volunteering, on June 30, 2008, at only 41 years-old, Darren was diagnosed with prostate cancer and underwent a robotic prostatectomy - having no family history of the disease.
Darren was dedicated to his goal to participate as an Athlete for a Cure and started with the basics of training. “I was never a runner or endurance athlete,” shared Darren. “Growing up I had asthma and endurance sports were very difficult for me, so I knew I had a big task in front of me, but I got a trainer and began working towards my first 5K.”
Once Darren’s first 5K was complete, he registered for the Meek and Mighty triathlon in April 2009. This is where his fundraising commitment to AFAC came back into play. “I created a website and began recruiting team members and donors – together we raised $3,000 for Team Ritch.” Shortly after competing, Ritch injured his elbow and also had re-corrective surgery from an issue stemming from his prostatectomy, which set him back. However, these set-backs led him to find his true AFAC passion: running events.
After committing to a half marathon and preparing mentally and physical for the test, Darren got the “nerve to register for a full marathon,” and is currently fundraising for the full marathon in January. To date, Darren has participated in multiple duathlons, triathlons, 10K’s, 5K’s, and adventure races.
“Adventure races give you the chance to trek through woods and swamps, finding control points,” shared Darren. “You also get to mountain bike and a canoe race – much like a triathlon but in the woods. I have done three of these; they’re my favorite because they challenge me.” One of his most memorable moments as an AFAC participant was competing in one of the three adventure race, Everest Expedition at Disney World, with his wife Peggy. “We did this race together to stay in shape and prepare for upcoming challenges. It was so awesome having her by my side.”
During challenging times of training and competing, Darren gets inspiration from his faith in God, his wife Peggy and their 12 year-old son, Tyler. His experience with prostate cancer is also a primary source of motivation. “When I’m suffering during a long training run and feel as though I’m hitting a wall, I look at my blue band on my wrist and get inspired. I keep going because there are other men being diagnosed each day, and more family members mentally and emotionally struggling and worrying.”
To learn more about Darren Ritch, or to make a donation on his behalf, please visit
www.darrenritch.blogspot.com.
Darren was dedicated to his goal to participate as an Athlete for a Cure and started with the basics of training. “I was never a runner or endurance athlete,” shared Darren. “Growing up I had asthma and endurance sports were very difficult for me, so I knew I had a big task in front of me, but I got a trainer and began working towards my first 5K.”
Once Darren’s first 5K was complete, he registered for the Meek and Mighty triathlon in April 2009. This is where his fundraising commitment to AFAC came back into play. “I created a website and began recruiting team members and donors – together we raised $3,000 for Team Ritch.” Shortly after competing, Ritch injured his elbow and also had re-corrective surgery from an issue stemming from his prostatectomy, which set him back. However, these set-backs led him to find his true AFAC passion: running events.
After committing to a half marathon and preparing mentally and physical for the test, Darren got the “nerve to register for a full marathon,” and is currently fundraising for the full marathon in January. To date, Darren has participated in multiple duathlons, triathlons, 10K’s, 5K’s, and adventure races.
“Adventure races give you the chance to trek through woods and swamps, finding control points,” shared Darren. “You also get to mountain bike and a canoe race – much like a triathlon but in the woods. I have done three of these; they’re my favorite because they challenge me.” One of his most memorable moments as an AFAC participant was competing in one of the three adventure race, Everest Expedition at Disney World, with his wife Peggy. “We did this race together to stay in shape and prepare for upcoming challenges. It was so awesome having her by my side.”
During challenging times of training and competing, Darren gets inspiration from his faith in God, his wife Peggy and their 12 year-old son, Tyler. His experience with prostate cancer is also a primary source of motivation. “When I’m suffering during a long training run and feel as though I’m hitting a wall, I look at my blue band on my wrist and get inspired. I keep going because there are other men being diagnosed each day, and more family members mentally and emotionally struggling and worrying.”
To learn more about Darren Ritch, or to make a donation on his behalf, please visit
www.darrenritch.blogspot.com.