Do It For Duncan
In early 2016, my oldest child, Duncan Kennedy had been dealing with a bronchial infection for several weeks. He had visited a walk in clinic a few times and each time he was told to get a chest x-ray and return for a full diagnosis. As a busy 21 year old he simply never gave it the serious attention it deserved. By the evening of March 2, 2016, his breathing had become laboured and his coughing so acute that he began to cough up blood. It was finally enough to convince him to go to the hospital emergency room. At 2am, we received a call from the hospital asking us to come quickly. At 8am March 3, 2016 our son died at the age of 21 from sepsis.
Our world fell apart. There was a blur of family, funerals and condolences. And at the center of it all was this word 'sepsis'. A word few of us had heard before, and even fewer understood. We didn't know about this condition. We had no idea that it was the ninth-leading cause of disease related death. We quickly found out. We learned that Sepsis is the body's reaction to infection. Any type of infection in your body can cause sepsis, including infections of the lung, skin, urinary tract, abdomen (such as appendicitis), or other part of the body. An infection occurs when germs enter a person’s body and multiply, causing illness and organ and tissue damage.
With the help of Sepsis Alliance, we learned that ignorance of the condition among health care professionals and the public is contributing to the misdiagnosis of sepsis. Sepsis Alliance is dedicated to changing that by raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of sepsis.
Shortly after Duncan died, to deal with grief I committed myself to the important things in my life, including keeping fit. As a long time runner and marathoner, I recommitted myself to that sport, and added swimming and cycling to my regimen.
In July of 2016 I competed in my first short course triathlon. In September of 2016 I competed in my first half-Ironman triathlon. For the uninitiated, that's a 2km swim followed by a 90km bike race and wrapping up with a 21.1km half marathon.
My goal with "Team Sepsis", is compete in as many races as possible and to raise awareness about Sepsis along the way!
Unfortunately, I chose a rather cost intensive sport. Registration for a single race can run as high as $300-$400.
This is where you come in. I am looking for corporate and personal donations of cash or donations in kind of equipment to get to those races. Money raised will go towards event registration. Travel expenses, equipment purchase and promotional displays (banners, jerseys etc.)
Please note: This is NOT a funraiser for Sepsis Alliance. I am NOT a registered charity. Charitable donation reciepts will NOT be issued.
Join Team Sepsis. Compete. Raise awareness
#DoItForDuncan
