By Olivia Arcuri
This summer, I embarked on a journey that left me more fulfilled than I could have ever imagined. Training for a Half Ironman is no small feat, but when I decided to fundraise for Gilda’s Club along the way, my journey became so much more than just a personal challenge. It transformed into a mission to honor those we have lost to cancer, to support those facing cancer today, and to create a community that was able to make an INCREDIBLE impact for a special local organization. Through this, I truly learned the importance of turning my strengths into a force for good.
My name is Olivia, I am a 24-year-old UW Madison alumna who has always had a love for staying active and giving back to my community. After graduating, I realized I needed a new challenge to keep my busy lifestyle invigorated. That’s when I decided to take on the Wisconsin Half Ironman. My inspiration came from volunteering at Ironman Wisconsin 2022. As an avid runner, I was captivated watching the triathletes compete; despite not owning a bike or having swum a lap in a pool, I was determined to chase the dream of racing in the Wisconsin Half Ironman (1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run—yes, I was feeling pretty bold).
Something else about me, I love my family more than anything in the world. Family means everything to me, and losing both my Uncle Ron and Grandpa Knox to cancer in recent years was a profound loss that reshaped my perspective on life. Their strength and love continue to inspire me, motivating me to cherish every moment and honor their memory by living fully and embracing every challenge. Having witnessed the toll cancer takes on families, I was determined to make an impact as a way to honor my Uncle and Grandpa. As I was preparing for my upcoming Half Ironman, I decided to pair my training with a fundraiser. Given the significance of the race, I felt it fitting to invite my supporters to help raise money for a cause that touches virtually everyone.
My goal was to find a local organization that uplifted those affected by cancer. That is when I came across Gilda’s Club. I was initially moved by Gilda’s mission that “no one faces cancer alone.” Upon my first visit to the organization, I was beyond impressed by how the club provides all types of care and activities for patients and family members of all ages, in an environment that feels like home upon entry. I quickly realized that this was meant to be.
I set a goal to raise $50 for every mile of the 70.3 race, aiming for a total of $3,515 by race day on September 7th. This race and the donations would honor my Uncle, Grandpa, and all those remembered through messages left by donors. I knew this endeavor was going to take a lot of hard work, but knowing I would be contributing to something far greater than myself gave me the strength I needed to achieve my big goal.
As my fundraiser gained momentum, and I was in the depths of my training, the support I began to receive was overwhelming. Friends and family filled my website with encouraging messages, stories of loved ones affected by cancer, and notes of inspiration that positively impacted my journey to the starting line. I’ll be honest: training for a race like this can get really lonely. My weekends were filled with four-hour bike rides and early morning long runs. But what made it all easier and so worth it was the constant support that was flowing through all summer via my fundraising website. On days when I had low energy, that was quickly changed when I reminded myself of what this was all for.
I reached my fundraising goal a month early, on August 6th. That was an emotional day for me. I was so thrilled that my community was just as excited and passionate about supporting Gilda’s Club as I was.
By race day, I had raised over $4,000 for Gilda’s. I had already won before I even stepped up to the starting line. Every mile ahead of me felt like icing on the cake, which helped take all of the typical race day nerves away. I remember having the time of my life out on the course, being powered by the support and love from my fundraising efforts as I raced for something much bigger than myself.
I will forever cherish the feeling of crossing the red-carpet finish line of the Half Ironman, surrounded by family and friends, celebrating both an incredibly challenging endeavor and an incredibly impactful fundraiser.
We raised $4,050.24, which allowed Gilda’s Club to provide 109 hours of individual and family counseling, helping the organization move closer to reducing their waitlist. Fundraising for Gilda’s Club is an experience unlike any other. I have never encountered a nonprofit organization that expresses such deep gratitude for its donors, volunteers, and advocates. The personal touch of reaching out with phone calls and handwritten letters to every donor was remarkable and appreciated by all who participated in the fundraiser.
The immense joy and strength I discovered through this journey is hard to articulate. Selfishly, I feel I was impacted just as much as the cancer warriors we aimed to support. I am incredibly grateful to have found Gilda’s Club; their genuine appreciation and the life-changing services they provide are unmatched. If I could leave anyone with a piece of advice, it would be to turn your strengths into a force for good and recognize the significant impact you can have on others while fulfilling your own potential. Conducting this fundraiser was a privilege, and I hope sharing my story inspires others to realize that with hard work and determination, they can make a profound impact on their community and become better versions of themselves in the process.
What a beautiful tribute to your uncle, your grandfather and so many others you brought along with you on this journey. So very proud of all the hard work and love you put in.