San Diego Natives Compete in Ironman Coeur d’Alene to Raise Funds for Dream Foundation
Iron Dreams hopes to raise $50,000 to fulfill 30 Dreams.
Santa Barbara, CA, August 06, 2016 --(PR.com)-- Dream Foundation, the only national dream-granting program for terminally-ill adults, teamed up with San Diego natives Courtney Laabs and Brooke Rinehart to raise $50,000 that will fulfill 30 Dreams. In less than one month, Laabs and Rinehart will compete in Ironman Coeur d’ Alene, something Laabs has been wanting to do for almost 10 years.
Laabs who presently lives in Whitefish, Mont., with her husband and dogs has been training over the last five months for the grueling triathlon. “This has truly been one of the most rewarding journeys I have ever taken. To have Brooke by my side has literally made it an “over the moon” experience,” says Laabs. “Partnering with Dream Foundation was the best decision we could have made. It brings a whole new light to our training regimen. We are doing this in support of not just our dreams, but other Dreams as well. We are so grateful for their support.”
In 2007, Laabs’ mother, Lori, was diagnosed with stage four adenocarcinoma at the age of 51. In an effort to cope with her grief, Laabs focused her energy on becoming an Ironman, something she had wanted to accomplish her entire life. When Lori died later that year, Laabs was unable to compete in the Ironman. Now, in honor of her mother, Laabs has taken on the challenge once again, this time with a childhood friend, Brooke Rinehart.
Rinehart, who now lives in Alabama, is a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force attending Air War College, joined Laabs for this challenging competition fueled by her passion, resiliency and commitment to sacrifice. Rinehart joined the team that would ultimately become Iron Dreams.
“To train for an Ironman is one accomplishment, to compete in it is another, but to do so in honor of men and women fighting to cherish their last breath, their final moments celebrating the most precious resource we have called time, that is an entirely different competition,” Rinehart says. “To do so with one of the most amazing human beings, Courtney Laabs, by my side (be it virtual most of the time), is an entirely different life experience.”
With her mother’s memory always driving her, Laabs wanted to make this journey more than a race. She wanted to make a difference for those who endure what her family endured. Upon learning about Dream Foundation and their mission, Laabs was determined to raise money to bring final Dreams to life. With that, Iron Dreams was formed.
“We are honored to be on this journey with Courtney and Brooke,” says Dream Foundation Chief Executive Officer Kisa Heyer. “Courtney’s story and the passion of both women speaks to all of our Dreamers and their families. We hope that this is the first of many Iron Dreams efforts.”
Donations to this effort go directly to support Dream Foundation. The organization’s work plays a critical role in special end-of-life care that focuses on improving quality of life for thousands of individuals.
For more information and ways to donate, please visit IronDreams.org.
About Dream Foundation:
Dream Foundation, the only national dream-granting organization for terminally-ill adults, fulfills final Dreams that provide inspiration, comfort and closure at the end of life. With the support of a nationwide network of volunteers, hospices, health care organizations and committed donors, Dream Foundation has given life to nearly 25,000 final Dreams over the past two decades and has never turned down a qualified applicant. Dream Foundation does not receive any federal or state funding and relies solely on individual donations and corporate partnerships to fund its programs. The Foundation is proud to maintain Charity Navigator’s four-star rating—its highest—for sound fiscal management ensuring its donors and partners that their investment will be used wisely. For more information, please visit DreamFoundation.org.
Laabs who presently lives in Whitefish, Mont., with her husband and dogs has been training over the last five months for the grueling triathlon. “This has truly been one of the most rewarding journeys I have ever taken. To have Brooke by my side has literally made it an “over the moon” experience,” says Laabs. “Partnering with Dream Foundation was the best decision we could have made. It brings a whole new light to our training regimen. We are doing this in support of not just our dreams, but other Dreams as well. We are so grateful for their support.”
In 2007, Laabs’ mother, Lori, was diagnosed with stage four adenocarcinoma at the age of 51. In an effort to cope with her grief, Laabs focused her energy on becoming an Ironman, something she had wanted to accomplish her entire life. When Lori died later that year, Laabs was unable to compete in the Ironman. Now, in honor of her mother, Laabs has taken on the challenge once again, this time with a childhood friend, Brooke Rinehart.
Rinehart, who now lives in Alabama, is a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force attending Air War College, joined Laabs for this challenging competition fueled by her passion, resiliency and commitment to sacrifice. Rinehart joined the team that would ultimately become Iron Dreams.
“To train for an Ironman is one accomplishment, to compete in it is another, but to do so in honor of men and women fighting to cherish their last breath, their final moments celebrating the most precious resource we have called time, that is an entirely different competition,” Rinehart says. “To do so with one of the most amazing human beings, Courtney Laabs, by my side (be it virtual most of the time), is an entirely different life experience.”
With her mother’s memory always driving her, Laabs wanted to make this journey more than a race. She wanted to make a difference for those who endure what her family endured. Upon learning about Dream Foundation and their mission, Laabs was determined to raise money to bring final Dreams to life. With that, Iron Dreams was formed.
“We are honored to be on this journey with Courtney and Brooke,” says Dream Foundation Chief Executive Officer Kisa Heyer. “Courtney’s story and the passion of both women speaks to all of our Dreamers and their families. We hope that this is the first of many Iron Dreams efforts.”
Donations to this effort go directly to support Dream Foundation. The organization’s work plays a critical role in special end-of-life care that focuses on improving quality of life for thousands of individuals.
For more information and ways to donate, please visit IronDreams.org.
About Dream Foundation:
Dream Foundation, the only national dream-granting organization for terminally-ill adults, fulfills final Dreams that provide inspiration, comfort and closure at the end of life. With the support of a nationwide network of volunteers, hospices, health care organizations and committed donors, Dream Foundation has given life to nearly 25,000 final Dreams over the past two decades and has never turned down a qualified applicant. Dream Foundation does not receive any federal or state funding and relies solely on individual donations and corporate partnerships to fund its programs. The Foundation is proud to maintain Charity Navigator’s four-star rating—its highest—for sound fiscal management ensuring its donors and partners that their investment will be used wisely. For more information, please visit DreamFoundation.org.
Contact
Dream Foundation
Dani Cordaro
(805) 539-2222
dreamfoundation.org
Dani Cordaro
(805) 539-2222
dreamfoundation.org
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