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The
Dysautonomia Foundation
thanks
Gina Feliciano and everyone who sponsored her for making the Ironman Triathlon
a great success!
The Dysautonomia Foundation congratulates Gina Feliciano on her excellent performance at the Ironman Triathlon in Madison, Wisconsin on September 12, 2004. Her goal was to complete a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride, and a 26.2 mile run in fewer than 14 hours. Instead, she stormed through the finish line at 12 hours, 57 minutes, and 9 seconds! Out of 1,973 people who completed the triathlon, she placed #872, which means she performed better than 56 percent of those who finished the event. This is an extraordinary accomplishment, especially considering that the triathlon winners are Olympic-style competitors.
We are truly grateful for Gina's generous offer to participate in this event on behalf of everyone with FD. She raised over $11,000 to support treatment, research, and awareness campaigns for FD. We are also very thankful to everyone who sponsored Gina and who encouraged their friends and family to do the same.
If you have not yet sponsored Gina but would like to contribute to this event, please do so now. Thank you!
"Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment. Full effort is victory."
Before
I began my PhD program and interest in training for triathlons I knew nothing
of this quote, but I now strive to live by this philosophy.
Gandhi’s statement highlights how I approach tasks in my life and how
the children I work with come to approach theirs.
About
Me
I
am a behavior analyst and special educator who works with children with
developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder.
In my spare time I am trying to finish my PhD at Columbia
Why
Am I Participating in the Ironman Triathlon?
I am competing to honor the memory of Zachary Berg, a former
student.
Zachary had Familial Dysautonomia (FD) and autism. FD is an Ashkenazi Jewish genetic disease that causes dysfunction of the autonomic and sensory nervous systems. FD is a life-threatening illness resulting in dangerous swings in blood pressure and body temperature, and many other symptoms. Zachary was my first in-home student and he taught me a great deal about being a teacher. His journey to learn new tasks was about effort and victory: learning to give a kiss, learning to walk, and going back to school after years of home schooling.
Gina Feliciano and Zachary Berg
My
Goals for Ironman
Both a PhD program and Ironman
require focus and motivation. I have both.
This year my focus for Ironman is to improve my time by finishing under
14 hours for a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike, and a 26.2 mile run. Last year I completed Ironman Lake Placid in
Please
Help Me Raise Funds for the Dysautonomia Foundation!
I
am asking that you help the Dysautonomia Foundation raise funds to promote
awareness about FD and to support treatment and
research for this condition. I will train for Ironman
Wisconsin, exerting effort and earning satisfaction in my journey.
Please help support my efforts and the
efforts of the Dysautonomia Foundation.
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