Brain Tumor Survivor Takes on World Ironman Challenge

Tom Tucker is a man on a mission.

Kona, Hawaii (PRWEB) September 21, 2005 -- One year ago, 32 year old Tom Tucker thought his biggest challenge would be his next Ironman triathlon. Then his doctor told him he had a brain tumor, and he realized he had an even bigger challenge.

Following surgery to remove most of the tumor, Tom was more determined than ever to build himself up for the Ironman competitions in Australia and Canada. He completed both events with championship times and qualified for Ironman Hawaii -- the World Ironman Championship to be held in Kona on October 15th.

at least it's not cancer.

Somewhere along the way, Tom also found time to create an organization called T4T to raise awareness about brain tumors and to raise funds for brain tumor research. To date, he has raised more than $200,000 for organizations in Australia and Canada. For his United States competition, he has teamed up with the not-for-profit American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA).

Tom's parents, Ron and Judy Tucker, recall one of their first reactions when they learned of Tom's brain tumor was the realization they knew very little about brain tumors. Tom himself joked when he first heard the diagnosis, saying, "at least it's not cancer." He was shocked when his doctor told him that his tumor was indeed cancerous.

Today, Tom, his wife Kim, also a triathlete, and his family focus their efforts on fundraising for brain tumor research because they know "what others go through when they hear that they are facing a similar crisis." In addition to funding brain tumor research, each year ABTA responds to more than 500,000 requests for information about brain tumors, treatment options and available support services.

For more information about Tom Tucker and T4T visit their website at www.T4Tcan.com. To learn more about the American Brain Tumor Association, visit www.abta.org.

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