TC Athlete Profile: Jared Rose
As some of you may know, I was injured in 2009 while serving in Afghanistan when the vehicle my team and I were in took a direct hit from an improvised explosive device (IED). As a result of the blast, I broke my back, took some shrapnel in the back of my legs and head, and suffered a second traumatic brain injury (a month earlier, I was hit by another IED but refused to be sent home). After I returned home, I was released to Wounded Warriors Battalion, as I was unable to continue my role as a machine gunner. While awaiting medical retirement, I began the long process of rehabilitiation. I was officially medically retired in July of last year. While in active duty, I received two Purple Hearts, a Combat Action Ribbon, an Afghan Campaign Medal, and an Iraq Campaign Medal, among others.
Through rehabilitation, I discovered cycling for the first time. Always an an avid runner, for the first time in my life I was unable to run for many months after the blasts. Before I began riding, I stumbled upon a televised triathlon and was instantly captivated. That day, I set a goal for myself: before I died, I would complete an Ironman.
The opportunity to realize this dream came sooner than I thought. I am currently training for the innaugural Ironman U.S. Championship. When I decided to enter this race, I knew I wanted it to mean something. I decided to race for Team Continuum, a not for profit organization dedicated to helping cancer patients and their families minimize the disruptions, hardships and uncertainties of everyday life so that they can focus on crucial medical care. I chose to raise money for Team Continuum because I feel personally connected to their cause.
When I returned from Iraq in 2008, I learned that my dad had been suffering from throat cancer while I was overseas. Team Continnum provides immediate and vital, non-medical assistance to cancer patients and their families. The organization provides funding to health care facilities and foundations, to enhance the delivery of care, communication and educational services for cancer patients. Thankfully, my dad had a large support network of friends and family, who banded together and raised money to cover his non-medical expenses while he was unable to work. I am happy to say that my father has been in remission since November of 2008.
However, many cancer patients still need tremendous amounts of help to win their fight against the disease. Organizations like Team Continuum are essential to many patients' battle against cancer. I am grateful that I can race the Ironman U.S. Championship for Team Continuum. My goal is to raise $5000, with proceeds going to Team Continuum in support of their efforts.
If you would like to support me in this endeavor, please click on the link below. No amount is too small. Please feel free to email me at jaredrose0331@gmail.com if you have any questions, or would like to learn more about my story.
Thank you in advance for your support. See you at the finish line!
To learn more about Jared, or to donate to his fundraising, please visit his TC fundraising page.
To learn more about Jared, or to donate to his fundraising, please visit his TC fundraising page.
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