Members of the University of Washington’s Sigma Tau Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta Fiji House fraternity completed their Border-to-Border fundraising triathlon to benefit Cancer Lifeline in record time.

It took only six days to cover the 1,500 miles of the West coast of the United States that lies between the Canadian and Mexican borders.

The triathlon, with included segments for biking, swimming and running, began Thursday, June 12, 2008 at the Peace Arch in Blaine, Wash. That evening, about 25 cyclists reached the Cancer Lifeline office in Seattle for a meal and rest break. Cancer Lifeline Board members, staffers and volunteers greeted them with a barbeque dinner to celebrate the fraternity and its fundraising efforts on behalf of the organization. 

To date, fraternity members have raised more than $21,000 for Cancer Lifeline.

The Phi Gamma Deltas chose to put themselves to the ultimate physical test because they believe it is their duty to help others in unique ways. As some of the fraternity members have been deeply affected by cancer during the past year, they chose Cancer Lifeline to spotlight the value of care giving. The organization, whose mission is, "Optimizing the quality of life for all people living with cancer," provides free support services to patients and families facing cancer.

“It is through the bonds of brotherhood and inspiration from friends and family living with cancer that we are doing this,” said fraternity member and 2008 event coordinator Andrew Ishizuka. “We believe a fraternity is more than just a place to live.”

Fraternity member Paul Hageman, who coordinated a similar event last year, said the fraternity wants to make a difference for those living with cancer. “Creating greater awareness of Cancer Lifeline’s free programs and services will, we hope, make the struggle more manageable.”

   © 2007 Cancer Lifeline

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