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30 Inspiring Stories in 30 Days
Rick Asselta is the epitome of strength and perseverance. The 64-year-old
has endured severe health setbacks as a result of exposure to chemical
warfare, yet he has actively completed 20 marathons whether running on
feet, on crutches or in a wheelchair.
WHO: Rick Asselta
AGE: 64
OCCUPATION: Coordinator of “Roots & Shoots” Caribbean Programs with the Jane Goodall Institute
HOMETOWN: Danbury, Connecticut and Maunabo, Puerto Rico
PREVIOUS MARATHONS: 20
RUNNER STORY: Rick Asselta does not have an easy life. In the 1960’s he
was exposed to chemical warfare which caused a number of
life-threatening results. He has survived both cancer and
the dangerous operation to remove his damaged esophagus.
While most people might spend their recovery time lounging
in front of the television or in bed with a stack of
reading material, Rick chose a more aggressive approach.
He began running to help strengthen his muscles and speed
his body’s healing process.
Rick found that running cleared his mind and kept his
attitude positive. He went on to compete in 20 marathons
including two ultra marathons! Sadly, his body could not
keep up with his ambition. It continued to deteriorate and
injuries slowed his progress. He eventually had to begin
relying on a pacemaker which forced him to slow his
activity. Rick persisted and continued to train even when
he found himself in the need of crutches. When he
eventually required the assistance of a wheelchair he
simply adjusted his training to focus more on his upper
body. He has since competed in five wheelchair marathons
and is proud of his two 1st place victories at the
Steamtown Marathon in Scranton, Penn.
Considering his past, Rick could easily claim that his
motivation for competing is purely for himself. He could
say he is trying to prove to the world that he is an
athlete who is capable of championships. However, that’s
not why he does it. While he certainly enjoys the side
effects of exercise and excitement of the races, he has a
special cause in mind. After meeting Dr. Jane Goodall, he
was convinced there was a cause worth supporting. He
traveled to Tanzania and helped develop a national sports
program for disabled adults and children. Most of the
people requiring wheelchairs are polio survivors and are
capable of using chairs that look
much like a bicycle; the only difference being that it’s
operated using hands instead of feet.
Since his return, Rick has sought to lengthen the reach of
the program and hopes to raise enough money for 200
wheelchairs! The chairs will enable adults and children to
live normal, healthy lives. Without them, they are
restricted from leaving their homes, but with them they
can go to school and help their families with simple
tasks. He has set his goals higher than ever before and
looks forward to achieving success at The 2007 LaSalle
Bank Chicago Marathon.
WEB SITE: www.wcsu.edu/cyberchimp.
RACE INFORMATION: The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon will celebrate
its 30th anniversary on Sunday, October 7, 2007 as 45,000
participants advance to the start line, embarking on the
culmination of 45,000 personal journeys. Along with the
massive field of recreational runners, the 26.2-mile
course will welcome a full field of world renowned
professional athletes drawn to the flat, fast, urban
setting and the potential to break world and national
records. The professionals will compete for prize money
and points in the World Marathon Majors series which will
crown its first male and female champions with $500,000
each at the close of 2007. Since the inception of its
charity program in 2002, The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon
has generated more than $27.5 million for a variety of
charitable causes including $9.5 million in the 2006 event
alone. Registration for the race opened on January 1, 2007
and closed when it reached capacity on April 18.
Rick’s story and all previously released runner stories
are available at ChicagoMarathon.com.
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