Triathlete Profile

	Name:	Jeff Klaas
	Age:	34
	Race:	2005 Ford Ironman World Championship Kona, Hawaii October 15th 2005
	Goal:	Raise funding and awareness for thyroid research

In December of 2000 while training for a triathlon I felt a small lump in my throat and assumed I was getting the flu. Nearly one month later a tumor the size of an oversized golf ball was found on my thyroid. At the time I had no idea what the thyroid gland was and why I needed one.

Three surgeries, two radioactive iodine treatments, hundreds of blood tests, and nearly four years later the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes near my lungs and throughout the neck. I still have thyroid cancer and have made great progress in treating my disease.

I now know a lot more about the thyroid gland than I thought I ever would.

As a thyroid cancer patient and survivor, TriFoundation represents an opportunity to build and raise awareness about a gland that can cause so many problems and will likely affect one out of four people during their lifetime.

For me, TriFoundation and my event, the 2005 Ford Ironman World Championship in Hawaii, represent a opportunity of a lifetime. For many people thyroid disease and thyroid cancer in my case can disrupt if not deplete ones spirit and ability to enjoy an active life.

I hope to raise money and awareness about thyroid cancer and hopefully show others that not only is living with cancer possible but anything is possible.

I am proud to represent TriFoundation, its sponsors, and volunteers at the foundation. To me, the 2005 Ford Ironman World Championship in Hawaii represent one of the most demanding single day events in athletic competition. I hope to show others with cancer to never give up and to never stop living life.

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