Kent Family Raises $2,000 for United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Cleveland

The McKinney family finished their second Cleveland Triathlon Presented by Life Time Fitness recently and raised $2,000 in the process.

Julie McKinney and her 13-year-old son, Devan, finished the triathlon Sunday as part of their efforts to raise money for United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Cleveland, where Devan has benefitted through therapy for nearly 10 years.

Last week, we told you about .

This week, Julie emailed her supporters to talk about their magical experience at the end of the triathlon and to thank everyone for their support. Here's what she had to say about the event:

Devan and I, as well as Dr. Sarah Adams, finished the Sprint triathlon for TEAM DEVAN.  The weather held out and we all finished strong!  We raised over $2000 to support the programs and services of UCP!  We more than doubled what we raised last year! 

The first leg was the swim (0.4 miles)- I loved my pink swim cap!  I was not able to swim as fast as I could have because we were all bunched up and I couldn't get past the kicking feet. I survived the seaweed and did just fine in the "cold" water without a wet suit.  Then on to the bike (16 miles)-  Devan was on board and chatting away.  I knew the hills would be hard, but this time I had to do the long hill twice!  My cheering section and the other riders were very encouraging.  Going down was certainly fun.  Next was the run- I was tired and it starts on an uphill but we kept running.  About half way up I made a rookie mistake and had to take my bike helmet off and throw it to my cheering section:)  We actually got to pass a few folks who were walking at this point so that was a confidence booster!  The finish was magical again.  About 50 yards before the finish we got Devan out and let him "run" across the finish line.  We were greeted by a sea of green shirts- race volunteers- but to Devan so much more than that, these were his therapists and they were all screaming for him!  

As he crossed we both got our finishers medals and lots of pictures.  Check out our personal picture in attachment, more to come.

Thanks- that doesn't seem to be a strong enough word for how I am feeling! Most importantly praise to a gracious and loving God who sustains us through all things. We are thankful for the blessing of Devan in our lives- the joy and love he brings to enrich our lives. He is the inspiration to TRI!  He has been through so much and continues to fight and rarely lets it get him down.  If he can do it, what excuse do I have?

Thanks to our cheering section on Sunday morning!  This army of blue (in their TEAM DEVAN shirts) cheered us on for the swim, bike, run and at the finish line. It was truly amazing. What an encouragement to keep going and race a little faster.  Thanks to all who braved the weather and yelled like crazy for us.

Thanks to Dr. Sarah Adams- our other member of TEAM DEVAN.  She completed her first triathlon and couldn't be happier.  She loved the race and is already talking about next year!  She was even sporting her TEAM DEVAN shirt on Monday when we saw her for Aaron's well child visit!  It was a lot of fun to train with her, share encouragement and watch her cross the finish line.  She did some amazing fundraising as well!!  Thanks so much!

To our very generous donors- you are amazing.  Thanks for reaching out to support Devan and all of the clients at UCP.  With the help of Dr. Adams we nearly tripled what we raised last year.  Go TEAM DEVAN!

To the many encouraging emails and posts to his web page- thanks!  You helped keep us motivated and focused for the race.  We had fun sharing them with Devan and he looked forward to hearing each one.

Like I said, THANKS just doesn't say enough —  I can't imagine doing a triathlon with out all of you.

Julie and Devan