I’m honored that you’ve taken the time out to reflect upon my decision to fight the odds and complete my ambition to achieve Ironman Glory.

Like yourself, I’ve been forced to think outside the box with many different situations. And the more I learn, the more I realize I really don’t know.

July 25th 2009, I was diagnosed with recurrent stage four cancer. Since then I have committed my time and effort to not only fight for myself, but for all the people that have suffered from watching me endure cancer treatment. Watching my family and friends in pain from being subjected to witness my hardship was something that shook me to the core.

Therefore I will take advantage of every second I have on this earth. Whether I am here for 2 days or 100 years every moment is dedicated towards protecting my loved ones by taking care of my health, and educating people about my situation so they have a self-awareness incase they are confronted with similar challenges.

Besides the whole cancer treatment, chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation and aphaeresis (dialysis), training for the Ironman, and gaining support to get there. I’m also starting a Non Profit, TEAM TRESKA, that is geared towards assisting people from all walks of life without demographic limitation.

Most importantly I want to inform. There are many people out there that are unaware of the subsequent physical reactions to cancer and chemotherapy treatment. I’m making strides to give them a first person’s account of what it’s like.

Since last June I went from peak physical condition, to terminal diagnosis, and now to a 60% success rate. As easy as this is to say, adequately conveying the process is a bit more challenging. Although I’m making an effort to remedy that.

I have a facebook page TEAM TRESKA with a modest following, and I’m in the middle of building a website. I’d like to invite you and anyone who is curious about my condition to view my pictorials and publication in my photo album in an effort to help understand cancer and chemotherapy. And if nothing at all, try to explain why I have to wear a mask in public (neutropenia).

“If communication is the key, then information is the power that turns it.”

Thank you for supporting me, and allowing me into your club. I assure you I will not let you down.

Respectfully,
Clayton Treska

This is why I gave those circulars in my goody bag, from the CAF silent auction, to my friends at work. You rock.