Hope - Courage - Love
TEAM TEXAS SNOWDROP, IN COLLABORATION WITH ULTRA RUNNER CONNIE GARDNER, RAISES MONEY TO FIGHT PEDIATRIC CANCER!
When Team Texas and Connie Gardner first combined forces, Collin Kiousis was in the fight of his live. He was battled two forms of cancer. A mere 4 days after Connie ran 202 miles at the Snowdrop Ultra 55, Collin died. Read below to read their Aunt-Nephew story.
Connie and Collin had a lot in common. Connie is an award winning ultra-marathoner who has won 11 USATF Championships. She set a record in 2012 for running close to 150 miles at the 24 hour Championships in Poland. She was won 3 National Titles in 3 consecutive months, as well as, being named USA Track and Field Ultra Runner of the Year in 2003. She is also a 9 time USA Track and Field National Champion. During many of Connies races, her biggest cheerleader in attendance was her nephew, Collin Kiousis.
Collin always participated in sports and began running 5Ks in elementary school. While in middle school, he completed, along with his mom, his first 1/2 marathon. In high school, Collin earned 2 Varsity letters while being a member of the lacrosse, soccer and cross country teams. During many of Collins athletic events, his biggest cheerleader in attendance was his aunt, Connie Gardner.
You would have been hard pressed to find a more dynamic Aunt-Nephew duo than these two! It's Aunt Con who is now honoring Collin with her running. Collin was diagnosed with a very rare abdominal cancer before his senior year in high school. He endured many lengthy surgeries and rounds of chemo. Despite this, he graduated with his class and attended Akron University last year. It was his aunt who organized the first 5k that supported Collin when he was first diagnosed; and it is Connie who continues to support Collins non-profit foundation, CollinCaresCureCancer. This nonprofit raises money for local families dealing with cancer.
Collin was a courageous fighter. Please consider honoring him by joining Connie in this fight with a donation in his honor to the Snowdrop Foundation.