Derailed But Not Deterred: MRI-Sponsored Triathlete Delivers on Fundraising Promise, Determined to Race in 2009 Ford Ironman World Championship

As part of his plans to race in the 2008 Ford Ironman World Championship (the "holy grail" of triathlons), amateur triathlete Steven S. Spitz, age 40, has raised over $10,500 for the Vitamin Angels charity. Vitamin Angels is dedicated to reducing the instance of childhood blindness and mortality due to micronutrient deficiencies. Vitamin Angels' Operation 20/20 is working hard to eliminate vitamin A deficiency worldwide by 2020.

"Unfortunately, many children around the world are malnourished due to poverty and other conditions," says Mr. Spitz, "and this can lead to many devastating health challenges, including blindness caused by vitamin A deficiency." He continues, "It was a privilege raising funds for Vitamin Angels which, in 2008 alone, provided over 7 million children in 17 countries the necessary nutrients to save their eyesight. Most amazing is that it costs only 25 cents annually to save a child's vision."

Spitz was able to link his fundraising efforts with Vitamin Angels via the Janus Charity Challenge as part of the 2008 Ford Ironman World Championship. Because Spitz was one of the top fundraisers in 2008, Vitamin Angels received an additional grant from Janus. However, an accident and resulting broken collarbone...

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