On December 15th, Josh Begley will be trading his sneakers for swim caps and cycling shoes as he takes on Ironman 70.3 Florida—his very first triathlon. This race is more than just a test of endurance; it’s a labor of love and a mission to make a difference. Josh is racing to raise funds for the Raymond A. Wood Foundation, a nonprofit that supports survivors of hypothalamic-pituitary brain tumors and their caregivers.
This cause is deeply personal to Josh. His brother Matt was diagnosed with a craniopharyngioma, a rare and aggressive benign brain tumor, in early 2023. The tumor, which was the size of a golf ball, caused debilitating headaches and impaired vision as it pressed against Matt’s pituitary gland and optic nerve.
The journey to recovery hasn’t been easy. Matt underwent surgery and radiation treatments, which significantly improved his condition. Along the way, the Raymond A. Wood Foundation played a crucial role as a resource, providing access to educational materials and information that guided Matt’s care.
What is Craniopharyngioma?
Craniopharyngiomas are rare, non-cancerous tumors that grow near the pituitary gland. Although they are more common in children, adults can also be affected. These tumors can cause a range of complications due to their location near critical brain structures, including vision loss, hormonal imbalances, and neurological issues.
The Raymond A. Wood Foundation empowers survivors of these tumors to navigate life after diagnosis. The organization provides access to education, innovative technology, and evolving treatments that improve quality of life.
Josh’s Race for Awareness and Support
For Josh, the Ironman isn’t just a race; it’s a platform to raise awareness about craniopharyngioma and the importance of the Raymond A. Wood Foundation’s mission. “Every stroke in the water, every mile on the bike, and every step on the run will be for Matt and the countless others facing similar challenges,” Josh shares.
By taking on the grueling 70.3-mile triathlon—comprising a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run—Josh hopes to rally support for this critical cause.
How You Can Help
Josh invites you to join him in making a difference. Your donation to his campaign will directly support the Raymond A. Wood Foundation, helping them continue to provide life-changing resources for survivors and their caregivers.
Together, we can fuel Josh’s journey and bring hope to families like his. Let’s cheer him on as he crosses the finish line and makes an impact for hypothalamic-pituitary brain tumor survivors!
Wish Josh luck on December 15th at Ironman 70.3 Florida, and support his fundraiser by visiting his GoFundMe.
Inspiring Thoughts from Josh
“I’m honored to compete in this race, not just for myself, but for Matt and everyone who battles these tumors. The journey has taught me that strength comes not only from within but also from the incredible support of a community. Thank you for helping me give back to the Raymond A. Wood Foundation and the people it serves.”
Let’s make every mile count!
Support Josh’s Ironman
