February 14, 2003

Dear Friends:

I have spent my life aggressively pursuing my dreams and goals. Next Saturday, February 22nd, I hope to continue this by skiing my sixth 51K American Birkebeiner Cross Country Ski Race from Cable to Hayward, WI. Like you, I am presently undergoing chemotherapy at Minnesota Oncology Hematology. But I will not let my life be dominated by this disease.

Gear West, a local ski, run and bike shop, donated this suit for this race so I could carry the names of my fellow patients battling cancer as I do battle with the challenging hills of the "Birkie". My hope is to inspire you to keep your dreams, to fight and to have faith that better days are ahead.

I was diagnosed with a low-grade brain tumor in 1998. Thanks to the care of numerous skilled doctors, the love of family and friends, and the grace of our Lord, my recovery has been strong. I began a new round of my battle in January 2003 and anticipated six months of chemotherapy. But I am determined to continue living my life as normally as possible, which includes training and competing.

I have been a competitive athlete for 30 years. I swam and played Water Polo in college. I am a veteran of eight running marathons, 11 ski marathons, and nearly 100 triathlons and shorter running races. I swam under the Golden Gate Bridge twice and swam from Alcatraz to San Francisco on my way to being a top amateur at the 1989 Alcatraz Challenge Triathlon. Last year I biked 125 miles over a weekend with Lance Armstrong, and in the process raised $22,000 for his foundation. I intend to be by his side again next fall.

My current battle is as difficult as anything I have ever faced, but I will persevere. I am committed to being a survivor, not a victim.

Jim Owens
jimswim@mn.rr.com