In 2017, I started my 7x7 Challenge, a DIY Team In Training (TNT) activity to complete a triathlon on each of the seven continents and to raise $49,000 to benefit Blood Cancer United (7x7=49). The first six continents (Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, and South America) were pretty straightforward, although it did take me three attempts to complete a triathlon in South America (but that's another story). But there was no swim/bike/run triathlon competition held in Antarctica, so I had to work with a race director (Steve Hibbs of Marathon Adventures) to create one. It was six and a half years in the making due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, bird flu scares, and government permitting issues, but on December 8, 2025, six triathletes (including me) finished the White Continent Triathlon, the first swim/bike/run triathlon competition held in Antarctica. This marked the successful completion of the 7x7 Challenge, my seventh triathlon on my seventh continent, and over $57,000 raised to benefit Blood Cancer United! While what I do to raise funds through my triathlon adventures might seem hard, it's nothing compared to how hard I see people close to me working to survive blood cancer. I'm happy to do what I can to help them and all the other patients and research that Blood Cancer United supports.
Note: My triathlon career started in 1999 with Team In Training, where I completed eight seasons as a participant and captain. I've also supported Blood Cancer United (formerly LLS) as the 2001 Silicon Valley Man of the Year, through my 50x50x50 Challenge (50 triathlons in 50 states by the time I turned 50 to raise $50,000 for LLS) and as a Board member for the Greater Bay Area Chapter from 2010-2014. Over the past 26 years, I've completed over 200 triathlons and raised over $150,000 to benefit first The Leukemia Society of America, then The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and now Blood Cancer United!
Dave
Supporter and fundraiser
