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On Monday, August 3, 2020, we challenged the iFIT community to participate in an iFIT workout that features Tommy Rivs Puzey. Tommy is in an intensive care unit in Arizona, being treated for an aggressive form of cancer known as Primary Pulmonary NK T-Cell Lymphoma. For every mile iFIT members ran, walked, or cycled, we pledged to donate $1 to Tommy and his family. The final results were nothing short of incredible.
Participants came from 81 countries to complete 32,934 workouts, covering 106,751 miles...all for 1 incredible man.
$106,751+ will be donated to Tommy and his family.
We invited users to share their photos and stories with us on social media, and we were amazed by what they had to say. There were stories of incredible strength, inspiring tales of effort, and reminders of the profound impact Tommy has had on all of our lives.
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer in March, and many of Tommy’s sayings stayed with me. When I couldn’t get off of the couch, I’d hear him saying, ‘Okay, guys. Here we go.’ It was like having him telling me to get back on my feet. Then, when I heard about his illness, I wanted to give back to him in some small way. Getting back on my bike for the first time in his name felt like a grand honor.”
“I ran 16 miles on Monday.
“It was a fun day with Tommy. For breakfast, we started running in a gorge in Slovenia and then went for a run in a desert in Bolivia. During lunch, we ran on a beach in Costa Rica and then finished off the day running down the Grand Canyon.
“I learned so much from Tommy about running during those 16 miles. He taught me about sea turtles, Slovenian history, Bolivian Hot Springs, rock formations, and much, much more. I couldn't ask for a better running trainer and teacher. He's reignited my passion for distance running, which had been gone for a while.”
“My daughter is fighting Leukemia, so her energy is low, but she wanted to help Tommy. So she got on our treadmill for 5 minutes in her Harry Potter pajamas and walked with him. My daughter once told another child fighting cancer to be brave and not to be scared. If she could talk to Tommy, I think she would tell him the same thing.”
“I was unable to run with iFIT on the treadmill on August 3. Instead, in true Rivs fashion, I headed out early to explore a new section of the coastline in south Wales. I ran 7 miles between Caswell Bay and Oxwich Bay. In a very real sense, I ran with Rivs. I had Tommy’s voice in my head the entire way. ‘Stay vertical’ and a hundred other wise words went through my mind as I ran. As Tommy talks to me when I run with iFIT, I find myself talking to him, sometimes out loud.
“When I rounded a headland on Monday and saw stunning views, I found myself saying, ‘Look at this, Tommy. It’s breathtaking.’ As long as I run, I will have Tommy’s voice in my head, especially on such a beautiful run as this morning’s. My life is all the richer for it.”
“Tommy has inspired me to become a healthier person. The least I can do is to help Tommy and his family have a promising outcome. Through Tommy's programs, I feel a sense of connection, as if he is my cheerleader. Well, now I can cheer for him, too!
“Every day, I become stronger and healthier than I was the day before. He has inspired me to work harder on my career goals as well as my health goals. I have dropped 2 pant sizes, and I look forward to my daily workouts. It is no longer a chore, but more of a reward. My workouts now are rewarding AND inspiring. My goals change each month as I strive to move the bar higher as I grow stronger. That’s all thanks to Tommy.”
“Life is almost at a standstill, waiting for a coach we have never personally met, yet one who has had a great impact on the lives of many across the world. How extraordinary it is for one young man, with such a gentle soul, to impact so many.
“His passion for running, his knowledge of history, culture, linguistics, geology, archaeology, botany, health, and wellness draws you in. You return for the next run to hear the next lesson or story. You laugh with him, you learn from him, and you start using his expressions. You watch him interact with people and animals along the way, realizing what a kind soul he has.
“The love, the care, and the inspiration...Tommy is still teaching us—through his family, through folks all over the world—there is hope and there is unity. We learn and are awakened to the fact that people everywhere are good, and we have a common bond: Tommy Rivs.
“We continue this journey of hope, and honor Tommy Rivs Puzey. We take every step for Rivs, inhale and exhale for Rivs, continue praying for Rivs, and we use our inner strength for Rivs, because those are things he taught us to do.”
Thank you for your generosity and dedication to Tommy. You inspire us and remind us that we are all #TeamRivs.
Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.
February 9, 2023
