I am proud to share that I have decided to race in the 2018 2XU New York City Triathlon this July, all in support of pediatric cancer research and Tackle Kids Cancer.  All money raised will benefit the Children’s Cancer Institute at Hackensack Meridian Health, where I was treated. I am excited to have this opportunity to give back to the team that gave me so much and helped me get to where I am today.

As many of you know, my journey started in July before returning to college for football camp. Hearing a cancer diagnosis was the furthest thing from my mind, and nothing I could have ever been prepared for. But the doctors, nurses, child life team, and everyone at the Children's Cancer Institute and Tackle Kids Cancer helped me find light during that dark time. I was taken out of my normal routine, my college life and football for 8 months. I received countless days of chemo treatment, hospital visits and hospital stays - and I am one of the lucky ones. This hospital changed my life. They got me back to being healthy, into remission and helped me learn how to stay positive through it all. Because of them, I had the right attitude and I am thankful every day for what the experience and the people taught me. Life can change in an instance, and all we can do is never stop fighting, no matter what.

Because of the support I received from the Children's Cancer Instituate and Tackle Kids Cancer, I wanted to give back. When this opportunity came up, I couldn't think of a better way to show my appreciation and to follow the words of advice I received so often - that I can accomplish anything. I want to inspire current pediatric cancer patients and show them that there is a light at the end of this long road for them. But they cannot do it alone. We all need to keep fighting for better, more effective treatments and to find a cure.

Please join me in this journey and support me in this race. Every donation makes a big difference - $25, $50 or any amount will help me reach my goal. Pediatric cancer is the #1 cause of death by disease among children in the US and only 4% of cancer research dollars are allocated to pediatric cancer. More needs to be done and together we can make a difference!

Thank you for supporting me in this race. 

Chris Napoli