Fritchman memorial race raises funds for UD swim scholarship
Sometimes it takes tragedy to help us see how lucky we are to be alive. And other times there are special people who show us how to act when faced with adversity. For me, Kelly Fritchman was such as person.
You see, Kelly was born with a deadly disease called cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that attacks the lungs and digestive system and carries a life expectancy of 30 years or less.
If you knew Kelly, you probably didn’t know she had this disease because she never let it slow her down. She ran races, she swam laps, she biked on the roads and she lifted weights. It seemed as if there was nothing Kelly couldn’t do.
Instead of viewing her disease as a limitation, she embraced life with an energy and positive attitude that was felt by everyone who came into contact with her.
In addition to our friendship, I was also Kelly’s trainer. Together we organized training programs to help her stay strong and healthy with the hopes of prolonging her life.
It was during this time that I grew to admire her even more. I began to realize that Kelly was teaching me much more than I could ever give her. She showed me that life is a gift not to be taken lightly and that one should never waste time sweating the small stuff.
To Kelly, her disease was just a part of living. I never once heard her complain, get angry or talk of giving up; she just did the best she could with the cards that were dealt her.
She told me she wanted to return to the athlete she once was in college, and she would be back on top of the world again, but this time it wasn’t to be.
Unfortunately, Kelly was taken away from us two short years ago, but to honor her memory friends, family and people from all over get together once a year and celebrate her life by competing in a 5K named after her.
The gun will sound at 8 a.m., Saturday, July 16, at Irish Eyes Pub and Restaurant in Lewes to start the 2nd Annual Kelly J. Fritchman Memorial 5K.
The race will be a very fitting way to celebrate the life of a woman who used physical fitness to overcome a disease and gain better quality of life. More importantly, it will help another young person fulfill their dreams.
The proceeds will establish a scholarship for future members of the University of Delaware swim team, to be awarded to a varsity team member who displays courage, sprit, determination, strength, competitiveness and inspiration.
The winner of the scholarship will be chosen by the University of Delaware head swim coach on an annual basis, and the scholarship will ensure that Kelly’s name will always be remembered for the character she displayed as a person and collegiate athlete.
Come join us and celebrate the life of Kelly Fritchman by participating in the race. If you are not a runner, you can still contribute by walking the course. Early registration will be offered through Wednesday July 13, for a cost of $18; cost is $25 after the July 13 deadline through race day.
You may also make a tax-deductible gift by sending a check to University of Delaware Athletic Fund, with reference in the memo section for the Kelly J. Fritchman Swimming Scholarship. Send the check to UDAF, Bob Carpenter Center, Newark, DE 19716.
For more information about the race contact Wayne Kursh at 302-654-6400 or wayne@races2run.com.
