The Gals for Cal Team
A few words about each of us, how we know each other, our triathalon thoughts and why we joined Gals for Cal.
Cindy Quitzau
I am doing this triathlon for my son Calvin who is 7 years old. Calvin is fighting the fight of his life: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. This will be my first triathlon. Actually, I have never considered myself an athlete, ever. At this point, my personal best is about a 2 mile run and I haven't even done that in many years!! But I am doing this for Calvin because, if there is not one day soon better therapies or a cure, Calvin will never swim, bike or run as a teenager. I am doing this beause I can do it for him! In addition, I am doing this with a tremendous group of women who have all taken on an enormous and impressive personal physical challenge themselves. Most of them have never done this type of thing before either! Some of them I have never even met! But all of them are inspired by my son, Calvin. There is nothing more touching to a mother's heart than knowing others will make personal sacrifices for your own son. To all the Gals for Cal, I love you!
Kathy Stubbs
I first met Cindy up in Vermont through Sue and Leo many years ago. We really became close friends about the time we were starting our families. Calvin, Emily and Jacob are about the same age as Jack, and our kids have grown up together. I feel like the Qs are not just friends, but family. I have had a goal to do a triathlon for a while and was wondering how I could roll it into a fundraiser for the Jett Foundation when I talked to Sue. She said she was doing one and thinking the same thing!!! Now we have a great site, a great team of friends and women who have come together for a great cause and a great kid!!! I marvel at how all of the pieces fell into place so wonderfully. I am looking forward to the challenge, the accomplishment and the connection to friends. I love Cal's phrase and our new motto "livin' large"....out of the mouths of babes. What a reminder to seize every moment of every day!
Susan Robinson
I am so excited to be a part of the Gals for Cal team! This will be my first triathlon and a huge challenge for me since I don't regularly swim, bike or run! I have known Cal's parents, Curt and Cindy, since Leo first brought me to the Quechee condo in winter 1987. We have had so many good times at the Vermont house and elsewhere over the years (love you guys!). In 2002, my mom and I would visit the Qs once a week after the triplets were born, taking turns holding and feeding Emily, Jacob and Calvin -- they were adorable! I get such a kick out of Cal -- he makes me smile, and often laugh, every time I see him. I am so happy to have a way to combine the physical challenge of the triathlon with a way to raise money to support the Jett Foundation, Curt and Cindy, and Calvin who reminds me to "live large" every day.
Denise Simmons
Words can’t describe how excited I am to be participating in this Triathlon. I have never swam or competed in a cycling event any day of my life. But, because of this grand cause (the Jett Foundation); I am inspired to take on the challenge. Cindy and Curt have been a part of the Simmons’ family lives for over 20 years and that has been a true blessing! Emily, Calvin and Jake light up a room and our lives each and every time we see them! We have all been through a lot together and this is one more chapter, of my life, that I will take on with shear enthusiasm. The entire Quitzau family continually reminds me to take each day, challenge, and life as it comes with true optimism and hope!
Cheryl Stys
Curt and Cindy have been a part of my life for over 25 years, beginning with college and taking part in each others wedding parties. They are family. As a matter of fact, our children call each other ‘fake’ cousins! I truly enjoy the many life experiences we share together. This is my first triathlon, and I have to say, it’s never really been on my ‘list of things to do’. However, I am inspired by all the Q’s to take part in this amazing event; Curt and Cindy’s unconditional love and devotion to their children gives me strength, Jake teaches me to appreciate the little things in life and that small steps can lead to something great (he recently learned to ski), Emily exudes confidence and is a great cheerleader, and Calvin reminds me that smiles are contagious and life is for living! That’s how I will get over my fear of the water, the unflattering outfit we all plan to wear, and the hard work in front of us. I know we can all finish this race with our heads high and a smile across our face, because we know that Calvin will be at the finish line to cheer us on, make us laugh, and remind us that we can make a difference in his life. She swims, she rides, she runs, she ROX!
Nancy Glendinning
It's an honor, privilege and pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful group of women who, in what seemed like moments, jumped at the opportunity to participate in this event. Above and beyond the physical challenge - which I don't think I have fully comprehended yet - is the chance to support the Jett Foundation, and the Quitzau's, in their efforts to raise both money and awareness of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. For Cal - who inspires us all to be "livin' large" and give great hugs to those we love! You Rock, Gals for Cal Team!
Susie O'Gara
The Gals for Cal are an amazing group of women. Some of you are friends from Marshfield. Others I’ve gotten to know through book groups and BagLadies weekends. One of you has been my friend and partner-in-crime since 6th grade! And the rest, you are the friends I haven’t made yet. As a mother of a child with special needs, I am personally motivated to put an end to genetic disorders and diseases. This is my small way to support Cal and the Jett Foundation. I’m honored to part of this impressive group of women.
To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe. Anatole France
Jane Richard
After hearing about the triathalon and the plan to raise funds for the Jett Foundation, the Quitzau's and Cal's fight against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, I knew I had to participate because I can....I can run, I can swim and I can bike. I am doing this so kids like Cal, diagnosed with DMD can continue to run, to swim and to bike and can be "Livin' large" for years to come. I am inspired by him and the Gals for Cal team to complete my first triathlon.
Melanie Edwards
I am very excited to be part of such an amazing event. I am thrilled to be helping Calvin and the Quitzau family’s endeavor to fund research to fight DMD and thrilled to be challenging myself with the task of completing my first triathlon (albeit sprint, and only the running and biking)! I met Cindy and Curt over 10 years ago and they have been wonderful friends ever since. Cindy and I were at Women & Infants at the same time for the births of our first children. My son, Ryan, was born just three days after the triplets. Since then, Cindy and I have experienced motherhood and it’s challenges simultaneously! We have spent many hours discussing the kids and motherhood, worrying over our children, sharing parenting advice and offering much needed support. And although her challenges are greater than mine, she has always been there for me and she has never belittled my questions or concerns. Not only that, she continues to be eternally upbeat and hopeful and is an inspiration to me. I am so happy to help such a wonderful friend!
Caryn Montella
I met Curt and Cindy in our " years before kids" through my sister, Cheryl Stys. As time passed we both married and had children. Being an elementary school teacher, I enjoy the time I have time spent with the Quitzau children at the "ski house" or on Cape Cod. I continue to be amazed with Curt and Cindy and all they have experienced in being "first time parents" and acting like pros. I came into this triathlon through an email from my sister that stated, "I can ask my sister - she was a swimmer in junior high". So I replied and here I am. I will be swimming on the "two person team" with Cindy doing two events! I did do a triathlon years and years ago and Cindy, you'll be glad to know I did very well with the swimming but lets say I am glad YOU are doing the rest. I am thrilled to be joining this group of committed women in raising money for the Jett Foundation and awareness of DMD in Calvin's honor. Thanks for asking me to be one of Cal's Gals!
Sheryl Bierden
When my competitive swimming career ended in 1995 I thought I had done all I could with the sport. I couldn't have been more wrong. I strongly feel it is our obligation in life to use our God given talents to do what we can to make the world a better place. This can mean vastly different things for different people. For me it is using my talent in the water to raise awareness and funds for worthy causes. In the past I have participated in events to raise money for cancer research. I am so happy to this year add supporting research efforts aimed at battling Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. I am honored to have been asked to be part of a triathlon team, and thankful that I will only be doing the swim!
Mal Noonan
I'm dedicating this tri to a little boy I've never met. I've never even met his parents, but my family has been touched by childhood illness...several times. So many times that I found myself paralyzed when it comes to trying to make a difference for the future. Right now I've come to the conclusion that for me, writing my check to the foundations I support is no longer enough. Here is a little boy right here, right now, who is "living large" and just hearing about him and his family through Sue and Leo, motivates me to try and make a difference. There are so many worthy causes, so many families desperate for hope...it's time for me to take action and be a part of giving someone hope.
Marie Kurmin
I joined Gals for Cal after Sue Robinson told me that she was doing this triathlon for Calvin. I have known Curt Quitzau for 27 years (yikes)—back to the days of marching band at URI—go percussion section!! What a special friend he is. Calvin has learned from the best hugger around! I have never done a triathalon before but Mal says I can do it and Cindy and Curt certainly give me the courage to do this. They are such strong people that I can only say that this challenge of swimming, biking and running will be a drop in the bucket compared to their strength. I look forward to completing this triathlon with this wonderful group of women and to help fund research for the Jett Foundation.
Barb Bierden
Hi everyone, I am Sue Robinson's sister in-law (her brother, Pete's, wife) and know the Quitzau's through various family functions, VT ski weekends, and of course updates from the Robinsons. I am so excited to be doing this triathalon with you all and for such a good cause! I first heard about this tri last year from my spin instructor and toyed with the idea of doing it, but the timing was just a bit off. The moons aligned this year and WOW! I can't wait to be doing my first official tri with such a great group! Happy training everyone (just think of all the benefits we are going to get!)
Janet Kastrud
I am so excited to be doing my first triathlon with such an amazing group of women. I haven’t met everyone yet but I’m looking forward to meeting and training with everyone soon. I’ve always wanted to do something like this to see how far I could push myself and see what I could accomplish when I put my mind to it. But to be doing this with such a great group of women in order to raise awareness for such an important cause is really what makes this experience so powerful. I have not met Cal yet but I am already inspired by him and his motto of “living large”. I am honored to be part of the Gals for Cals Team in the fight against DMD. I can’t wait to get started!
Jody Bowen
I am inspired to put my best foot forward and be part of something that is a challenge to myself and a challenge to step up for a great cause and help support "Gals for Cal". Like many of you, this is my first triathlon and if I'm going to do it, I want to make it count for something larger. Susie, my childhood BFF from Hull and fellow Marshfield resident, told me about the Jett Foundation and about Calvin and his family. I am honored to be part of this group of women who want to help in the fight against DMD (and I am now one more person who knows about it and can spread the word!). Things happen in life as we know, and we have to have faith that there's truly an important "why" behind it. This race for us, I believe, is part of that "why" and I look forward to meeting all of you as we strategize, train, motivate and celebrate together!
Amber Waterhouse
Helena Walsh
Go Gals For Cal! What a great opportunity to share one's exuberance for helping DMD as well as embark upon a great personal challenge & adventure - especially in the face of leading VERY busy lives. Thanks to all the incredible women with the energy, drive, and desire to help make this world a better place. Here's looking forward to summer ... and a great race! (Hopefully I can pull myself together in time:)
Kim Matheson
First I should thank my friend and co-worker Nancy, for inviting me to participate in this amazing opportunity, this is definitely not something I would pursue on my own. Being a mom of two little girls is the greatest gift and joy of my life. Hearing Cal's story inspired me to get up off my behind and join this motivated group of women. I am nervous and excited at the same time, but mostly excited to meet and be part of a team with these fantastic women. Hopefully I will have the honor of meeting Cal and his siblings as well. I want to thank all of you who will support me and my team both emotionally and financially. I ask that you keep us all in your thoughts and prayers as we train and work towards helping to find a cure for DMD.
Megan Peck
I am very excited and nervous about this upcoming Triathlon. I have never competed in an event like this before so I know this will be a mental and physical challenge for me. With that said this small challenge of mine is nothing to Cal and his family who are challenged every day. I do not know Cal or his family but I am thrilled to be able to help them out in any way possible. Reading his story has inspired me to really want to complete this event for them. I hope that my small contribution to this group will help bring huge results for Cal. I am friends with Sue Robinson and many of the other women in this group and I am honored to be a part of it!! Go Cal!!!!
Karen Quitzau
I am the proud aunt of Calvin, Jacob, and Emily and feel privileged to be joining such a wonderful group of dedicated women for such a worthy cause. My husband Paul (Curt’s brother) and I are in awe of the way Cindy and Curt have met the challenges of parenthood and are inspired by them every day. The challenge of competing in my first triathlon seems small compared to the strength they show on a daily basis. I look forward to honoring them and Calvin with my efforts, and overcoming my fear of swimming with fish!
Kaitlyn Murray
