Welcome to Lung Surgery to Ironman for Breath4CF

Lung Surgery to Ironman for Breath4CF

The chafing, blisters and cramp are nothing. Crossing the finish line is everything! I'll go the distance for Cystic Fibrosis

This is my CF Buddy Amber and I during Ironman week. It is young kids like Amber who receive the full benefit from the funds raised for Breath4CF

PAGE CREATOR:	Aaron Fleming
EVENT:	Ironman NZ 2006
EVENT DATE:	04/03/2006

Check out www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/aaronman to find out about my new challenge!

NZ IRONMAN '06 - My dream stolen …. but not over!

I had a dream of going from lung surgery to Ironman for Breath4CF. At Ironman '06 I achieved two-thirds of that goal. I proved my surgeon wrong by making it to the startline after my lung surgery 6 years ago where I was told I would never be capable of exerting myself physically ever again. I also raised over $16,000 for young New Zealander's with CF - and if I managed to remind just one child to live their dreams and to believe in themselves, then I achieved that goal.

But as many of you already know, the one thing that I had no control over at Ironman was the weather. For safety reasons the Ironman was shortened to a 90km bike/21km run because of strong winds. It may have taken an Ironman effort to complete this course in these conditions, but it wasn't Ironman. And although I still received a finisher's shirt and medal - my goal of becoming an Ironman was over before the race even started.

But my dream is not over … I'm not going to give up, and I will become an Ironman. It's disappointing - but it was out of my control. I have unfinished business … I will be back!

THANK-YOU

Tracey Richardson, Scott Johnson, Sharon Newton
- For the Inspiration

Lisa Rowland and her Family
- My volunteer coach, mentor, massage therapist and good friend

My Family and Flatmates
-Who were forced to share my highs and lows

Dr Grant Parkinson
- My surgeon who saved my lung, even when my body refused to co-operate

Sue McLeish
- My hospital teacher who got me motivated when I almost gave everything up

All My Friends
- For the support despite my social life being almost non-existant at times with training

Taupo Bungy
- My summer employer who accomodated me and sponsored my Ironman entry fee

Steve Jacobs and the IronVirgins
- For the motivation, encouragement, education, and support network

Keri Bloomfield
- My Wellington-based 'fundraising fairy' who assisted me with raising funds for BreathCF

Amber - My CF Buddy
- For the motivation and for traveling from Nelson to share race week with me

The Sport Food Company
- For providing all my nutrition goodness

Jaggad
- For kitting me out in their awesome triathlon clothing

Accents Taupo Screenprints, Wairakei Resort, Freedom Air, More FM
- For offering their services to assist with fundraising for BreathCF

Hilltop School, Taupo Primary School, Reporoa Primary School, Wairakei School, Lake Taupo Christian School
- For taking part in Breath4CF Day

TVNZ, ESPN, TV3, More FM Taupo, Taupo Times, DominionPost, Classic Hits, The Wellingtonian, Cook Strait News, Taupo Weekender, The Daily Post and Salient
- For creating awareness so BreathCF could gain the maximum benefit

To everyone who donated money, offered advice, read my training diary, supported me from the sideline and sent me words of encouragement
- You helped me through this tough year, and you helped me get to that finish line.

THANKS FOR BELIEVING IN ME

Ironman has a mantra, and becoming part of the Ironman family is something special. From my journey from lung surgery to Ironman, I didn't just manage to change the lives of CF people in NZ, but I have changed my life. Who would have thought I would ever had made it here after so much has happened?

Dreams really do come true! If you believe in yourself, anything is possible! I've just got one more year to wait now until I can fulfill my goal and achieve my dream.

I have unfinished business with Ironman. I WILL GO THE DISTANCE! Watch this space!

And what has made this journey even more special, is that to my delight at the NZ Ironman Awards Ceremony, I was awarded the honour of flying the New Zealand flag at Ironman USA Lake Placid in July 2007. So for those who asked me if I would ever do another Ironman - I guess I now have no choice!

Don't be afraid of what life has to offer!
Dream it! Believe it! Achieve it!

My Online Sponsors To Date
DATE	NAME	AMOUNT	COMMENT
08/03/2006	Phil Rouse Ltd	$100.00
07/03/2006	Kristen Wilson	$50.00	Well the day didn't quite go as planned, but you deserved that medal 110%. You're an inspiration to all of us Aaron and it takes alot of guts to come back from such a huge disappointment, but you've already proved this possible. I look forward to seeing you cross that finish line in 2007 (or before??).
04/03/2006	Mark	$10.00	Dude you rule - go forth and dominate and then share the tale with me and Rambo Exeter over some brewskies!
03/03/2006	Paul Gamble	$50.00	Enjoy the day & keep grinning
03/03/2006	Tindall Family	$50.00	Aaron, you are an inspiration to everyone but we've always thought that. Even before your surgery you were an awesome role model as a gymnastic coach to Jamie and Rebecca. As I type Rebecca is making a banner for tomorrow. We will be at the finish, so take care and look forward to seeing you over that line. From Martine, Geoff, Jamie and Rebecca.
02/03/2006	Becks	$20.00	Go for it Aaron!!!!
02/03/2006	Clockwork Event Management	$50.00	Aaron, Good luck on Sunday! Keri B told us all about you and we are very impressed with your determination and courage! Go for gold, we are all behind you and thank you for being such an inspiration!
02/03/2006	Shoe Clinic	$100.00	Aaron, You are an inspiration to us all - good luck & GO YOU GOOD THING!!!
02/03/2006	Carole Jackson	$10.00	A bird told me to say "Go you Good Thing" just do it!!! Thinking of you Saturday. Good Luck.
02/03/2006	Cathy, Wayne, Liam and Ryan	$50.00	Go AARONMAN!!! We are so proud of you and all you have achieved - you are truely inspirational and a fantastic role model for your nephews. We will be there with you all day - we can't wait!! I am so proud to call you by brother. Love Cathy, Wayne, Liam and Ryan
02/03/2006	Human Resources Institute of New Zealand	$100.00	You are a real inspiration to all of us. I hope others follow your good example. Kia Kaha.
02/03/2006	Claire Baker	$50.00	It's rare to find someone willing to push themselves beyond what is deemed possible for the good of others. You are a real inspiration - the world would be a better place if there were more people like you. Good luck and go hard!
02/03/2006	Kate Russell - CFA	$20.00	It seems so rare nowadays to meet someone who seems to have such a purity of spirit and such a genuine drive to do good in this world. I am so pleased that I met you and so did my children - you have shown them a way of living that I would like them to copy. I know that on Saturday God will put the wind at your back and give you clear water. We will be waiting for you at the finish - a sea of yellow shirts to welcome you home.
02/03/2006	Julie	$20.00	Aaron you have worked so hard, Well done. Truly inspiring
02/03/2006	Anonymous	$50.00	Go hard!
02/03/2006	Simon Britten Memorial Fund	$500.00	Just getting to the line is the victory. Well done.
02/03/2006	H	$50.00	I know what it is like to complete an Ironman with a (relatively) normal body. You have my greatest respect. When it get's tough (it will!) think of the hours, days and years of satisfaction that finishing will bring. Sorry I won't be there to cheer you on.
02/03/2006	Daryl B	$227.00	Aaron, Been amazing to see and help be part of the beginning of your journey. Am now looking forwarding to being there on Saturday as your complete the goal (And the rate is: $1 per km, plus $1 extra for the k you will do after crossing the line but before you can leave the park (so many well wishers will be there for you!)
02/03/2006	Anonymous	$25.00	Fly like an eagle
02/03/2006	Keri Bloomfield	$100.00	Aaronman - Thank you for sharing your amazing journey with me. Being your 'fundraising fairy' has been a honour and has truly been one great ride. You have already achieved so much and its not even race day yet. The Aaronman team will be waiting for you at the finish line (with tissues)! Go get em #59! Big hugs - FF
01/03/2006	Jonathan Huggins	$30.00	Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, its a bird, a plane, its… the AARONMAN!!!!!! The world needs more real life superheroes like you, Aaron. I dearly hope that you do taste the final success in your breathtaking journey, and that you feel an incomparable sense of achievement when you cross that finishing line. However, 226 (!!!) more kilometres of sweat, aching muscles, willpower, adrenaline, self discipline and "over exertion" still seperate you from that incredible, odds defying moment! Best wishes in getting there mate!
01/03/2006	Mum and Dad	$100.00	Aaron, We are so proud of you. You have come a long way. On Saturday stick to your plan, enjoy your smorgasbord on the bike so hopefully the run will be easier. We will be with you all the way, so by the end of the day we will have One Official Ironman, and 2 unofficial worn out Ironman and Ironwoman. Love mum and dad
01/03/2006	Lane Family	$40.00	Aaron - we are so proud of you, we will be on the sideline to support you!
01/03/2006	Taupo Bungy Crew	$1,356.65	Well Done Aaron! You're a star, and good luck for the weekend. We are all so proud of you - you're an inspiration to us all. We love you Aaron!!
01/03/2006	Scott Ryland	$25.00	Go Aaron, bike like you're biking to Hamilton!
01/03/2006	Daniel	$20.00	Hope everything falls into place these last few days. Good luck for Saturday!
28/02/2006	Sooze	$50.00	GO PUKEKO #59 ROCKS!! SMILE AS YOU PASS ME SOOZE!!!!!
25/02/2006	Coffee to Go	$100.00	You are an inspiration with your courage and fortitude. Will beout there to cheer you on Jane
24/02/2006	Nelson Leicester	$60.00	Go Aaron Go! You've Got Balls!
22/02/2006	Michelle Pickles	$50.00	It was a privilege to have met you and your Mum, Aaron. You are an inspiration, and everyone at TV3 wishes you all the best for your big day. Well done on your journey so far .. and long may it continue.
21/02/2006	Anonymous	$35.00	Good luck and best wishes, Aaron
20/02/2006	Simeona Family	$100.00	Wow big muscles good luck for the big day we will be cheering for you in our thoughts
10/02/2006	Kirk	$30.00	Looking forward to seeing you cross the finish line!
10/02/2006	Sven "Rambo" Exeter	$50.00	You don't need luck dude you are a super fast bionic machine sent back in time for one special race and many a lady. Don't pee in the lake! But fart when your'e on the bike!
07/02/2006	Anonymous	$50.00	Aaron, please, please, please save some of your breath for that finish line. I'd love to say "GO HARD MATE" but I think I'll say "Just Finish Mate". You'll see why when you run up that finish line and I'll be there to see it. All the best, you probably don't realise it yet but YOU will be an INSPIRATION to many people on 4th March.
02/02/2006	Glenn & Kim	$100.00	Good luck and go for it
01/02/2006	Deb	$20.00	Success is not in the winning but in the doing
31/01/2006	Chrissie Muir	$20.00	Privilage to have met you and to have heard your story.
30/01/2006	Natasha Smith	$30.00	I have read your diary postings on and off Aaron, you are truly inspirational. I know with certainty that you will achieve all you are setting out to. All the best for March 4th!
30/01/2006	Mark Townend	$20.00	Your focus on IM & CF is inspiring Aaron. I have enjoyed your weekly commentaries over the past months and look forward to seeing you out there on March 4 and welcoming you into the IM family.
29/01/2006	Nanna	$500.00	You are doing so well Aaron. All the best for the big day. Love Nan
28/01/2006	Jason S	$20.00	Great work Aaron. Keep it up!
24/01/2006	Tony Tse	$10.00	Great to see you out on Broadlands Road on Sunday ! It's a lonely road to ride but it was great to see a friendly face. I look forward to seeing you on the start line 4th of March and celebrating with you at the finishline.
21/01/2006	Colleen Capper	$100.00	You are brave and strong, and you are going to go out there and finish that Ironman on March 4, one breath and one step at a time. You go!
17/01/2006	ayden	$20.00	nice one big fella….just one big hurdle to go, then you can sit on your butt like me again!! haha :)
17/01/2006	Russell	$50.00	An amazing story Aaron, all the best!
11/01/2006	Diana Cox	$20.00	Inspiring - you have the power to do this, priviledged to help
11/01/2006	Kristyn & Damian	$20.00	Persistence is the ability to overcome all obsticles between you and your goals…your an inspiration Aaron. Have fun!
11/01/2006	Lauren	$30.00	You're an inspiration alright Aaron. It's great to know you buddy and watch your progress. Keep up the hard work and it will pay off in the end!
11/01/2006	Anonymous	$20.00	Go for your life Aaron!
11/01/2006	Anonymous	$20.00	Good luck and all the best for your endeavours
10/01/2006	Karen and Ralf	$25.00	Go for it Aaron - you are an inspiration!
10/01/2006	Sue	$20.00	Go hard!
10/01/2006	Nikki	$20.00	Keep it up - you will succeed and inspire.
24/12/2005	Julie & Co	$20.00	Good on you mate. Awesome effort. We will be watching your progress with interest. Merry Xmas
24/12/2005	Leigh	$10.00	Keep up the great work!
22/12/2005	mikiko miyasaka	$50.00	Aaron, do your best and take care!! from naomi's mom
21/12/2005	Karen	$50.00	You're an inspiration, Aaron. Keep up the great work.
14/12/2005	Holmes Family	$20.00	All the best in health and for the Holiday season
13/12/2005	Kit & Dot	$10.00	All the best Aaron! You are doing great!
08/12/2005	Anonymous	$25.00	Mery Xmas and Good Luck
06/12/2005	Anonymous	$5.00
06/12/2005	Daniel Smith	$5.00	Merry Christmas
05/12/2005	Rosita and Derek	$50.00	I admire your determination. Good on you for giving it a go and raising funds for CF.
05/12/2005	Robyn Grinter	$50.00	Good on you Aaron, keep up the great work
04/12/2005	Phyllis Briggs	$226.00	hey you are awesome, came across your blog the other night!
21/11/2005	Naomi Howell	$20.00	Well done on your progress to date and best of luck for the big day
06/11/2005	Fedude Sports	$60.00	Aaron, again thanks once more for the marshall to help out last weekend. And thanks to Katherine, Sven & Alex for their time on the Sunday morning
29/10/2005	Fedude Sports	$80.00	Thanks Aaron for your marshal help at the Wellington leg of the Sun Latte Activewoman Run. And thanks also to Alisha, Lisa & Chrissie who marshalled with him
06/10/2005	Scorching Duathlons	$20.00	Aaron, thank you for your help with finding a marshals for us last weekend (And thank you Alisha for you help)
03/10/2005	naomi	$25.00	Hi, Aaron, you are great!!! i m impressed by you! always take care, hope to see you soon!!
02/10/2005	Kelly Burrell	$10.00	hey babe!what an amazing thing you are doing well done i am so proud of you and i will be there to see you cross that finishing line.. keep up the training
23/08/2005	Tracey Lee	$20.00	WOW! I'm a sucker for these kind of stories - you are a true inspiration. Good luck & keep smiling :)
22/08/2005	Sharon Newton	$40.00	Keep up the good work in training Aaron. It will all pay off on the day!
21/08/2005	Alex Roberts & Family	$30.00	U rock! Mum say's to continue to take care of your health. We are all very inspired by your ability and determination :)
17/08/2005	Jonathan	$20.00	You're a good soul. Much love and respect.
05/08/2005	Sierra	$10.00	Hey, Aaron keep up the good work!
04/08/2005	Anonymous	$250.00	Heard about your goal while running with a friend around Oriental Bay. Inspirational effort to date and go for it at Taupo this weekend! .. all the best all the way to the Ironman!
15/07/2005	Paul	$250.00	Read the article in the Cook Strait News and applaud your commitment. Enjoy your training and good luck on the day. Remember - spare tubes!!
14/07/2005	Justine	$100.00	Aaron, it's really inspiring to read of your commitment and your progress. Keep going and good luck!
07/07/2005	Tim	$42.00	It's a long way to go, but i know you'll get there fulla. Best of luck, your a constant inspiration
04/07/2005	Anonymous	$50.00	Kia ora Aaron -a very brave and inspiring move. good on you! - kia kaha for the road ahead :O)
04/07/2005	Jason M	$10.00	Go Captain Planet...
03/07/2005	Angel @ Fedude Sports	$75.00	Aaron, all the best for your challenge ahead - we look forwarding to seeing you at our forthcoming events as you build towards IronmanNZ in 06
28/06/2005	Conroy Family	$50.00	What an amazing challenge - you truly are inspiring and will make a difference! Go hard and don’t look back - it’s a long road but one that will change your life for sure.....
25/06/2005	David Farrar	$250.00	Thrilled to be able to help you Aaron. It’s so great what you are doing.
24/06/2005	Ezekiel Hudspith	$20.00	oooohhh!! aaaaahhh!! PUKAKAAAA!!! well done Aaron, proud of you bro.
23/06/2005	Sharon Newton	$20.00	All the best Aaron! Train hard and enjoy the process. I’ll be out there supporting.
23/06/2005	Nads	$20.00	Very, very proud of you Aaron.
23/06/2005	Jessica C	$20.00	All the best :)
23/06/2005	James "Donald Trump" Robinson	$28.00	Swim like a fish, ride like a machine and run like someones chasing you with a really big stick. On ya.
23/06/2005	Jason M	$10.00	Good on ya Aaron
17/06/2005	Aaron Fleming	$40.00	We can make a difference!!! Let’s get it started!
17/06/2005	Tracey Richardson	$226.00	Aaron, it takes courage and comittment to finish an ironman but it takes an amazing person to also do it for others. You are a hero.