When Mount Prospect resident and triathlete Peter Kadzielawski steps up to the starting line at Ford Ironman Louisville, (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run) he won’t be competing just for him self. He’ll also be raising funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.



Kadzielawski is raising money through the Janus Charity Challenge, an innovative program designed and sponsored by the investment management firm, Janus. The program helps motivate Ironman athletes to use their race experience to raise money for charity. But unlike most other race fundraising programs, there is no pre-determined beneficiary. Instead, Janus Charity Challenge participants can choose their favorite nonprofit organization(s) as their beneficiary. Since the program’s inception in 2001, triathletes have raised more than $42 million for hundreds of charities throughout the United States. Janus also makes additional contributions to the beneficiaries of the top fundraisers at each of the full-distance U.S. Ironman races.

"Through their generosity and commitment, Janus Charity Challenge athletes are making the most of a great fundraising opportunity" said Casey Cortese, AVP of Janus Corporate Sponsorships. "These triathletes are taking their race to a higher level by providing much-needed support for nonprofit organizations throughout the country."

The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (cff.org), a nonprofit donor-supported organization, is to assure the development of the means to cure and control cystic fibrosis and to improve the quality of life for those with the disease. Peter Kadzielawski is supporting this Foundation because it is the leading organization in the United States devoted to cystic fibrosis. It funds and accredits more than 115 CF care centers, 95 adult care programs and 50 affiliate programs, and has 80 chapters and branch offices nationwide.

Kadzielawski hopes you will support his fundraising efforts. To make a contribution, go to januscharitychallenge.com and click on “How to Donate.”

Ford Ironman Louisville will be held in Louisville, Kentucky on August 29, 2010. You can track Peter Kadzielawski’s progress on race day live on ironmanlive.com.