For the past 31-year’s local Iron Man athlete Dave Orlowski has been competing in the Iron Man contest throughout the world. Recently Dave wrote and asked me to help in an endeavourer to raise funds for Wounded Warriors and Challenged Athletes.

I have known Dave for about 25 years. Dave and I are both United States Marine Corps veterans and retired members of the Milwaukee Police Department. Dave has been an advocate for these causes for as many years as I can remember.  Please, take the time to read Dave's letter of appeal and help him help those who have fought for our freedoms and other challenged athletes.

Dear Friends and Athletes: 

On February 18, 1978 on the island of Oahu, Hawaii a group of 15 individuals undertook the goal of completing a 2.4-mile ocean swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile marathon in one day. No one thought that any individual could complete this and anyone that could complete this would be called an “Ironman”. 12 individuals proved people wrong and completed this event. I was one of those individuals having placed third and become a part of the history of an event that now on any given year thousands are undertaking as a personal challenge and completing. This event not only inspires but changes people’s lives once they cross that finish line and prove that “Anything is Possible”. 

On August 9, 2009 after 31 years, I will again be standing on the shores of Waikiki beach doing the same 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and 26.2-mile marathon. This time I will be doing the event to change the lives of others that are physically challenged and raising money for the Challenged Athletes Foundation. This organization provides wheelchairs, equipment, and prosthetics to children and adults less fortunate to get the items for themselves. I have personally raced in events, volunteered with these athletes, and observed the awarding of various items to these athletes. It was very emotional and life changing. The Challenged Athletes also assist the wounded soldiers returning from war. 

I am reaching out to all of you for help in surpassing my goal and making this event a success. You can donate two ways: 

1. Mail a check made out to Challenged Athletes Foundation to me at

                                Dave Orlowski

                                 PO Box 551

                                 Brookfield, WI 53008

1. Go to the website  Challengedathletes.org

                Click on the Hawaii Revisited event

                 Under the Resource section Click on “Donate to an Event Participant”

                  Enter my name Dave Orlowski in fundraiser name area

                   You can then enter a donation with a credit card

All donations need to be received by August 9 when I do the event. The donations are also tax deductible. 

Thank you all for your support in this event and knowing that you have helped change a life.

                                         Sincerely,                                         

                                         Dave Orlowski