This Swim-Bike-Run event is held to express appreciation for the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
Carol Burnett, R.N., B.S.N., clinical manager of Endoscopy and PreAdmit Testing at Memorial Hermann Southeast, is competing in memory of her uncle who served in WWII.
“My uncle, C. L., survived the war, returned home, had a long life, and died at the age of 78. As a young girl, I remember my mother telling me how proud she was of her big brother and the sacrifices he made for our county. I remain grateful that people like my uncle give so much to ensure our freedom,” said Burnett, who plans to have his name, Charles Lonnie Farmer, on a banner at the finish line. “I am also very thankful for Memorial Hermann Southeast - not only because it is a great hospital to work for - but because I broke my pelvis in a mountain bike accident last November and the Sports Medicine Team is the reason why I had such a quick recovery. The physical therapy was customized to what I needed and made it possible for me to return to doing the things I love.”
Jennifer Freeman, a Catheterization Laboratory Department coordinator at Memorial Hermann Southeast, is making the triathlon a family affair. She is competing in honor of her father who served in the Air Force, and her teenage daughter, Alexia Card, is volunteering along the race course.
“The willingness of America’s military men and women to sacrifice their lives, their safety, and their time away from friends and family for our country and our freedom has earned them my family’s lasting gratitude,” said Freeman. “I’m very proud of my dad, Roger Freeman’s, military service.”
Memorial Hermann Southeast is the Transition Sponsor for the triathlon and its Sports Medicine Team will operate the First Aid Station. The hospital is a leader in the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of orthopedic disorders and specializes in inpatient and outpatient treatment for post-sports injuries and surgeries; orthopedic problems associated with shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle and foot injuries; back, neck and shoulder pain; postoperative care following total joint replacement; knee ligament reconstruction; and soft-tissue injuries.
For more information about the event, visit www.ymcahouston.org/freedom-tri.