PASSIONATE. INSPIRING. DETERMINED.
SCOTT WERTS
“I am a fighter. I live in hope. I am fighting the war on ALS!”
Circle City Multisport Founder
Scott Werts, triathlete and friend, is the pinnacle of drive, desire, and determination. In 2004, Scott had a vision that Indianapolis could benefit from a club that brings together like-minded multisport athletes to share training regimens, coaching, races, and camaraderie. Being new to the sport himself, he enlisted the help and support of many in the community. His vision became a reality, and CCMS was formed.
A Life-Changing Diagnosis
Scott was transferred with his employer, FedEx, a few years later to Italy where he currently resides. He and his wife, Julie, have a beautiful 9 month old daughter, Sophie. Scott continued his passion for triathlons, facing each challenge that the triathlete lifestyle inevitably puts forth. His biggest challenge, though, arrived a short time ago with news that would change his life dramatically. Scott was diagnosed with ALS.
ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is incurable. While the disease has no linear path and each victim deteriorates at different rates, the final outcome is the same.
Living With ALS - Scott's Perspective
Scary! My muscles are dying but the changes are subtle. The days pass and little things are lost.. but when looking back on what I could do and what I can do now...the changes are drastic. In May I could tie my shoe. Now I can't. I have almost completely lost function of my left arm. It's surreal. I can't hold my daughter for a long time. I can't change a bike tire anymore. I can't run 6 min miles... Oops.. I never could. In a nutshell ... it's frustrating!
I have to focus on what I can do. I try to live my day to day as normal as possible. I'm not letting the disease consume me. Like everyone else in the world -- good days plus bad days equals life. I am fighting the war on ALS!
An Inspiration to Give Back
As expected, Scott is not taking the diagnosis lying down and is making the most of the time he has left. He will be competing in Ironman Florida this November as a challenged athlete to help raise money for ALS research.
Ironman Florida – Scott's Aspiration
ALS is called a disease without hope. I am a fighter. I live in hope. I knew I had to do something. I want to raise funding for research and to raise awareness of the disease.
There was already an ALS organization founded by a triathlete. His family runs the foundation today. It's called the Blazeman Foundation. They have enlisted the Triathlon community to fight the war. My passion is IM. We were a perfect fit with the Foundation's “never quit” attitude. I will race IM Florida for the Blazeman Foundation. And...if I am lucky enough...I will race again!
“I want my daughter to understand when she is older that no matter how difficult life gets, you can always find a way to give back.”
Scott and Julie's 9-month old daughter Sophie
YOU CAN HELP
Scott, Julie and Sophie
Scott Werts Fund
CCMS has a goal to raise $5000 to help Scott and his family pay for medical treatment and more. We need your help to reach that goal! Every dollar collected will go directly to Scott and his family (Suggested donation $10 - $30). To make a donation to the Scott Werts fund, click the link below.
Team Blazeman
Another way you can help is through a group called Team Blazeman. It is dedicated to Jon Blais, who raced in 2005 at Kona. There was a touching documentary produced, detailing his experience - click here to see it (and YES, you need to see it). His father, Bob, set up the Blazeman Foundation to carry his son's message, raise awareness about ALS, and raise funds to help find a cure. Bob is helping Scott on his journey as well. Scott will wear #179 at the IM Florida race, which is the same number Jon wore at Kona.
To join Team Blazeman click here. Joining is free, and you will be supporting Scott and others who suffer from ALS. You can also donate money to ALS research, which is desperately needed. There is no cure, and only one medication available for treatment that has modest results. Not much progress has been made in research, and they need our help to find a cure.
Thoughts and prayers
Finally, you can keep Scott and his family in your thoughts and prayers as he continues to train and race in November at IM Florida. Let's show him what the club he started can do to support him!
