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Team LIVESTRONG Profile: Chris Hurff

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My Name is Chris Hurff, and I live in Albuquerque, New Mexico. My personal connection with cancer began in February of 2008 when a dear friend of my family, Chris Moore, was diagnosed with Malignant Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma, a very rare and aggressive form of cancer. Chris passed away one year later after a far too short, but hard fought battle. Both Chris’ life and the strength and courage with which he battled his disease inspired me to join the fight against cancer and do what I could to make a difference.

In August of 2009, after not being on a road bike in a very long time, I decided to sign up and ride the 90 mile route at the Austin LIVESTRONG Challenge in October. I bought a bike and got in a few miles over the next few months, raised some money – over $4,000 –  and was off to Texas. This was the beginning of my LIVESTRONG journey.

In 2010, I was determined to do more and began in earnest my support of LIVESTRONG and all those impacted by cancer. In December of 2010 I mapped out a year of LIVESTRONG support, starting with the Iron Horse in Durango, LIVESTRONG Challenges San Jose, Philly and Seattle, Ride4Yellow in Steamboat with some guy named Lance(!) and 200 other mountain bikers, and wrapping up my year once again in Austin.

Austin – what an adventure. At mile 79, I crashed going 30mph, and my conversation with the road did not go well. I was treated on site by Jennifer and her amazing medical staff and she promptly sent me to the ER where I was treated for a broken clavicle and an injured leg. I spent the next four days at the hotel and then flew home to recover. I have to thank Dylan and the staff for caring and sending a great signed LIVESTRONG Manifesto poster.

Throughout the year, I raised over $5,000 and organized a LIVESTRONG Day event and several other local fundraisers. It was an awesome journey, and the friends and people I met along the way were truly amazing and inspiring. In 2011, I raised over $9,000, was a proud LIVESTRONG Leader and did what I call “the trifecta.” I started my year in St. Petersburg racing for Team LIVESTRONG at the St. Anthony’s Triathlon, then traveled to Steamboat for the Ride4Yellow with my teammate Scotty from Idaho, and finished up with my teammates at LIVESTRONG Challenge Austin. I hope to make even bigger strides in 2012 and have plans for another trifecta as well, paying it forward by doing some volunteering at the events, too. My personal goal for 2012 is continue to make a large impact locally with several events and to qualify for Ride for the Roses with a goal of $20,000 raised for all three events.

People always ask me what drives or inspires me to do this. My initial answer is – why do I need a reason? Finding inspiration is easy. Look at the community of survivors, supporters, and those we’ve lost and remember. For me, my life was unaffected by cancer before the death of my friend in 2009. Since then, that has changed significantly and unfortunately, my list of friends fighting cancer has only grown. I can’t explain where my drive comes from. It’s just something inside of me that believes it’s good to be a part of something bigger, and I am continually amazed by the determination and fight with which cancer patients face their disease. It is the least I can do to get on my bike, compete in a triathlon or organize an event to try and bring awareness and raise money for a foundation that is on the forefront of support and services for cancer patients.

Becoming a supporter of LIVESTRONG was an obvious choice for me as I am a cyclist and was already a fan of Lance Armstrong when I had the opportunity to meet him for the first (and only) time back in 1988 in Tyler, Texas. I love the work the Foundation does for the cancer community, I am inspired by the people I have met, and I am proud of the difference we have made together.

If there was one piece of advice I can give to someone training for a Team LIVESTRONG tri, marathon, run, ride, or walk, it would simply be: You are capable of more than you think you are. LIVESTRONG!

You can join thousands of people making a difference in the fight against cancer by participating in one our great Team LIVESTRONG, grassroots, or partner events in 2012 – find out more at TeamLIVESTRONG.org – and thanks, for all you do.

  • Fords

    Chris, I met you at the fundraising dinner in Austin and you continue to inspire me! You are doing some amazing things! I hope I might run into you again in 2012! Thanks again for the ride to the hotel!

  • Tracie Moore

    Dear Chris,
    I am moved to tears…what can I say? “Thank you” seems too trivial, too shallow, too common for what you have written and the passion with which you now ride. I am so touched…and so honored that my precious husband is the inspiration for this new found passion! You never know how one’s life impacts another; and I had no idea that my Chris’ life, and subsequent death, would have had such a positive impact on your life. And now, your life and passion will greatly affect many other lives, giving hope and encouragement to press on in the fight against cancer. God willing, one day this dreaded hideous disease will be eliminated.
    May God bless you in your endeavors and protect you as you ride. May others be inspired through you to Live Strong, even in the face of cancer. Miracles DO happen! Everyday!

    Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
    Tracie Moore

  • Missinjerm

    this is Chris’s sister Barb. thank you so much for all you are doing to fight the future of cancer. or should i say the non future of cancer. you are amazing. let me know when i can donate and support this wonderful cause.
    Barbara Affinito