Our families, along with many others, have been affected in some capacity by unfortunate circumstances creating challenges that demand both education and community support. We will run in support of various organizations. Steve for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Eric for the Autism Society of America. Jay for the National Kidney Foundation. Bobby for the Immune Deficiency Foundation and Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

The purpose of our adventure run is to promote support and awareness. We are simply following the path that so many committed community organizers have forged. A path that we hope will cultivate an enthusiasm for life! A path that will touch the soul and challenge all of us to stand-up and make a difference! Y-Not?

Eric Cukierski, 39, of Toledo, OH will run to support the Autism Society of America and Agility Angels. Eric and wife (Tracy) have three children, including twin boys age 12, who were diagnosed with Autism at the age of three. Since the diagnosis, Eric and his family have participated in various community events educating and advocating support for autism. As a Toledo Central Catholic graduate in 1987, Eric earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Bowling Green State University in 1992, before completing a Master of Education from Spring Arbor College in 1996. He has been employed by Bedford Public Schools for fifteen years as a High School Science and Physical Education teacher. Eric, a Columbus, OH Nationwide Better Health Marathon finisher has also competed in various road races, including duathlons and triathlons.

Eric and Tracy have endured the difficulties of having their 3 children each attend a different elementary school to better meet their individual needs. They have also spent countless time and money on speech therapy, occupational therapy as well as extended school years for more individual instruction to better meet the specific needs of their 2 boys with autism. Return to Top

Steve Ball, 48, of Temperance, MI will run to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure, in addition to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Steve is husband to Terrie, who is a breast cancer survivor. Steve and Terrie have four children: Tifanie, 30, a Type 1 Diabetic; Megan, 28; Stephen, 25; and Ashleigh, 23. They also have two grandchildren: Camden, 9, and Parker, 3. Steve graduated from Dundee H.S. in 1979, before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business Marketing from the University of Toledo in 1984. While managing his own Cabinet Company, he completed a Master of Education from Siena Heights College in 2003. He is currently employed by Bedford Public Schools as a High School Business teacher. In addition to completing multiple duathlons, triathlons, and marathons, including the Boston Marathon, he is a 3-time Iron Man Finisher. He has also participated in a “Ride across Italy” event. Return to Top

Jay Heasley, 23, of Lambertville, MI will run to support the National Kidney Foundation. Jay lost his grandfather to Kidney failure, following prolonged dialysis. Jay’s mom has been employed for fifteen years at a dialysis group, supported by the Kidney Foundation of Northwest Ohio, while Jay’s sister works as a Patient Care / Services Director for the Kidney Foundation. Jay graduated from Bedford High School in 2003, before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from the University of Toledo in 2008. He currently operates his own lawn care business, while also working as a patient transporter at Toledo Hospital and substitute teacher in Monroe County, MI. Jay, a Toledo, OH Glass City Marathon finisher has also competed in various road races, including duathlons and triathlons. Return to Top