This article was adapted by a post written by Tina Weidenkeller, CAF Supporter

In the late 1990s, Tina Weidenkeller first heard about the San Diego Triathlon Challenge (SDTC) and decided she had to experience it for herself. The event left a lasting impression. The energy was electric, the athletes were inspiring, and the mission—to provide opportunities through sports and fitness to individuals with physical disabilities—was loud and clear.

Year after year, Tina returned. As an able-bodied athlete and fitness professional at Freemotion Fitness, she believes wholeheartedly in CAF’s philosophy: that sports at any level increase self-esteem, encourage independence, and enhance quality of life. For Tina, the connection was natural—her work in the fitness industry gave her a firsthand view of how movement builds motivation, determination, and resilience that extend far beyond athletics.

A Reunion That Feels Like Family

For Tina, CAF’s Community Weekend, anchored by SDTC, feels like a reunion. She looks forward to reconnecting with friends she has made through the years, all united by a shared passion for supporting athletes with physical disabilities. Out on the course, camaraderie is everywhere—athletes, supporters, and volunteers encourage one another with genuine enthusiasm.

She believes that in today’s world, where face-to-face interaction can feel rare, events like SDTC remind people that human connection is essential.

Gratitude in Action

Tina credits CAF with giving her the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others—and in the process, her own life has changed. She often tells people that contributing to CAF can take many forms: donating any amount, volunteering at events or clinics, or simply sharing CAF’s mission.

Every effort, she says, helps create opportunities for athletes to access adaptive sports equipment, training, and community support.

The Power of Connection

Among the many friendships Tina has formed through CAF, one of the most meaningful is with Jami Marseilles, a bilateral amputee and accomplished runner. Tina and her husband, Tim, served as Jami’s run guides at the 2016 Boston Marathon—a day Tina describes as unforgettable.

Jami’s perspective continues to inspire Tina. As Jami often says, “You wake up in the morning, get dressed, and put your shoes on to go run or get to the gym. I do the same, except I put my legs on.”

More Than a Ride

In 2016, Tina and Tim joined the Million Dollar Challenge (MDC), a seven-day, 640-mile ride from San Francisco to La Jolla alongside 100 other cyclists, including 15 athletes with physical disabilities. The experience was as much about connection as it was about the miles—riders spent the week swapping stories, sharing meals, and building lasting friendships.

Tina describes MDC as part cycling adventure, part luxury retreat, and part life-changing mission. The ride featured great hotels, memorable meals, massages, inspiring stories, and a deep sense of accomplishment, all while raising critical funds for CAF grants.

Fundraising That Fuels Possibility

Over the years, Tina has organized numerous fundraisers to support CAF, always pairing them with stories of the lives she has seen transformed. She believes passion and purpose make fundraising natural—and that sharing real stories is the key to inspiring others to give.

She encourages everyone—whether they’re athletes, volunteers, or first-time participants—to experience SDTC and the CAF Community Weekend. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps ensure that athletes with physical disabilities have access to the equipment, training, and community they need to thrive.

Join the CAF Community

Be part of the San Diego Triathlon Challenge and discover why so many supporters, like Tina Weidenkeller, return year after year. Your involvement helps create a world where no athlete is left on the sidelines.