Counseling Services
Susie Simon Team Supports the Center's Eating Disorders Education Initiative
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Susie Simon as she prepares for the triathalon. |
Susie Simon, an ardent supporter of the Women's Center and a UVa alumna, is also an athlete. On May 3, 2008, she participated with her family in the Napa Valley Vintage Half-Iron Triathlon for a cause that she believes in deeply. Click here for more info on the event.
This is a family affair for Susie. Her husband, Nick, took the biking leg, and son, Brett (Col '05) ran. Susie, who was on the first UVa women's swim team, took care of the swimming. Brett swam for the Cavs men's team during his tenure here.
Here is her report:
Friends and Family,
The Susie Simon Team (Nick, Brett and me) finished the Half-Iron Triathalon in fine form. We were 19th out of 45 relay teams! Not bad for a relay that consisted of two 50-something yr. olds and one 25 yr. old!!
We arrived at Putah Creek Resort at 7:00 am on a chilly (52 degrees) but sunny morning. As we entered, my husband and I smiled at one another as most entrants appeared to be in their 20's and 30’s. (I should add that later we did discover that a 64 yr. old woman did the entire race by herself!)
At 7:50, all swimmers were called down to the start at Lake Berryessa. The 500 participants were divided into three groups that started three minutes apart. Even with a wetsuit, the 65-degree water felt pretty frigid — especially on one’s head — when diving into the Lake. After dodging all the flailing arms and kicking legs, I managed to get accustomed to my environment. I completed the 1.2 mile swim in 28 minutes and ran up the hill to find my bike partner.
On arrival at the bike station, Nick was nowhere to be seen. I then heard a voice yelling my name. My relay partner was at the bike truck getting his bike repaired. You see, several minutes before I had arrived, he heard two loud popping sounds. His tires had burst! About 10 minutes later, we exchanged the ankle timer chip and Nick was off on his 56 mi. ride. Water and GU packs were consumed on the ride that consisted of elevations of close to 1,500 feet. My bike warrior appeared 3 ½ hours later ... not too much worse for the wear!
By now it was high noon and getting hot. But no worry, it was the 25 yr. old's turn! After a quick exchange, Brett was off to run the half marathon. Without any problems, he completed the race in one hour and 27 min. Our overall triathlon time was 5 hours 30 minutes and 50 seconds.
It was a fun event for us, and we very much appreciate all of your support for the University of Virginia Women's Center Eating Disorders Education Initiative!
All the best!
Susie Simon
Susie graciously offered to raise funds and to donate them to the innovative work of the Center's Eating Disorders Education Initiative — and her freinds and family have really come through!
Susie says, "As a nation, we are still seeking effective ways to interrupt the increasing occurrence of eating disorders. Lives are at risk, and effective approaches to a complex and challenging condition are needed. The Eating Disorders Initiative, which works closely with the National Eating Disorders Association, has been called a national model for the development and application of these approaches.
"Your support will help replicate that model across the country. The Eating Disorders Initiative, housed at the UVa Women's Center, takes a holistic approach, intertwining education of adolescent girls, college students, and parents. Models of peer education, direct intervention by effective teams of professionals, and research that feeds back into the best practices of the Initiative, are groundbreaking. The UVa Women’s Center is the home of the Initiative.
"By making a donation of any amount, you can make a difference in the lives of young girls and families.
You can still give by:
1. Donating online. This is a two-step process:
- Click here and make your donation in any amount.
- Click here to send an email to designate that your donation is for the Susie Simon Team and include your name, address and phone number, as well as the amount you donated.
2. Or you may mail a check made out to the UVa Women's Center to:
UVa Women's Center
Eating Disorders Education Initiative
P.O. Box 800588
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA 22908-0588
Please call Susie at 650-342-8742 for more info.
Thank you so much for supporting this worthwhile cause!