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Adrian and Cassie Pensini will tackle the challenge of the Port Macquarie Ironman 70.3 this weekend knowing their pain during the race is nothing compared to the pain niece Alyssa deals with every day.
Alyssa is the daughter of Adrian’s brother Nathan Pensini. She was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis six years ago, as an 11-year-old.
A team of locals, Rachelle and Jim Sanderson, Paul Martin, Nathan, Adrian and Cassie, are taking on the ironman with Alyssa’s journey in their hearts.
“Every time I go out [to race in ironman] I realise the pain that lasts for 10-12 hours or a few days after Ironman for every competitor is the type of pain Alyssa goes through every day,” Nathan said.
“That’s the main driver for us.”
One in 1000 Australians has juvenile arthritis and the team is raising funds for Camp Footloose, an Arthritis and Osteoporosis NSW initiative, which gives children with juvenile arthritis the chance to have fun and achieve personal success in sport and other outdoor activities at their own pace.
Juvenile arthritis is a serious, persistent medical condition of childhood.
“It’s surprising how many people have this condition,” Nathan said.
“We don’t know if it’s genetically linked or whether it is caused by eating a certain type of food.”
Pensini and his brother first generated awareness about the condition when they competed in the 2015 Ironman. He said it gathered “amazing support” two years ago and now they want to build on that.
Every time I go out I realise the pain that lasts for 10-12 hours or a few days after Ironman for every competitor is the type of pain Alyssa goes through every day.
- Nathan Pensini
“Kids are starting to be diagnosed with it from as early as 18 months old now,” Nathan said.
“We’ve got to get awareness out there so I want to make this as recognised as the Jane McGrath Foundation.”
To help the Pensini’s raise awareness about the condition they have set up a funding website at https://racingforjuvenilearthritis.gofundraise.com.au/ Every donation made entitles the donor to an entry in the draw to win a mountain bike courtesy of Graham Seers Cycles.
Look out for Adrian and Cassie, North Haven locals, when they ride through the Camden Haven this Sunday – their racing numbers are 1777 and 1877.