Photo by Pop Culture Passionistas
At 27-years-old, Ethan Zohn won “Survivor: Africa.” But
unlike a lot of other guys his age, he didn’t squander his $1 million prize on
fast cars and wild trips to Vegas. Instead he founded Grassroot Soccer, an
organization that combines soccer with AIDS/HIV education to kids in Africa.
The former soccer player has always been athletic, and
planned to run the New York Marathon in 2009. But unfortunately, on April 30 of
that year he was diagnosed with CD20-positive Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Even though
he underwent chemotherapy in May of ’09, Ethan announced that the cancer had
returned in September.
His friend, and fellow reality TV star, Ryan Sutter ran the Marathon
on behalf of his friend.
This year, Ethan has battled the odds and is in remission.
The ultimate survivor, finally plans to run the New York Marathon in November.
And this time, he’s (playfully) going head-to-head with his pal Ryan.
Sutter, who starred on the first season of “The
Bachelorette,” is racing Zohn to the finish line in support of his own charity.
Per the First Descents website, the organizations mission statement is,
“committed to curing young adults of the emotional effects of cancer and
empowering them to regain control of their lives by experiencing outdoor
adventure therapy through kayaking, rock climbing, and other outdoor adventure
sports.”
We wish them both the best of luck. But we have to admit
we’re rooting for Ethan to outrun, outwit, and outlast.
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