Jim Brown, center, has been guiding the Junior Development Team of Rad Racing NW. Photo by Rad Racing NW
Jim Brown, the heart and organizational figure behind Rad Racing NW, the powerhouse junior development team in the Pacific Northwest, was diagnosed with lung cancer. Brown has been an iconic figure in the American Junior cyclocross scene, coaching a talented group of Junior boys and girls to multiple top-ten finishes and even a 2015 National Championship.
His presence on the opposite side of the race tape is quickly felt at the course, and in a contributed column on Cyclocross Magazine, he wrote of a journey made stronger as iron struck iron. He learned of his diagnosis of Adenocarcinoma on May 10, only weeks after completing a 92 mile ride at Sea Otter. Akin to his coaching style, immediately resolved to “fight this with everything I have inside of me.”
He stated that the only risk factor in his life for lung cancer is carried by his job as a firefighter. His family has created a fund, called the Hold Fast Travel Fund, to help with the unexpected expenses of treatment. Already the cyclocross community has shown tremendous support.
From his fund website:
Jim Brown has “Hold Fast” tattooed on his knuckles from his Coast Guard days.
Jim Brown is just beginning his journey with cancer, and although he has a great support system and insurance, there are always things that crop up that can quickly deplete a family’s savings. One of those things is travel to and from treatment.
All money collected through this fund and solicited by the Hold Fast stickers/campaign will go toward supporting travel for Jim and his family.
If he needs to go to the East Coast, he can tap into these funds. If he has to travel back and forth to Seattle multiple times in a month, he can fill the gas tank. If he really needs to see his mother or brother, he can fly them out or he can go to them.
Jim is a hero to just about everyone he meets. This is one way we can pay him back.
Dad – husband – son – brother – friend – fire fighter – coach – mentor – HERO …
Thank you for your donation.
We at Cyclocross Magazine wish Brown a speedy recovery. You can read his blog with updates at thedudeisthedad.blogspot.com
Jim Brown has conquered the treacherous conditions of cyclocross, and we have no doubt he’ll conquer this next battle as well. photo: Bend Nationals time trial. © Andrew Yee / Cyclocross Magazine
