Tommy Rivs and the Road to Rage On
When someone has impacted a community as much as runner Tommy Rivers Puzey (aka “Rivs”), people rally to help a friend and role model. That has been the case over the past few weeks as close friends and many who have never met Rivs showed up with an outpouring of support after he landed in the ICU.
According to his wife, Steph, and brother, Jacob, after a multi-week battle to find a diagnosis, the Mayo Clinic came to the conclusion that he has Primary Pulmonary NK T-Cell Lymphoma.
Over the past few months, the community has come together to raise close to $626,000 on this GoFundMe Fundraiser. He has a battle and long road coming and you can support Rivs and his family here. Rage on Rivs. 👊🏾
Stay updated:
- GoFundMe
- Tommy’s wife, Steph’s Instagram
- Tommy’s brother, Jacob’s Instagram
- Tommy Rivers Puzey Is Improving, But Still Battling Cancer — see this article in Trail Runner for the full interview
- The NPR podcast
Get involved and get the hat:
- Craft has Run with Rivs shirts, and Trucker Hat. The full hat and gear collection
- The Global (Europe) Run with Rivs Collection
Previous Support
- The Run with Rivs challenge ran August 1-9. Run, ride, hike, walk, etc. for as many miles as you wish to raise money for the family of TRP. Take on the challenge of your choosing. Details here and on the RunWithRivs Instagram.
Tommy’s First Post Since the Diagnosis
“Cancer is hard. I’ve been away for so many weeks. Not gone. Always still here but in the space between. There are not words to describe the out pouring of love and support I have felt from around the world. You have all been there with me. I felt your prayers and energy. I continue to feel them. Throughout all of this there has been one constant. Even on the farthest limits as I drifted through that other realm, @steph_outside has been by my side at every moment. Even when I didn’t know if I would make it back she was there. “Come with me.” I whispered and she turned my eyes and reminded me of our life, and those 3 little girls who are waiting for their daddy to come back. She is my rock and my home. I am forever tethered to her through this course. My body is broken and wilted. I’ve lost 70 lbs. I have pressure ulcers on my sacrum and heels. I ask the nurses to cover the wounds so that they won’t be soiled when they change my diapers. I am all tuckered out. It was all just here but it just drifted away like ash or like a song. My chest is bound from the constriction and I feel as though I’m drowning when I sit up. “I can’t breathe.” I find myself whispering. Everything comes at such a cost. My currency has grown common and my efforts yield seemingly nothing. But I know I have to keep moving. Even in this there is process and so I place my trust and strain. I’ve felt the colors drift from my eyes time and time again as my oxygen levels have cascaded and consciousness slips, into that other space. The space between. I have slowly allowed myself to look back, with courage that I may be able to place hope in my efforts. I have found myself weeping again and again with gratitude for all that you have done for me and my family. Every day I hear something new that has taken place in my stead and it floors me. Humans are not inherently focused on self. I have found through this that people are good and given the opportunity they will move mountains to communicate love. A thousand times thank you to all of you. My heart is full. I’ll keep moving forward. I am sustained by your love and kindness. Even in this there is beauty. Eyes up. Stout heart. 🖤”
Tommy Rivs’ Family
Tommy’s brother, Jacob Puzey
A Community of Support
Pro Runner Jim Walmsley
“Man, this guy has been in all of my thoughts. Hurting for a friend, mentor, and brother. Rivs has a big fight ahead of him still, as he is currently going through treatments of chemotherapy. I know if anyone can come out of this, it’s Rivs. He has to, we need him to. Rivs is someone who has had a tremendous impact on so many of us in Flagstaff and the running community, always spreading love and inspiration. Tomorrow, July 27th, @pizzicletta in Flagstaff will be running a fundraiser where proceeds will go towards helping River’s medical costs and supporting his family following treatment. Help by purchasing a Pizza at Pizzicletta tomorrow, buying a gift card online, or checking out his GoFundMe page, link in my bio. His GoFundMe page has a lot more details about his specific cancer, how his treatment is going so far, and other important details to stay up to date. If you’ve already helped, thank you. Tommy and his family need us #teamrivs Love you Rivs!”
Olympian Runner Magda Boulet
“I’m so inspired by our running community, who are coming together to support @tommy_rivs and his precious family in times of need. After several weeks in ICU with pneumonia/COVID related symptoms, our dear friend @tommy_rivs continues to fight for his life. Collectively we can do so much to help him and his family. Many of you have already donated, but please don’t stop here, continue to spread the message that others can help too. Check the GoFundMe page in my bio for updates from his family, share the page with others so they can support Tommy and his precious family. Together we can make a difference. Tommy has given so much of his soul to all of us, now is our turn. Follow @jacobpuzey, his brother, for more updates. You got this Tommy! ❤️🙏❤️”
Peter Bromka (@bromka) as quoted from his Twitter thread; @bromka’s @bromka/rage-on-3effeff441a8">Medium post
A new story about Tommy.
Many of us “traditional runners” wonder about @tommy_rivs popularity, because he’s not a traditional “Elite runner.” Most of Letsrun has no idea who he is.
So at a family dinner I mention my friend Tommy Rivs and my brother-in-law replies “Tommy Rivs!”
And he’s wide eyed excited, wants to talk about the man. But I’m confused cause he’s not a big runner. Ran a few road races here and there.
Why does he know of Tommy?
“He’s who I run with on @iFit!!”
“He’s who taught him everyone he knows.” My sister-in-law replies.
And they begin to tell stories about how interesting Tommy makes running. And how accessible Tommy makes running.
And how even the fact that he doesn’t look like he’s dressed for a “fashion show” made running accessible to them.
And they’re stunned and heartbroken to hear (because they’re not on social media) that the man who helps them love running is struggling.
It’s in moments like this that it’s easier to see how “traditional running” is so small and limited compared to the wide world of people who move with their bodies.
“Bipedal animals” as my BIL tells me Tommy reminds them often. “It’s what we’re meant to do.”
Just a fresh story about the impact of a wonderful man on the world.
Hang on Tommy, we love you. ❤️
