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.
In about two weeks, the community has come together to raise close to $396,000 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
Get involved:
- Join the Run with Rivs challenge from 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 Rivs’ Family
Tommy’s brother, Jacob Puzey
A Community of Support
Pro Runner Jim Walmsley
Olympian Runner Magda Boulet
Running coach and podcaster @mariofraioli
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. ❤️
I don’t know Tommy but I’m here in tears for him, his family and beautiful community I’ve read notes from above. As a believer in something greater than us, I’m channeling my energy his way and to his family and friends. So sorry to read about Tommy’s fight. It sounds like he’s a hell of a fighter however. Thank you for sharing this story.