2015 Heroes
Jim RossJim Ross is 87 years young and according to his family “he just never stops!” Jim worked for the Los Angeles Fire Department until he was 70 years old and has been a public servant most of his life. Jim was one of the oldest to finish a 60-mile, round-trip waterski race to Catalina, in addition to setting world speed records with his race boats. He still rides his bike for miles, cruises on his motorcycle down the coast and offroad as well. Jim is always helping his neighbors and family, and is loved by all. Jim Ross sets the example of no matter how old you are, you can still do anything you set your mind to. He amazes all that meet him. Jim is the father to three daughters, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren with one more on the way. Jim’s bride of 66 years completed the half marathon two years ago and they are quite the couple! Jim will participated in the Carlsbad Half Marathon along with his daughter and two grandchildren. |
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![]() Pictured: Leticia with her son Robby (who also has NF) in 2009 when he was 14 years old and completed his first half marathon with |
Leticia LeanoSeveral weeks after giving birth to her oldest son Marcus, Leticia experienced paralysis below the waist. She had an MRI to find out why and was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis (NF), a genetic disorder two of her four sons were also diagnosed with. Doctors later found a tumor in her spine and removed it, but she still had a tough time As she started running, she got better at it and inspired her sons with her new openness Her son Robby has taken his mother’s lead and talked about his NF at school and even Robby is 16 years old and now runs for his school’s cross country team. He also ran his first full marathon this year in under 5 hours! Leticia is a huge inspiration of will and determination that NF won’t get her or her family down! Leticia participated in the Carlsbad Marathon. |
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Melissa CappuccilliAn irregular heartbeat back in 1999 was the first indication that this 37-year-old Navy nurse was Since she was a nurse, she went to her physician’s office at the Naval Hospital Camp Melissa was a single mom and active duty nurse with no history of family heart problems. She Treatment and medication were now her life including being implanted with an AICD Two years ago, Melissa was in heart failure and referred to Dr. Peter Hoagland who told her She received her new heart in November 2013 and two months later she was out volunteering This year she was selected as one of the Tri-City Medical Center Lucky 13 and was out on Melissa wants to share her story and make a difference in the lives of others by checking “yes” at the DMV or by signing up at www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org. She planned to continue to complete the La Jolla Half Marathon and America’s Finest City Half Marathon to complete the Half Marathon Triple Crown following the Carlsbad Half. Melissa feels by doing this she is showing that organ donation really works! Melissa participated in the Carlsbad Half Marathon. |
![]() Pictured: Michael on the left at the 2014
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Michael DavisWhen Michael’s mother was five months pregnant, her car was totaled in an Michael’s failing vision hasn’t stopped him from any of his goals – college, marriage, and running marathons including two Boston Marathons and an upcoming 3rd! Michael isn’t content to accomplish these goals on his own, he wants to help others experience the thrill and pure joy of running and racing. He does so through organizations such as Team Hoyt and Ainsley’s Angels, where he pushes special needs children in distances ranging from 5K’s to full marathons. “I feel a sort of special needs bond with the children when my hands are on the Michael Davis is not only his own hero, he’s a selfless hero for others. Michael participated in the Carlsbad Marathon. |
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Tina KnightRunning a half marathon is tough enough, but imagine doing it after losing a kidney Tina was a St. Patrick’s Day miracle in 1999 when she contracted sepsis and nearly Tina had never run before applying for and being accepted as one of this year’s Tina is an inspiration to anyone who meets her. Not only is she running three half Tina participated in the Carlsbad Half Marathon. |