2009 Volunteers of the Year: Jordan Dahlke

For the past six summers, Jordan Dahlke has spent up to four hours a day preparing for triathlons. But these aren’t just any triathlons, and Dahlke isn’t just any athlete. The 18-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, races in the Miracles of Mitch Foundation’s MiracleKids Triathlon, which raises money to improve the quality of life for children fighting cancer. When race day comes, first-place finishes and personal bests are at the back of his mind. “I don’t pay attention to my time,” he says. “I’m thinking about raising money for the kids.” The triathlon is one of the foundation’s largest fundraising events, and Dahlke is the all-time top earner, bringing in more than $85,000 since 2004. Because of his cerebral palsy, he uses a custom bike to compete and walks with crutches, but he doesn’t see his own challenges as a factor. “I used to think I had things bad,” he says. “But not compared to the kids I help. Cancer is worse.” Since turning 18 in August, he is no longer eligible to compete in the triathlon, but he’s already thinking of new ways he can help the organization.