Testing the Limits of the Human Heart

“The real purpose of running isn’t to win a race.  It’s to test the limits of the human heart.” – Bill Bowerman, track and field coach and co-founder of Nike, Inc.

Geo Neto, a new member to the ISF Dream Team, knows what it feels like to test the human heart.  In 1988 at the age of 14, he was diagnosed with ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia).  He knew this diagnosis wasn’t good –  but he was young, naïve, and didn’t truly understand what would happen to him.  30 years ago, information on ALL wasn’t as readily available.  He was sick.  He was scared.  And it scared his entire family – parents, siblings, uncles, and grandparents.  Everyone felt the pain, fighting together to save Geo.

Geo fought for his life and he has gotten to the other side.  Through this journey, he has learned how important it is to remain healthy, so he challenges himself to stay active.  In 2017, he ran the Isabella Santos Foundation 10K.  At the race, he learned more about ISF and the mission of raising funds and awareness for pediatric cancer.  As he was setting his fitness goals for this year, he was also motivated to make a difference in our Charlotte community.  So, he joined the ISF Dream Team.   

Geo is making a difference . . . running, raising funds for pediatric cancer, and honoring those who are battling cancer.  His human heart is also honoring his family. “There is nothing that I can do that will ever thank them enough for everything that they did for me” when I was fighting for my life.

What an honor, Geo, to have you as a part of our ISF family.

Let’s all put our hearts together and support Geo.  Please click here to make a donation to his ISF First Giving page.

ISF Dream Team

The ISF Dream Team, created in 2014, is a running group that assists you in training to run the race of your dreams.  You can train for a 5k, 10k, half marathon, half marathon relay, full marathon relay, or a full marathon.  You are provided a training schedule, invited to group runs, and inspired by a phenomenal team of people.  Not only will you meet a dynamic group of people, but you will also be inspired through your friends and family as they support you through the training.  The ISF Dream Team has raised over $400,000 to date, with the funds contributing to our local Charlotte community.  If you want to join the ISF Dream Team, we would love to hear from you.  Please email us at info@isabellasantosfoundation.org.