Story by DeLayne Hart

To inspire: to cause someone to want to do or create something.
As athletes, we all have a source of inspiration. It was not by chance that we came across sports related activities; we saw something that lit a fire beneath us; that gave us incitation to draw more out of life. Whether you’re searching for motivation to get back in the pool, to sign up for an Ironman, or anything in between look no further than CMC. Our club is comprised of a dynamic group of accomplished individuals, all of whom have learned how to hit life’s curveballs and come out of each battle mentally and physically stronger than ever. The cliche quote “fall down seven times, stand up eight” is taken very literally among all athletes.

But standing back up has a very special meaning to one of our very own: long-time CMC member Todd Hart. At one point Todd was convinced he would never run again, but now he maintains a full race schedule thanks to determination, perseverance, and a little bit of carbon fiber.

Todd grew up Prospect, just north of Utica, New York, and excelled at every sport he tried. After spending his school years competing with his twin and younger brothers in everything from hockey to lacrosse to baseball, he picked up endurance sports as a way to stay in shape after college. Todd put his roots down outside of Cleveland, Ohio and quickly became known for his competitive spirit and humble attitude. After decades of podium finishes in all distances of running, triathlon, and cycling, Todd received a portentous diagnosis.

Stage IIIC melanoma cancer. Tumors that had spread to regional lymph nodes: 25% survival rate. The next year was ugly: three surgeries consisting of lymph node remov-al, femoral nerve severance, and muscle relocation followed by a cycle of chemothera-py. The physical and metal toll of the cancer treatment experience is monumental, but Todd gutted it out with his head held high.

By 2010, he had kicked cancer’s ass, but the battle was just beginning. Due to the physical damage from treatment, Todd had to learn to walk again. During his rehabilita-tion, he developed a neuromuscular disorder known as dystonia. In dystonia, sustained muscle contractions cause permanent abnormal postures. In this case, Todd’s right foot contracted upon itself into a club foot. Treatment for dystonia includes Botox injections: causing muscle relaxation and moderate pain relief but also withdrawing sensation and motor function from the knee down.

Having leg function is important to just about anyone, but especially important to some-one whose passion for running and cycling had come to an apparent screeching halt.

But it would take more than paralysis to keep a Hart off the road. Rehab was a true tes-timony to Todd’s patience and resilience as he tested every orthotic brace on the mar-ket in addition to engineering his own before discovering Allard USA. Allard fitted Todd to a carbon fiber minamalist-style brace that could hold his leg straight while he ran. Although the ability to push off now only resides in his left leg, Todd has redeveloped the dexterity to run again. To some with such innate athleticism, this meant everything.

Todd will never run another 3-hour marathon, but that is the last thing he cares about. When faced with such monumental challenges as his, the mental struggle to process a new reality while remaining optimistic about the future is just as if not more difficult that the physical work.

Todd, on his return to racing: “I still compete in numerous triathlons and running events each year – I’m just not as fast. But being fast is no longer important. My priorities now consist of enjoying the abilities I still have, while reaching out and encouraging others in our community with methods and means to remain active.”
Todd is now a USA ambassador for Allard and it’s Get Back Up campaign: an organiza-tion providing support for individuals faced with disabilities. Through cancer, rehabilitation, and his current status as a national para-triathlete, Todd embodies the essence of mutlisport: endurace; power; and most of all perseverance.