Philanthropist Carter Lay & WWE Superstar Dave Bautista Break Records At Miami’s Nautica South Beach Triathlon
Dave Bautista and Carter Lay after the triathlon on April 1, 2012.
April 1, 2012: Carter Lay, California philanthropist and health and exercise enthusiast from the potato chip family that we all know and love, participated in the Nautica South Beach Triathlon this morning with teammate Dave Bautista, WWE Superstar turned actor, and set a record with the most an individual has donated to this event in its entire history with an individual donation of $20,000. The race supports St. Jude’s Research Center.
Dave Bautista passing out the medals to the children of St. Jude’s on April 1, 2012 in Miami beach.
This race is important to Carter as he was diagnosed with leukemia 15 months ago, a traumatic event that had him reevaluate his life, goals and health. Last month Carter “fooled” cancer and his doctors diagnosed him cancer free! Carter set a medical record for the fastest response to his chemo medication.
After his father’s passing from cancer last year, whom was very proud of him for participating in 2008 US Open Triathlon, he decided it was time for him to focus all his efforts on getting healthy and giving back and this race provides Carter with the perfect way to do both.
Carter Lay took part in the entire race and finished at 2 hours and 13 minutes. That includes a ½ mile ocean swim, a 19 mile bike course, and a 4 mile out-and-back run course. “Next time I will finish in under 2 hours,” Carter shared.
Dave Bautista’s celebrity team came in #2!
Dave Bautista about to start the bike portion of the triathlon on April 1, 2012 in Miami.
Dave flew straight from Montreal working 16 hour plus days for the past few months on the major motion picture Riddick opposite Vin Diesel to participate in this race. Dave came to support Carter Lay and his dedication to raising funds and awareness for St. Jude’s and had a wonderful time bonding with the kids.
Dave Bautista.
“God has blessed me and my family and I intend to do everything I can to help others and give back,” Carter shared.
Carter Lay with a group of After School All Stars at the Santa Monica Pier in March 2012 where Carter gave the kids a day of fun at the pier enjoying unlimited rides, food, games and more!
Carter trained daily for today’s race and lost 60 pounds, going from a size 42 to a size 31.
“Carter has his mind right and his heart right,” said Johnny Groff, Carter’s trainer. “His mind is focused on his goals and he has the exercise and nutritional knowledge to take him there. He also has more heart than anyone I’ve ever met. This man has such a tremendous work ethic and is incredibly caring and generous. He is doing an awesome thing to fight cancer and support St Judes. He is truly an inspiration to us all.”
Today’s date of the triathlon, April Fool’s Day, is a day Carter is celebrating fooling cancer. It is also his late grandmother’s birthday, who was a mentor and inspiration to him.
Carter’s Grandparents.
Carter is thankful Dave came to support and excited to continue to promote awareness and raise funds for St. Jude’s along with his other organizations such as Artists for Peace and Justice and After School All Stars. His wife Tina, 2 children, family and friends are cheering him on every step of the way.
Carter with his wife, Tina, before the swim portion of today’s triathlon in Miami.
Carter has big plans to continue his charity work, and we will bring you the news as it happens. For now, click here to follow Carter and click here to follow Dave on twitter.
Tags: cater lay, Charity, dave bautista, miami, st judes, triathalon, wwe
Posted on: April 1, 2012
