Bryce Terry, a sophomore on the Skidmore College men’s hockey team, has turned a personal health battle into a public mission to support cancer care in his hometown. After being diagnosed with May-Thurner Syndrome, a rare condition that impairs blood flow to the lower extremities, Terry spent months navigating treatment and rehabilitation. The experience left him with a deep appreciation for the nurses and physicians who helped him recover, inspiring him to give back to the oncology department that cared for him.
Confronting a Rare Condition
May-Thurner Syndrome is uncommon and often goes undetected until symptoms become severe. For Terry, the diagnosis meant a prolonged period of medication, compression therapy, and close monitoring. While the physical challenges were significant, the emotional toll of watching other patients fight similar battles motivated him to volunteer regularly in the hospital’s oncology unit, where he could offer a listening ear and a friendly presence to those undergoing treatment.
The Triathlon Course
Terry’s fundraiser is structured as a triathlon that blends three distinct athletic challenges. Participants will begin with a 1‑mile swim in Echo Lake, transition to a 52‑mile bike ride that winds through the scenic Crawford Notch, and finish with a 5.2‑mile hike up Mount Washington. The route was chosen not only for its physical demands but also for the natural beauty that frames each segment, offering participants and spectators alike a memorable backdrop for the cause.
Four of Terry’s hockey teammates have signed on to compete alongside him. Shane Baker, Coleman Jenkins, Christian Day, and Theo Angelopoulos will each tackle the full course, bringing the same camaraderie and competitive spirit that defines their season on the ice. Their involvement underscores the tight‑knit nature of the Skidmore hockey community and its willingness to rally around a shared purpose beyond the rink.
This is not Terry’s first foray into charitable endurance events. In a previous triathlon, he raised more than $12,000, a sum that earned him a plaque displayed in the oncology department’s lobby. That early success proved to him that athletic endeavor and philanthropy can intersect powerfully, and it set the stage for the larger, more ambitious fundraiser he now plans.
Building a Support Network
The initiative has attracted attention from multiple local institutions. Skidmore College’s head coach, Rob Hutchison, encouraged Terry to channel his energy into a structured challenge, emphasizing the importance of community service for student‑athletes. Meanwhile, Terry’s summer internship with the County Chamber of Commerce has helped him connect with regional businesses willing to sponsor the event and amplify its reach.
Memorial Hospital, the beneficiary of the fundraiser, will direct all proceeds toward covering treatment costs for patients who lack sufficient insurance or financial resources. By supporting these individuals, the hospital hopes to allow them to focus on recovery rather than financial strain. The partnership also provides Terry with an official channel to track donations, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Looking Ahead
As the event date approaches, Terry remains focused on his dual goals: raising a substantial sum for oncology patients and highlighting the power of sport to drive social change. He envisions this triathlon as the first of many community‑driven efforts that blend personal narrative with public purpose. Whether on the ice, the lake, or the mountain, Terry’s journey illustrates how resilience can be transformed into a catalyst for hope.