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(Paramus, NJ ) May 16, 2005 – For the past few years, Jim Kurz of Glen Rock has participated in grueling triathlons to test his physical strength and endurance. On Saturday, May 21, he is racing in the Half Ironman Triathlon, comprised of a 1.2 mile swim, 57 mile bike ride, and 13.1 mile run in Harriman State Park . His motivation to compete in this intense race goes beyond his love of athletics: He's collecting donations to benefit Children's Aid and Family Services, Inc., on behalf of his neighbor's son, who was adopted through the agency.
A lifelong resident of Glen Rock, Mr. Kurz' family lives next door to Pam and Ed Brady, to whom he affectionately refers as his “second family.” Since 1999, the Bradys have been foster parents to several of the agency's “Boarder Babies” -- infants whose mothers are unable to care for them for a variety of reasons, including substance abuse and homelessness – until they are adopted. However, the adoption of one of the foster babies, Naziier, fell through, and the Brady's decided to adopt him themselves. “I've watched Naziier grow from a tiny infant into an adorable, loving, friendly, energetic, and kindhearted four-year-old,” says Mr. Kurz. “It goes without saying he developed into the remarkable child he is thanks to the love and selflessness of the Brady family, as well as the support of Children's Aid and Family Services. I believe adopting or fostering a child is perhaps the greatest act a person can do.”
Mr. Kurz is a physical education teacher at the Hamilton School in Glen Rock, and coaches high school football and track. He has used his many contacts in town and through his alma mater, Fordham University , to get the word out about the fundraiser triathlon. He has e-mailed a heartfelt letter about Naziier to 200 people, as well as hand delivered it to 100 others, in which he requests donations to the agency. He has been
training six days a week for the past nine weeks, and says the thought of helping other children like Naziier is giving him an added impetus to prepare for the arduous race ahead. “I work, I go home, and I want to relax and maybe watch some TV,” Mr. Kurz says. “Staying in shape is not incentive enough anymore. But then I think about Naziier, and what the love of the Brady family has done for him, and I'm totally motivated to train.”
The Bradys plan to be at the triathlon, cheering loudly for Mr. Kurz. “Jim and Naziier have a wonderful relationship, and Naziier really looks up to him,” says Pam Brady. “I've known Jim since he was Naziier's age, and I'm thrilled, but certainly not surprised, that he's raising donations for Children's Aid and Family Services. He's a wonderful young man – the cream of the crop.”
Children's Aid and Family Services, Inc. is one of the largest regional, nonprofit human services organizations serving northern New Jersey. The agency is fully accredited and has more than 100 years of experience in building futures for children, families, and communities. Its mission is to help children, families, and communities to heal, to learn, and to grow.
If you wish to donate to Children's Aid and Family Services in support of Mr. Kurz' triathlon, please visit the agency's website at http: www.cafsnj.org. Be sure to indicate your gift is in honor of Naziier Brady.
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