Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah State University alumni recently helped support the Huntsman Cancer Institute by completing a rigorous race through the Sahara Desert.
During the week-long race, Kaden Comadena ran, climbed and walked 159 miles in the desert while personally carrying supplies he needed to survive the race.
Of the race, Comadena said it was “excruciating,” “punishing,” “exhausting” and much more difficult than he thought it would be.
“Overall I’m thrilled that I did it and that I got through it and especially the fact that I was able to go through and raise some money for cancer awareness, but it was exhausting and really it pushes you to your limits,” Comadena told KSL.com.
Running is a passion for Comadena, and he has formerly participated in the Top of Utah and Utah Valley Marathons.
Prior to the Marathon Des Sables, he contacted the Huntsman Cancer Institute and asked if he could represent them during the race, and they suggested he create a donation page on Huntsman Hometown Heroes.
On the donation page*, Comadena explained that it’s typical “for runners to promote charities” and said that he would be running for the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
“The work of the Huntsman Cancer Institute saves lives, and the money that goes into cancer research, as much as it seems, isn’t enough,” Comadena wrote on the page. “I am immensely proud to be representing such a marvelous organization at the Marathon des Sables.”
His effort to support the Huntsman Cancer Institute serves as a way to give back. Jon Huntsman Sr.’s donation to Utah State University allowed Comadena to travel in college.
“Personally I've been a recipient of Jon Huntsman's generosity,” Comadena wrote on the donation page. “His contributions to Utah State University's business school allowed me to travel the world. I know that defeating cancer is one of his biggest passions in life. I’ve accepted a challenge from the Huntsman Cancer Institute to try and raise some money for cancer research.”
Of his $1,000 goal, Comadena raised $1,070 as of Thursday morning.
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
