After his wife was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer, Thomas Kramer of Malvern started competing in triathlons to raise awareness of the importance of bone-marrow registration, writes Holly Herman for the Patch. 

The 56-year-old husband has a clear message when competing in Ironman races: “Never Give Up.” 

Kramer began racing more than three decades ago. When his wife, Pam, was diagnosed with Myelofibrosis, they found out that her best chance at survival was a blood stem cell transplant. Kramer immediately partnered with DKMS, the largest blood stem cell donor center in the world, to raise awareness and money for the nonprofit. 

His wife got a match in April and is on her way to recovery. 

“Pam is way tougher than any Ironman I know, battling pain and ups and downs every day, but we will get to the finish line,” said Kramer. 

The couple met in Manayunk a few decades ago. After they married, they settled down in Willistown Township. They participated in many triathlons together, something the wife is hoping they can get back to doing once she fully heals. 

Read more about Thomas Kramer in the Patch.