Tim Hoffa, Jr. of Winamac, Ind., and his wife, Christi, were signed up to complete the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon together. In August 2017, his wife was diagnosed with Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Due to her treatments and procedures, Christi was unable to do the Indy Mini. However, Tim and Christi completed the 5K instead, just seven months after she received her bone marrow transplant. After completing the 5K, both Tim and Christi were both determined to complete their first Indy Mini together now in 2019 and signed up.
On Christi’s 38th birthday, she lost her brave fight against AML, 15 months after her diagnosis, with Tim and family by her side.
Determined to honor the commitment he made to his wife, Tim signed up for the 2019 Indy Mini and began his training. While some days have been more difficult than others, he remains motivated by the promise he made and knowing the memories of his wife will be with him the entire 13.1 miles.
On May 4, Tim will join the thousands of Indy Mini participants as they push along the course together. Each with their own story which drives them to carry on throughout the race. For Tim, he’s determined to not just start the race, but to cross that finish line with his family, to honor Christi and the wonderful legacy she left behind.
I will be cheering for you, Tim! I’m participating in my first Indy Festival 5K. Nervously excited for this! I lost my husband in 4/2015 to pancreatic cancer….so I know, unfortunately, how this feels! Best wishes to you and your family.