Barry Silver races to the finish for Rory

For the last seven years, Barry Silver has trained for and completed the physically demanding challenge of a triathlon. The grueling combination of swimming, running, and biking in these events has helped keep the Northbrook-based attorney in shape, and his efforts have also contributed to the health of local charitable organizations. This year, his drive to compete raised $11,000 for The Rory David Deutsch Foundation.

“Each year, I select a different organization to represent in a triathlon,” Barry explains. “The money that comes from those who sponsor me in the event goes to that organization.” It was Barry’s wife who helped him discover this year’s choice. She picked up a Rory David Deutsch Foundation brochure while shopping at the Campus Colors store in Highland Park. “My wife told me I had to read through it and, as I did, I knew I had found my next charity,” said Barry. “It had me in tears. After learning more on The Foundation’s website, I realized just how worthy this organization is, and just how important it is that cancer research be supported by continued funding.”

After a meeting with Ross Deutsch, who was thrilled with his idea, Barry sent out more than 1,200 letters. The purpose of these letters was to seek sponsorship for a triathlon that was scheduled for September 9, 2006 in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. “More than 200 people made contributions to my race for The Rory David Deutsch Foundation,” he said. “It was incredibly motivating.”

When the day arrived, however, the weather was less than motivating. “It was brutal,” Barry recalled with a laugh. “The wind was really whipping up the water in the lake. I felt like a bobble-head doll in the swimming leg of the event.” While the hills on the course didn’t make the running or biking portions of the race any easier, Barry fought on and was greeted at the finish by Ross and Mindy Deutsch. “I was very proud to get through it,” Barry said, “and even more proud to contribute to an organization making such a positive impact.”

In finding his own unique way of supporting those who inspire him, Barry Silver is himself a powerful source of inspiration. “All three of my children have faced different challenges, but they have come through okay,” he said. “It’s important that as parents we support each other in any way we can through these challenges.”