Forever Families Through Adoption

Sam the Ironman

Sam Karliner

In 2011, Sam Karliner could barely swim across a pool and didn't own a bike. But as a life-long runner, he knew he could run. Today he is a 10-time Ironman headed to the 2023 Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. Sam began running at age 13 and competed on his high school team for 4 years. In 1985, Sam entered his first marathon, the New York City Marathon. He finished in just over 4 hours, was hooked and would soon become a sub-3 hour marathoner. When Sam got married and had children, running and traveling to races became part of their family fabric. But a persistent memory stuck in his mind: Ironman, a crazy insane race that he had seen on TV, a 140.6 mile race comprised of swimming, biking and running. Over the years, he would ask himself: Who can do that?

At 47 years old, Sam sought the answer to that question for himself. He signed up for the 2012 Iron Man Lake Placid, New York 2012. It was an amazing experience that he wasn't completely prepared for but, as he crossed the finish line he was hooked. He needed more. That began his journey into the world of Ironman. Now that Sam knew he could complete the distance, his reasons for competing evolved and changed. Having adopted twin sons Elliott and Jake with his wife Jill in 1995, he began using Ironman as a platform to raise money for Forever Families Through Adoption (FFTA), a local adoption agency. The more Sam trained, the more he learned, the more people that followed his progress, the more competitive he became.

Sam started doing well within his age group, moving up in his finishing places. Soon he was finishing in the top 10% of his age group. To qualify to compete at the World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, athletes must finish in the top one or 2% of their age group. Sam knew it was going to require a lot of work. He had to train smarter, not just harder. He hired a coach and dove into understanding the sport and training better. And then, life happened, as it always does. In 2019 during a training ride, he suffered a crash and shattered his hip socket. He wasn't sure if I would be able to walk again, let alone run or compete. After extensive surgery and a long, painful rehab, he pushed himself to begin Ironman training again. The improvements came slowly, over the next six months Sam slowly began to walk again then lightly bike until he was able to progress to a short slow jog. By the spring of 2020 he was ready to dive back into serious training. First, Sam qualified for the Ironman World Championship at the 70.3 distance. Competing at this level was an entirely new experience for him, at half the full distance the pacing is faster and more intense. After a shaky start in that race, he able to come back and have the seventh fastest run time in his age group 55-59. Finally in July 2021, Sam came in second in his age group at Iron Man Lake Placid and qualified for the World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.

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FFTA is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization.

Upon request, a copy of the latest annual report can be obtained from FFTA or from the Office of the Attorney General by writing to the Charities Bureau at 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271 and you may also request a description of the programs and activities for which the donation has been used at FFTA.

 

Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law (Please consult your tax advisor regarding your tax exempt donation) FFTA 501(c)(3) Tax Exempt # 20-8879080

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What's New at FFTA?

FFTA Board Secretary Sam Karliner to participate in Ironman World Championship Kona 2024

"Twenty-nine years ago, adoption changed my life in ways I could never have imagined. It blessed me with the children and the family I had always hoped for. Joy and Michael played a pivotal role in our adoption journey all those years ago, and their warmth, kindness, and dedication have remained constant throughout the years. As my family grew in love, I stayed connected with them and the incredible world of adoption. Whenever the opportunity arose, I found ways to help promote adoption education, which eventually led me to serve on the board of FFTA. Today, FFTA needs our help more than ever. Supporting FFTA in its mission to educate and create forever families is crucial.

On October 26, 2024, I'll be competing in the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, and I'm using this incredible event as an opportunity to raise awareness and funds for FFTA! As I push myself through the 140.6 miles of the Ironman, I'll be carrying with me all the love that adoption has brought to my life. Knowing that I have your support will be my greatest source of encouragement.

Whether large or small, every donation from the heart will make a difference in helping FFTA continue its life changing work. I am deeply grateful for the chance to take on this journey, and even more so for the generosity of people like you who share my passion for supporting adoption.

With heartfelt appreciation, Sam"

Please donate and read Sam's story.


Forever Families Through Adoption, Inc.
62 Bowman Avenue
Rye Brook, NY 10573-2804
Tel: 914-939-1180
Fax: 914-939-1181

All of the children portrayed or mentioned on this website are with their forever families and are NOT available for adoption.

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