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Finding an IM Jacket for a Friend Who Lost Everything in a Fire

Linda PatchLinda Patch
in Community Forum 🏠

Hey All,

In 2006, I did 22 miles of the IMFL marathon with a firefighter from LA, Lee Stoltz. Now there's a bond created if there ever was one. We've stayed in touch through the years, and keep up with each other on FB.

A few months ago, as irony would have it, Lee, his wife, and young daughter lost everything in a house fire. They got out safely, thank heavens. They have just moved into a apartment from a hotel where they have been staying.

Lee's wife just got in touch with me b/c she's been trying everything she knows to find him a Ironman finishers jacket--one the possessions that pains him the most to have lost. It was one of those nice, embriodered ones. She has been in touch with the IM fooks directly, and she said, "I have been given nothing but run around and terrible attitude from the IRON MAN employees." (Just when you think you can't hate the WTC any more....)  No one locally can use the logo due to licensing.

Anyone have any ideas where to get a jacket? Event Stores used to have old merchandise, but it looks like WTC shut them down. Any other avenues to explore? Anybody know anybody in the ranks she could contact?

Thanks for sharing anything that might help!

 

Comments

  • Paul HoughPaul Hough
    Why not just have a friend pick up a jacket at IMFL? The stuff before the event is typically not date specific.
  • Carrie ChavezCarrie Chavez
    We have some IMFL gear that might fit him. Jersey from year 1, 2 fleece vests from 2002? Not exactly a finisher's jacket but I could part with it.

    Carrie
  • Barbara SpitlerBarbara Spitler
    Linda, I am sooo sorry to hear this! If I had one, I'd send it to you in a heartbeat! What about checking on EBAY? You never know! I'll check with my Master's swim team and see if anyone might have one that they'd part with. What size are you looking for?
  • dan_forbesdan_forbes

     Linda: someone from this great forum told me to put an ad in ST's classifieds when I lost my IMLP hat, 2 guys offered theirs for free.  Maybe that could help, some people have done so many races, or don't cherish certain items that they would be more than happy to help.  Good luck.

    Dan

  • NortonNorton
    Linda,

    I posted this over on FB, but how about Ebay or Craigslist?
  • ht001ht001
    Horrible news. Even more horrible is the attitude from WTC. Looks like all of their "everyday heroes" stuff is a just a front. I will post on FB later and see if anyone out there has something. Alternatively, I do have my IMFL Finishers hat from 2006. I know it isn't the same as the nice jackets, but if something like that from the same race would help I'd be happy to help. Let me know.
  • Linda PatchLinda Patch

    Thanks, everyone! I will let Lee and Kim know of all that comes in here.

    The stupid WTC. They should help them our of the good ness of the human heart,. Failing that, which of course they will, they could use this is a great PR message of taking care of one of their own. You know...once you're in the Ironman club you're there forever, blah, blah. Blech on them. If they can't even see that opportunity, then they truly are hopeless. People who lose everything in a house fire aren't look for a free jacket, and I'm sure this kind of request is one in a million. Stupid, stupid, stupid..

  • manconamancona

    If he is a small the 2010 IMFL finisher jacket is still available online:

    http://shopironman.com/Details.cfm?...econdary=0

    However, it does say 2010 on it.  I would also suggest the slowtwitch forums for something like this.  I have had many many good experencies both buying and selling stuff on slowtwitch.

  • Dave TalloDave Tallo
    Linda, if you can PM me an address, I can send two unused IMFL water bottles. Not exactly a finisher's jacket, but swag all the same.
  • Linda PatchLinda Patch

    Thanks folks! Lee said it would be OK to post the address here. They are currentlly shipping stiff to a neighbor's house. I fyou have anything you would like to send along, you can ship it to:

    Lee Stoltz

    C/O 10 Falaya st.

    Covington, LA 70435

    This all comes back to us a million times over!

  • Scott AlexanderScott Alexander

    Linda, I don't know if you're still looking, but I finally found mine!

    An XL 2006 finisher jacket.

    I've only worn it a few times, mostly in the few days after I completed the race.

    If the guy still wants it, it's his!

  • Linda PatchLinda Patch
    Posted By Scott Alexander on 21 Jan 2011 10:39 AM

    Linda, I don't know if you're still looking, but I finally found mine!

    An XL 2006 finisher jacket.

    I've only worn it a few times, mostly in the few days after I completed the race.

    If the guy still wants it, it's his!

     

     

     

    SCOTT!!!!! No way!!!!!! Are you 1000% sure you don't want it? If you are TOTALLY sure, I'll ask him. He's away with his family right now, so it may be a week or so until I reach him. Let me know, and bless you. This place is UNBELIEVABLE!

  • Scott AlexanderScott Alexander

    Like I said, I've only worn it a few times. I had to search for it in my closet, so I obviously won't miss it - especially if it makes someone else happy. Let me know. I know exactly where it is now, so no more searching.



    And if it returns some good karma, I can sure use that these days!



     

  • chuckgchuckg
    @scott - High Five!!
  • Nemo BrauchNemo Brauch
    This is like the best thread EVER!!!!!
  • Carrie ChavezCarrie Chavez
    Makes me smile! Awesome Scott! Linda, your friend will be thrilled!
  • ginagina

    Scott, way to pay it forward. You rock, Sir !!

  • Steve WestSteve West
    @ Scott - such an outstanding thing to do. I guess it goes to show the caliber and compassion of members of the Team.
  • Steven FordSteven Ford

    Man Hug for Scott!

  • Joe MatchetteJoe Matchette
    @Scott - I travel to Fort Worth often. If we can swing it, beers (plural) are on me. You are definitely getting some good karma!
  • gilliattgilliatt
    Good Karma points Scott this is awesome!
  • Linda PatchLinda Patch

    Well, the circle is complete. Lee is back from visiting family, and after no real access to FB, he just got my email about the jacket. He is in disbelief and jumping for joy!

    This is just crazy wonderful, thanks to Scott. Good man, he is. No doubt about it. IMFL '06 was Lee's only IM, and the jacket means a lot to him.



    I don't care how corny, this is one helluva Kumbaya moment. Thanks, Scott, so much!



    PS--Scott I sent you the details in a PM here. Let me know if you don't get it for some reason.

     

     

  • Trent ProughTrent Prough
    @Linda & Scott... If for some reason this jacket does not work (not his size) I can get jacket and have embroidered by my buddy neighbor (he says F the WTC) whatever you need let me know. If it works then I say Scott's jacket was meant to be.
  • Steve WestSteve West
    {{{{{{{{{{{standing up to clap}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} Scott, you da man!
  • Barbara SpitlerBarbara Spitler
    Scott, MAJOR APPLAUSE to you for doing this! Linda, MAJOR APPLAUSE to you as well, for starting this thread, and making your friend's day!! Good karma all the way around!!! What a wonderful story! And to the WTC.... image baaaaad karma....
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