Like most people, Teri Griege has faced challenges, but she also has asked for them.Griege, of St. Louis, is a recovered alcoholic, Ironman competitor and cancer survivor. She also is a wife, mother, CEO and inspirational speaker.She founded Powered by Hope, a nonprofit organization with the goals to inspire others, share hope and save lives.While her journey is about cancer, her message of hope and endurance could apply to most obstacles.Griege, who authored “Powered by Hope: The Teri Griege Story,” is making an appearance at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 24, at Warrenton Community Church, 33355 North State Highway 47 in Warrenton.Griege is an Ironman competitor. Ironman is one of the most grueling endurance events in the world. The race is a combination of swimming, biking and running.For some athletes it’s a race against other participants. For others, they are competing against themselves. It was a dream for Griege to someday qualify and compete in a World Ironman Championship competition.In September 2009, just two weeks after completing her second Ironman run in Louisville, Ky., and qualifying for the World Ironman Championship, she was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer.The diagnosis started a long series of chemotherapy, surgery and different procedures to save her life.There were days she had second thoughts.“But I didn’t sit in them,” said Griege, who received a boost from the 12 Steps she still follows, and kept going.She said she had hope early on and the support of her family and friends.Testament to her emotional and physical strength, while she was receiving cancer treatment, she also trained for the World Ironman Championship.Two years after the Louisville event, on Oct. 8, 2011, she finished the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.Cancer, training and competing led to the book and the creation of Powered by Hope. She wanted to share her story to inspire others.“Hope is an acronym for help ordinary people endure,” Griege said.Powered by Hope strives to inspire, recognize and serve the community, she said.The foundation presents “Medals of Hope” and “Coins of Courage” to cancer patients to acknowledge their strength and endurance in their battle. The medals and coins serve as encouragement and support.“It doesn’t matter where you are in the journey, you keep going,” she said.For Griege, cancer changed her life, for the better in many ways.“I was not a hugger, toucher or talker. This has completely changed my life,” she said. “I’m not grateful I got cancer, but I’m grateful for the lessons it taught me.”Griege has been featured on “The Today Show,” ESPN, NBC and “The Ellen Degeneres Show’s” blog. She also has received awards for her work in health awareness and fundraising, including the Colon Cancer Alliance Sapphire Award, the Women of Achievement Award and the Wunderglo Foundation Cancer Warrior Award.She went on to finish several more Ironman events.Griege’s appearance is sponsored by the Scenic Regional Library in Warrenton. To reserve a spot, sign up at the library or call 636-456-3321.

Author Teri Greige of St. Louis is an inspiration. She founded Powered by Hope, an organization for cancer patients. As a public speaker, she inspires audiences as she talks about her experiences with Ironman competitions and fighting cancer. She will make an appearance at the Scenic Regional Library in Warrenton. 

Submitted photo