For Chris Kaufman of Seymour, life has a strange serendipity.

As he gears up for his second triathlon today in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for Team World Vision, he reflects on how a series of unfortunate events laid a path for him to make a positive impact not only on himself, but for a cause.

Team World Vision, a humanitarian organization and the largest non-governmental provider of clean water around the world, works to provide access to clean water to countries without through fundraising and long-distance running events.

In June of 2022, Kaufman weighed around 320 pounds and was looking for a way to kickstart his diet. While contracting salmonella poisoning was not on his bingo card, he spent 10 days drinking only orange Gatorade and losing a fair amount of weight.

“Before I was drinking eight to 10 cans of Mountain Dew a day,” he said.

Coming off a potentially fatal illness, Kaufman listened to a call-out practice for runners at his church for Team World Vision.

“Once I joined, I was hooked,” he said.

In training with Team World Vision, the group met at 7 a.m. every Saturday at Kasting Park on Seymour’s west side to run together.

In 2022, Kaufman decided to run, and he finished his first half marathon that same year.

“I didn’t stop,” he said.

In the new year, Kaufman decided to continue his training preparing to run in more challenging races.

“I noticed one day when I was sitting on the couch watching a baseball game, I looked at my watch and my heart was beating 40 beat per minute at a resting state,” he said.

At the end of July of last year, Kaufman received a heart monitor, but that didn’t stop him from running a 5k the same week.

“I got a call from the doctor the next morning and was told I needed to go to the emergency room,” he said. “He told me my heart stopped for 10 seconds while I was asleep.”

Kaufman spent two days in the hospital as his heart was constantly monitored.

“I ended up having surgery and receiving a pacemaker two days before the Indy Monumental run last year,” he said.

With the help of a new device, Kaufman was determined to make a comeback and began training again for future races.

His first triathlon was last Saturday to get his feet wet in preparation for the triathlon he will be competing in today.

“It was rough,” he said. “I have a challenge before me, and I am eager to meet that challenge. I am committed every day and staying consistent.”

Kaufman will be competing with other athletes in a 1500-meter swim, 25-mile bike ride and a 6.2-mile run. Not only does he hope to improve from last week, but also meet his fundraising goal of $2,000 for Team World Vision.

In 2023, 89% of World Vision’s total operating expenses were used for programs that benefit children, families and communities in need.

“It’s just phenomenal what this charity does,” he said. “This organization is very near and dear to my heart.”

According to the Team World Vision website, $50 provides access to clean water for one person for life.

“Women and children are walking over 4 miles every day just to get water for their families and it’s not even clean water,” Kaufman said. “There is a 50% mortality rate for children under five. Drinking contaminated water can cause diarrhea, stomach pain and other illnesses like salmonella.”

Kaufman said he hopes to hit his fundraising goal before his next scheduled half marathon at the Indianapolis Monument this year.

“God and Team World Vision are why I am on this Earth. If I had not joined the team, I might not have known about my heart condition,” he said.

Tuesday marked a year since Kaufman went to the ER where he spent two days in a hospital room with another man, who would later need a heart transplant.

“I found out a year later that man is receiving a new heart,” he said. “God has had his hand in this journey the whole way.”

In keeping a strict training and nutrition regiment, Kaufman thanked his wife, Danielle, for the constant support.

“The support she provides is unmatched and unwavering,” he said. “Without her I couldn’t do it.”

Kaufman said he is looking forward to the race and cheering on his Team World Vision Family this weekend.

“They are a team that is a family,” he said. “I owe everything to the team and this is for God.”

If you would like to donate to the cause, go to teamworldvision.org and type in Chris Kaufman in the fundraiser search bar.