Wisconsin man plans to complete 1.5 Ironmans — 210.9 miles — for his best friend

Man to swim 3.86 miles, bike 112 miles and run 26.2 miles for friend with brain cancer

A Wisconsin man is planning to complete 1.5 Ironmans — 210.9 miles — for his best friend who is battling brain cancer.

Andrew Brunette, 31, of Green Bay, will swim 3.86 miles, bike 112 miles and run 26.2 miles on Saturday, Aug. 26, to raise money for his friend, Chris Roelke, who was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, in 2015.

Brunette and Roelke have been friends since they were in high school. They both attended the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and were roommates for two years. Roelke is now married with two young children.

"Chris is one of the most positive people I know," Brunette said. "He's always smiling and he's always trying to help others. When I found out he had cancer, I knew I had to do something to help him."

Brunette has been training for the Ironman for the past six months. He has been swimming, biking and running for hours each week. He has also been fundraising for Roelke's family.

"I'm not going to lie, it's going to be a tough challenge," Brunette said. "But I know it's nothing compared to what Chris is going through. I'm doing this for him and his family."

Brunette has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for Roelke's family. He has already raised more than $10,000.

"I'm so grateful for all the support I've received from my family, friends and community," Brunette said. "It means the world to me to know that I'm not alone in this fight."

Roelke is currently undergoing treatment for his cancer. He is taking medication and receiving radiation therapy.

"Chris is a fighter," Brunette said. "He's not going to give up. And I'm not going to give up on him."