When Elle Rivers participated in the Aflac Iron Girl Triathlon at Lake Lanier Islands, it was her way of saying thanks.

On April 24, 2003, three weeks before his second birthday, Rivers' son, Jake, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. He received all of his treatment, including relapse treatment, at the Aflac Cancer Center at Scottish Rite Hospital in Atlanta.

"I wanted to do something in support of Aflac because they have been extraordinarily supportive of our family," said 37-year-old Rivers.

The Smyrna resident trained six days a week for the June 28 Aflac triathlon, consisting of a 1/3 mile swim, 18-mile bike ride and 3-mile run. This event, River's first triathlon, was one of 10 different sporting events at 10 different cities around the nation. A total of 1,200 women participated.

"Aflac's goal is to inspire women to get active," said the mother of two. The event not only encourages women to achieve their personal best, but starting this year, also raises awareness of childhood cancer research and treatment, she explained. One of the beneficiary hospitals includes the Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

Rivers, who works full-time and also cares for Jake's younger sibling, started running when Jake became ill. Physically, it's been great, explained Rivers, and emotionally she reaped a lot of benefits as well.

"Exercise is the best way to flush stress and to clear my mind," said the wife of Brentt Rivers, "and reset myself for the next day."

Jake, who is 8 years old, received four and a half years of treatment at the Aflac Cancer Center at Scottish Rite. In addition to Scottish Rite, Aflac has locations at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston Hospital as well as Children's at Hughes Spalding, all part of CHOA. For more information, visit www.choa.org.

According to Children's Health Care of Atlanta's Web site, the Aflac Cancer Center treats more than 350 new cancer patients each year.

"Jake is doing fabulous today," said Rivers. "I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate and to be thankful to Aflac for what they've done, other than showing a huge display of living and being fit and getting out there and showing cancer couldn't beat us."

For more information on Aflac's Iron Girl Triathlon and commitment to wellness, visit www.aflacirongirl.com.