Dad passed away from his battle with pancreatic cancer on Friday, September 1, 2023 at 04:16 hours. It was a hard yearlong battle that he approached with courage and strength.

He was the strongest man I knew and put up a fight as good as anyone could. Through it all I watched as he took each challenge the sickness threw at him head on, never backing down and never mad at the awful card he had been dealt. Even toward the end I learned so much from him. I believe he knew his fate and made sure that he spoke with the people important in his life before he passed. I know he did not get to speak with everyone, but it was not for lack of trying. The last year I was fortunate enough to visit as much as I possibly could. 

Robert Preston Slacum played the most important role in my life, he was my Father, Dad, and friend. He always did everything in his power to make sure my brother Nathan Slacum and I were always provided for and loved. He chose his partner in life, Kathy Poehler as the person he wanted to share all his memories and experiences with.

I am grateful that these two will always be in my kids’ lives and hold the loving titles of Grandma Kathy and Grandpop Bob. 

 My Dad always taught me to go after my dreams (responsibly), while on one of my many trips home that last year, I learned that Cambridge, Maryland hosts an Ironman triathlon. 

After Dad passed I thought it would be a good way for me to honor his memory in my own way. 

On September 20, 2025 I am going to Swim, Bike, Run the IRONMAN Maryland in memory of Robert Preston Slacum. Through the river and streets in which dad was raised.

Your generous contributions will be split between two charities that we felt were deserving and mattered to us. 

The Skip Viragh Center for Pancreatic cancer at Johns Hopkins Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center 

Our collaborative team of scientists, physicians and allied health workers specialize in translating science learned in the laboratory into exceptional clinical care. Our center is a world leader in the diagnosis and management of pancreatic cancer, leading all institutions in novel therapies, innovative clinical trials and in training the next generation of pancreatic cancer experts.

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/kimmel-cancer-center/cancers-we-treat/pancreatic-cancer

(The Johns Hopkins University, 2025)

Johns Hopkins was Dad’s Alma Mater class of 1970.

Gilchrist provides quality compassionate care, counseling and support to people at every stage of serious illness. A nationally recognized, nonprofit leader in serious illness and end-of-life care, Gilchrist is deeply committed to providing life-affirming programs to ensure that our patients have the best possible quality of life and the opportunity to live every moment to its fullest.

We pride ourselves in being committed to honoring every person’s culture, values, and wishes by respecting who they are and what matters most to them — ensuring our partners and communities feel valued and appreciated as we interact with them.

https://gilchristcares.org/about/choice/

https://gilchristcares.org/services/hospice-care/do-i-need-hospice/inpatient-centers/

(Gilchrist cares, 2025)

The individuals who were with us were the kindest people I have ever met. We will never forget them!

For 10 years, those who have toed the line at IRONMAN Maryland, part of the VinFast IRONMAN North America Series, have joined a community of athletes dedicated to overcoming whatever challenge race day brings. Whether you’re a first-time athlete or seasoned veteran, Crabby Nation is with you on your journey to becoming an IRONMAN. Bask in the sunrise at Gerry Boyle Park before embarking on a 2.4-mile swim in the Choptank River, take a scenic tour of the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge on one of the best bike courses in North America as voted on by athletes, and run through downtown Cambridge buoyed by the cheers of thousands of supporters rallying around the Crabbies making their way to the finish line.​

We are Crabbies and this is Crabby Nation. Embrace the journey to becoming an IRONMAN. Embrace the journey to becoming a Crabby.​

This is the river my dad swam in as a kid, the streets he played on and the hometown he loved. I have some of my best childhood memories in Cambridge.

https://www.ironman.com/races/im-maryland

Bike Shop Inc

522 SE Monterey Rd, Stuart, FL 34994

(772) 283-6186  

https://www.stuartbikeshop.com/

Racer's Edge

2212 N Dixie Hwy, Boca Raton, FL 33431  

(561) 416-9433 

https://www.theracersedge.net/road.html

PlayTri

 (972) 730-3288 

https://playtristore.com/

Super Simple 20-Week Ironman Triathlon Training Plan 

Matt Fitzgerald 

https://www.triathlete.com/training/super-simple-20-week-ironman-training-plan/

100% of donations will go to the two charities listed minus a small fee that GoFundMe charges .

Click the green button below!

Any questions or concerns you can email me at MSlacum@aol.com (yes I still have AOL)