In the years following Steve’s diagnosis, family, friends, co-workers, acquaintances, and complete strangers supported Steve and Julene in countless ways.  Many of these were in the form of personal visits, calls, notes, prayers, and gifts.  And some of them were very public.  The tradition of public tributes started during Steve’s life and still continues.  Just some of the wonderful ways that people have publicly honored Steve are:

• November 2012:  To honor Ironman Steve, Margi started a challenge. During the month of December she asked everyone to try to complete 140.6 miles or 140.6 minutes of activity – run, walk, crawl, bike, swim or …..? And to post their progress in a Facebook group.  Hundreds of people participated.
• December 2012: The Y Triathlon Club organized a team, “Team Ironman Steve”, for the YMCA Christmas Run.   Over 50 people signed up for the team.
• January 2013: Boise Aeros Triathlon Club held a fundraiser to help send Steve and Julene to Kona, Hawaii and fulfill Steve’s dream of swimming, biking and running on the actual Ironman World Championship course.  They rode their indoor bikes at the “House of Pain” in McU’s Sports from 6am to 6pm.  Close to 100 people participated.
• February 2013: Several hundred people, all across the country, wore the Cancer Wristband labeled “No One Fights Alone” in the Periwinkle color that represents Esophageal/Stomach Cancer.
• April and July 2013: The Kissler Chapel in St. Luke’s Hospital filled with friends and family for two prayer services led by the MSTI Chaplain, Kelly Loy.
• October 2014:  Margi issued the “Crank up the X Factor Challenge” and hundreds of people posted encouraging video messages to Steve in the 140.6 for Steve Facebook group.
• October 2014:  Lora organized the “Loops of Love for Steve” fundraiser, and hundreds of bicyclists from the Boise Aeros, Emmett Triathlon, and Tri Town came out cycle in support of Steve.
• March of 2015 and 2016:  Doug, Steve’s friend and neighbor, competed in the Firefighter Stair Climb in Seattle.  He competed in Memory of Steve, and the helmet he wore for the competition displayed Steve’s name.
• June 2015:  Rich gathered a volunteer workforce of Steve’s Simplot coworkers along with friends and family for a Habitat for Humanity work party in honor of Steve. They spent the day painting, roofing and landscaping at a Habitat House. They started the day with a tribute and prayer to Steve and the generosity, compassion and kindness he showed to all. It was a very fun and productive day at the house and in line with Steve’s efficiency, they finished their work early.
• July 2015: Jodi led a fundraising campaign to purchase a memorial bench and adopt a tree along Steve’s favorite stretch of the Boise Greenbelt.  She then organized a dedication ceremony and gathering to honor Steve’s life.  Friends and family traveled to gather along the river and remember Steve.
• September 2015: The YMCA’s first Steve Andrews Fall Sprint Triathlon was held. Many triathletes, seasoned veterans as well as first time competitors turned out to participate in the sport Steve had been so passionate about. This annual event was held again in 2016 and 2017 and will continue for years to come.
• May 2017: The J.R. Simplot Company awarded their first ‘Steve Andrews “X Factor” Award’, recognizing an employee in a manager role who exemplifies the attributes that made Steve successful – tenacious work ethic, leadership through team-building, and an infectious positive attitude.