For Rond Allen “Rond” De Leon, life has never been a straight path. It’s been a series of climbs, setbacks, recoveries, and triumphs—much like the marathons, triathlons, and endurance cycling events that have shaped his athletic journey. Today, as a clinical stroke program coordinator at Sutter Solano Medical Center, De Leon draws from those experiences to inspire not only his patients, but also his peers, his much younger brother, and those closest to him.
“I’ve always felt like I had to lead by example,” he says. “I’m the oldest cousin in a big Filipino family and a guiding presence for my younger brother. Now, the fact that we both work in healthcare makes me really proud—it feels like everything came full circle.”
Raised in a diverse Northern California community, De Leon developed resilience early on. Whether it was racing through schoolwork so he could have more time to play, or mentoring his sibling through important life milestones, perseverance became his trademark.
Sports were his first training ground. A varsity tennis player, he went on to run half-marathons, complete a major city marathon, and eventually take on long-distance triathlons. There were moments of glory and moments of heartbreak, like limping through the final miles of a triathlon after injury. Each experience taught him that achievement is measured not only by medals, but by the discipline to keep moving forward.
That same mindset carried into his professional life. As a first-generation college student, De Leon pursued a nursing degree, seizing the opportunity as his “shot” at the American dream. His time in school brought leadership roles, accolades, and challenges—including a frightening medical scare during his clinical training.
“It shook me,” he recalls, “but instead of letting it stop me, I leaned on my mentors and pushed through. That experience made me stronger and confirmed that I was on the right path.”
After graduation, De Leon began his career as an emergency department nurse. The work was demanding, but the same determination that fueled him in athletics carried him through long shifts and difficult cases. Cycling became his therapy and a source of balance. At one point, he and a group of friends completed a multi-day cycling journey across California—an adventure that was as much about camaraderie and mental health as it was about endurance.
Now, De Leon is finding new ways to align his athletic passions with service to others. In connection with the American Heart Association’s East Bay Heart Walk, he committed to raising awareness for stroke and heart research by donating for every mile he rides.
“I’ve committed to turning my athletic pursuits into a way to raise awareness and support charitable causes, often linking miles ridden with donations made,” De Leon said.
For him, cycling is no longer just about the next finish line—it’s about creating impact.
“It’s not about being the best anymore—it’s about longevity,” he says. “It’s about showing up healthy and strong for the people who depend on me.”
His message to patients and colleagues alike is simple but powerful: “The finish line isn’t always the goal. Sometimes, it’s the journey itself—the training, the perseverance—that makes you stronger.”
