My Journey to the Finish-Line Begins With YOU!

Welcome to my Team In Training home page.

Anyone who knows me would NEVER classify me as a "runner". When I played Little League softball, my coach ("Dad") could always count on me to connect with the ball.....just not the base! I was such a slow runner that when I was about 10yrs. old my parents had me checked by a doctor to see if there was anything "wrong" with me. While the doctor assured my parents that there was nothing fundamentally or physically wrong with the way I ran, he also didn't ignite any hope of my running a 5k in the near or distant future.

So, you may be shocked to hear that I'm training to participate in the 2009 Walt Disney World Half Marathon taking place on January 11th. As a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training I am also raising funds to help stop leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, myeloma and other blood cancers from taking more lives.

I am completing this event in honor of my beloved, cherished friend, Joann Harris, who passed away after a courageous battle with Leukemia and Lymphoma. Anyone who knew Joann were in awe of how she never let this disease compromise her vivacious spirit and love for life! Joanne is survived by her husband, Bill and daughters, Kimberly (spouse, Steve) and Melanie (spouse, Ty). Today, Kimberly has 3 children of her own, Katie Joann, Max and Peyton. Joann is their "guardian angel".

I am also completing this event in honor of all individuals who are battling blood cancers like Chalsea Hurley. Chalsea Hurley Is 23 years old, the mother of a young son, Damien and is presently fighting Lymphoma and Leukemia. In 2007 Chalsea was diagnosed with Lymphoma and started treatment. While going through treatment she signed up to train with and raise money for Team In Training. During the five months of training Chalsea got the news that her cancer was in remission. In June of that year she crossed the finish line of the Lake Placid Marathon. In December of 2007, after seven months of remission Chalsea got word that her Lymphoma was back and the cancer had spread to Leukemia. At this time Chalsea is in treatment fighting her cancer. She knows she can beat it and she is excited to have the team behind her!!

Please make a donation to support my participation in Team In Training and help advance LLS's mission.

I hope you will visit my web site often. Be sure to check back frequently to see my progress.

Thanks for your support!

With much love and gratitude,

Renee

DECEMBER UPDATE

12/20- Today was a MILESTONE day for training. Today I ran 11 MILES alongside my team of "half-marathoners". This is the farthest I have run thus far! I had mixed feelings about today, both excited and nervous! We headed down to Cortland to meet the "southern-tier" team and their coach, Harland. The combination of meeting new people and running in new terrritory got me really pumped. It was a very cold run, but my adrenaline eventually took over (as did my body heat a few miles in) and I was able to run steady (slow, but steady). We ran the 11mi. in about 2.5hrs. We need to be able to finish 13mi., on race day, in no more than 3.5hrs. in order to cross the finish line in time. I'm confident that is attainable. I received my race jersey as well which just added to the excitement. Training is all "down-hill" from here! Only 2 more weekends of group training, plus my solo runs during the week....and then, on 1/8, we fly down to Disney for the real "show". I couldn't think of a better way to start out the new year. I began this journey, running in memory of JoAnn Harris. I am adding the name of Jacob Hadcock to my jersey. I will be running in his honor as well. Jacob is an amazing 3yr. old boy who lives a few towns over from me in Mexico, NY. Back in September of this year, Jacob was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (A.L.L.). The doctors told his parents that he will be undergoing cancer treatment for the next 3.5yrs. I am in awe of Jacob's bravery and strength, as well as the bravery and strength of his parents and brother, Josh. Jacob has entire communities working on his behalf, raising money to help pay for medical expenses not covered by insurance. He has the fortune of being the center of the prayers of so many people today. Please keep him in yours as well! In the meantime, I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and everyone of you who have supported me throughout the past 4mos. Your support, encouragement and belief in me has truly pulled me through those early morning trainings and has given me the strength to rise up to the challenges I have confronted along the way. May your holidays be "merry and bright"! And I wish you and your family a very happy and HEALTHY 2009!

SEE YOU AT THE FINISH-LINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NOVEMBER UPDATE

11/25- I want to take the time to thank everyone who attended the Thanks-4-Giving Benefit on Sunday for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as well as the vendors who donated food, products and services, including DJ John "The Godfather" Guglimetti and my mother in law, Pattie Williams! I especially want to thank The American Legion Post 787 for lending us a room for the event. Amy Swindon (my team "mentor") won the 50/50 Raffle and generously donated it back to the fundraiser! Thank you Amy!!! With Thanksgiving being only 2 days away, I've been reflecting on what I am grateful for. First and foremost, I'm grateful for the good health of my family and friends! Secondly, I'm grateful that I am healthy enough to run...to run for those who can't run. Today, I first learned the story about an 11yr. old boy's dying wish. Brenden Foster was given 2wks. to live after a long battle with Leukemia. There was no more doctors could do for him, except to keep him comfortable. When asked what his "last wish" would be, he gave a response that made headlines! It was to feed the homeless. After returning home from a trip to the clinic one day, he caught a news program covering the story of a "homeless camp". He said, "I want to feed the homeless. Let's give them a chance." Within a few days, people from all over his community started preparing food to bring to the homeless. Over 200 sandwiches were made. It sparked a nationwide campaign in Brenden's names. uTube showed a video of 3 young boys who went around collecting clothing for the homeless and talked about how they were going to serve food at a homeless shelter. Brenden passed away on Friday, November 21st. But, there is no doubt that his legacy lives on! I wish everyone a very healthy and happy Thanksgiving. Take the time to give your children an extra "squeeze" and remind your loved ones of how special they really are to you!

11/13- I'm sad today. As I've been planning for the benefit on Nov. 23rd, I've noticed flyers around town advertising other benefits to help families of people who are battling a life-threatening illness. One flyer advertises a benefit to help a 3 1/2yr. old boy who is battling a form of Leukemia. There is a precious picture of him sleeping, snuggled up to his teddy bear. Every time I see that flyer and think of him, my heart breaks! I just don't "get it"?? I can't wrap my head around WHY? and HOW? Just today I came across the website honoring the memory of a girl named Jaqueline Hirsch, fondly remembered as "Tink" for her love of "Tinkerbell". She was 23 yrs. old, a recent graduate from SUNY Geneseo and just beginning her life, for all intense and purposes. In September of 2007 she was diagnosed with Leukemia and less than 1yr. later her battle ended and she passed on. UGGHH, I CAN'T STAND IT! Bill Harris, the husband of the woman I am running in memory of, Joann, mailed me a picture of her to have blown up for display at the benefit. When I look at her picture and see her beautiful smile, so full of life and laughter....it is inconceivable to believe that she is elsewhere. It's so hard to believe that when I visit my dear friend Kimmy next, her mom won't be there to greet me with that contagious smile....ready to take us out around "B-Town" and share the great stories of when she and my mom were pregnant "together" with Kimmy and I. So, today I'm sad......and really PISSED OFF! This is the first time, since I began training, that I've actually felt angry. While I know that I am doing my part to work towards a cure and eradicate cancer, it still leaves me feeling hopeless. I wish I could do more! I emailed one of my teammates today and told her how I was feeling. I ended my email by saying "I guess the only way for me to relieve this frustration is by taking it out on the pavement I'll be running this Saturday as I venture out for my 8 mile run." The road may need construction after I'm through with it!

For today, I'm just going to love my children and my husband and be abundantly grateful for their health and the beautiful life we are living together. I encourage all of you to do the same!

OCTOBER UPDATE

10/25- Today I did 8 miles in the pouring rain!! We ran in Liverpool along Seneca Lake down to Willow Bay. If it wasn't raining it would have been a very pretty run :-( We train in all weather because on "race day" we will run in whatever the forcast calls for, so we need to be prepared. There are people I keep in mind that I refer to while I run. Joann Harris is one of them (she is the woman I am running in honor of). Joann perservered through the most trying and painful of times. And, she did it with a smile and a great sense of humore! As I run, I pray for her strength. I also keep my Papa Max (Max Abstender, my grandpa) close to my heart while I run. Papa passed away at 96yrs. old. Although he did not die as a result of blood cancer, he did battle with illness the last 5yrs. of his life. Papa had such a spirit about him that made you believe he was going to live forever. When I run, I pray for his spirit. Another person that comes to my mind is Lisa Frank. Lisa was a sorority sister of mine whose life was taken by Leukemia at 19yrs. old. I didn't know Lisa, as she passed away the semester before I became a sister. But older sisters in my sorority spoke about her with such pride. They talked of her gentle yet strong demeanor. She was a young lady of dignity and great pride. Sadly, a bone marrow match could not be found for Lisa and she passed away in the fall of 1990. While many people have thanked me for my efforts in the fight against cancer, I believe it has been my blessing and my gift. I run because others can't . I run in the pouring rain, because there are those who are inside receiving chemo. If given the choice, which would you choose? That's what I thought. So, THANK YOU GOD, for using me as an instrument of YOUR will. I've heard it said that "GOD does for those who do for others" Amen.

10/16- I've raised close to $1,800 thanks to the generosity and support of family, friends and the community at large. YOU ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE! I'm just about halfway to my goal of $3,800. I can't everyone enough for all of your support (both financially and emotionally). Without your faith in me and the strength of the team I run with, this would be a very lonely journey. I feel blessed!

10/15- I ran with my team (and Heather) this morning at Onondaga Lake Park. My goal was to run at least 6mi. I ran 7mi. instead!! It was exhilarating :-) Who knew this "slow-poke" had it in her. No longer am I the last girl to be picked in gym class LOL!

SEPTEMBER UPDATE

9/21- I want to take this opportunity to thank Snip-Its of Cicero for their generous donation to my fundraiser. For every haircut, Snip-Its donated $5 to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Renee (the owner) and her staff were nothing less than WONDERFUL! They set an example of generosity for all other businesses to emulate. I love seeing the community I live in "give" in so many wonderful ways!

9/20- Today was the most challenging run yet. One word to describe it , HILLS! We started out at Spa 500 in Syracuse, where we learned effective stretching to get our run off to a good start. Then we were off. This was the first team training run where I had to stop and do a little walking before picking up the pace again. Like I said, HILLS! Nonetheless I completed 3 1/4 miles, along side my friend and TNT running buddy, Lisa. Next week, my goal is 4mi. Prior to all of this, I'd wake up in the morning, take a look outside and say "It's so nice outside". Now I look out the window and say "What a great day for a run!" Who would have guessed?? As always, thank you for your support!

9/19- Above, I introduced you to one of our Honorary Teammates, Chelsea Hurley. Now, I would like to share with you the names and bios of 2 more Honorary Teammates I am lucky enough to be training on behalf of. I'm so inspired by their courage and strength:

Alicia Fereday Shiland is28 years old and has StageIIB Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. She was diagnosed on November 30, 2006. Alicia is currently undergoing Chemotherapy. Alicia is married to Chuck Shiland and is a professional fundraiser who loves horseback riding and snowshoeing. Alicia is a friend of Kim Buck who is a one of our TNT coaches.

Bella Grosso is 5 years old from Syracuse, NY and was diagnosed on October 25, 2004 with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. She is currently in remission and just recently finished chemotherapy after 2.5 years. Bella is the youngest of the Grosso family with two brothers and one sister. She loves soccer and playing with her friends. Her favorite holiday is, of course, her birthday and her favorite buddy is “Leuk” her golden retriever dog.

9/8- What a GREAT neighborhood I live in! I would like to thank the Gulfstream community for saving your bottles and cans for my fundraiser. The goodness and generosity of your hearts is truly heartwarming! Because I had such a late start in the day yesterday I couldn't get to all of your homes, but I will get around in spurts throughout the week. This has been a great way to get to know my neighbors!

9/6- Today was the first "team training" day. We met at Onondaga State Park for a run at the lake. I was up at 6:15am (I really need to get to bed a lot earlier on Friday nights!!!!). We met our coach, Kim and her dog "Reva" :-) This week was a 2 mile run for beginners like myself. And to my amazement, I RAN the full 2 miles!! Phrases that were going through my mind to keep me on course were "Relax and run steady" (thank you Susan and Dennis), "Chemo is harder than this!" and "GOD, please be my legs". I came home with a lot more energy than when I left, YAHOO!! And I'm really enjoying getting to know my teammates. It's great to know people who volunteer their time to help others. My teammates are "salt of the earth" and I feel incredibly honored to be among them!

Throughout the next 4-5 months I'll be going door to door in my neighborhood asking for bottles and cans that I can deposit for donation money (I guess that's one way of getting to know the neighbors <smile>).

AUGUST UPDATE

8/29- My husband has great memories of his "Uncle Carl". Carl was the oldest of 5 siblings. He served his country in the military and later in his life he lived on a NJ ranch with his wife and kids, where he was an avid horseback rider. Jimmy ("my hubby") loved visiting his Uncle Carl's ranch and going horseback riding. I knew that Carl lost his life to cancer in the 80's, but it wasn't until recently that I learned it was Lymphoma. I am told that Carl fought with everything he had. Even within a few days of his passing, Carl continued to get up on his horse and go riding.

I'm sure it's no coincidence that when I made my decision to commit to Team in Training, that I started to hear the heartfelt stories about a loved one's passing or current fight with a blood cancer diagnosis, such as Lymphoma. I truly believe that with every story I hear, it is GOD's way of confirming the path that I am on with Team in Training. I CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!

8/26- My friend, Todd Herzog, is a talented musician from Arizona. Todd and i went to the same high school (Spring Valley High School) where he was "lead vocals" for a band called, "NOIZE". Todd took his passion for music and made it his life's work. Todd experienced a tragic loss when a dear friend of his, Rachel Simon, lost her battle to Leukemia and Lymphoma in 1999. Rachel was only 28yrs. old. I asked Todd to offer his sentiments about Rachel and the impact she made on his life....................

"Rachel Simon was someone who had an incredible impact on my life. She was diagnosed with Leukemia a month after graduating from college. She never had the chance to really get settled in her life. And yet she was a great teacher. She never took a single moment that she had for granted, because she was all too aware of what might be in store for her. Her life and her spirit continue to provide inspiration for me in appreciating my own life and the beauty that surrounds us all."

I invite you to check out Todd's website at www.toddherzog.com. On his website there is a song and video called, "If I Only Had The Words". Todd wrote and recorded this song to honor Rachel's memory. After seeing the video (which has many beautiful segments of Rachel in it), I felt as if I knew her and could feel the joy that she brought to the lives of the people that surrounded her.

8/24- I attended the "Kickoff Meeting" for Team in Training yesterday. What an amazing organization TNT is! We received our training schedules and were offered great suggestions anywhere from nutrition to get the right pair of running shoes. I sat down next to another woman who was new to TNT, like me. She, too, has no experience running. It's good to know I'm not the only "novice". The part of the meeting that will stick with me throughout the next 4-5 mos. of training will be the slideshow. We saw pictures of our honored teammates. They are all people who are currently living a blood cancer diagnosis. A couple of them were even TNT alumni who ran when their cancer was in remission. So, here is what my "mantra" needs to be when I'm dreading 7am training days in 35 degree weather...."This may be tough, but it's no comparision to how tough chemo is!" Thank you again for your support and believing in me!!

Brave individuals who I knew, or knew of, whose lives were cut short as a result of a blood cancer diagnosis:

In Loving Memory of:

*Ernie Davis, 1963

*Carl Williams, 1985

*Carmela "Millie" Distefano, 1987

*Lisa Frank, 1990

*Rita Longo, 1994

*Jim Smith, 1994

*Rachel Simon, 1999

*Joann Harris, 2004

*Jacqueline Elisabeth Hirsch, 2008

*Brenden Foster, 2008

*Cody Badaloto, 2008

Brave individuals who are "survivors" of a blood cancer diagnosis:

Michael Goldman, lyphoma

Marla Reep, lymphoma

If you would like to add to the Memory Board or Survivor Board, the name of a family member, friend or co-worker who either lost their life to a blood cancer diagnosis or who are survivors of a blood cancer diagnosis, please email me at rmarchak@yahoo.com. Every name is a pillar of strength for me!

With love and gratitude,

Renee