RECENT EDIT

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

My wonderful father lost his battle with leukemia early yesterday morning. He is at rest, but my wish is that no one would have to go through what he did these last, long 8 months. So I keep running. And now he'll be able to watch over me no matter where I run.

God Bless.

With a strong enough WHY. . .

Seven years ago, I joined Team in Training (TNT) to train for my first marathon while raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). LLS is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services to those who suffer from blood cancers and their loved ones. Running 26.2 miles and raising the required $3500 minimum seemed impossible back then, but it's been said that with a strong enough WHY man can endure any HOW. So with the fight of our honor patients as my WHY, some great training and lots of support, I became a marathoner.

My Dad, Leonard quickly became a marathon supporter. He flew to Orlando to cheer me on for that first race and served as an "ambassador" of sorts for the City of Tempe to learn first-hand what was involved in hosting a marathon. He became intimately involved in the organization of Phoenix's Inaugural Rock and Roll Marathon and worked tirelessly to help that race to be a success in 2004 and beyond. In the years since that first race, my husband, Andy & I have run several more marathons and half marathons. My Dad has been there for all of them. Whether shuttling us to the start line (or airport for out of town races), finding places along the route to cheer us on with signs and snacks, taking photos of us crossing the finish line (or tracking us on the web), or driving us home from the race - with a stop for cheeseburgers of course - my dad has always been our most dedicated supporter.

Ironically, my ultimate cheerleader has now come face to face with the disease that started me on the marathon path. In October 2009, my dad was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. He spent 6 months undergoing aggressive chemotherapy and we thought the cancer was responding. Unfortunately, his remission lasted only a few weeks. We're now preparing for a very difficult couple of months as his wonderful life draws to an end.

The cure for my Dad's cancer, like many of these cancers, is still out of reach. More research is needed. Currently, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is funding research for new treatments and for treatments with fewer negative short and long-term side effects. This is my WHY.

I'm dedicated to doing my part in the finding a cure for blood related cancers. I ran the P.F. Chang's marathon in Phoenix in January and raised over $5000 for Team in Training during that season. I will be running the Rock and Roll Marathon in San Diego on June 6, 2010 and intend to raise at least another $5000 for TNT's mission. Would you be willing to help me? Every donation, no matter how small, makes a difference. You can easily make a secure donation here, or if you'd prefer, you can write a check. Just email me at cathyswann@cox.net if you need mailing information. My family and I would be truly grateful for your tax-deductible contribution towards this worthy cause.

I hope you will visit my web site often. Be sure to check back frequently to see my progress. You can also check on my Dad's progress at www.caringbridge.org/visit/lencopple.

Your support means more than I can say. Thank you.

March 9, 2010

I'm supposed to keep this site updated, which means taking my first step into blogging. So here goes. . .

It's been a great training week so far. After 7 years of running pretty much flat terrain, I hit the hills of South Mountain with my group on Saturday. What an adventure! Though my legs and lungs were screaming most of the time, they all recovered readily. And just in the nick of time. . . Tonight was my first track workout. Interval training is designed to increase strength, stamina and speed, all of which will come in handy if I'm ever going to break that 4-hour marathon mark. Stay tuned. . .

As for my Dad, he was supposed to go back into the hospital this week for the 6th and final round of chemo. The doctor sent him home instead, thinking he might have pneumonia. Thankfully, there's no pneumonia - just the nasty cold he apparently caught from Lainey. Maybe tomorrow. We're learning to take things day by day, and that things don't always go according to plan. It's not our plan anyway, I've also learned.

If you would like to support my fundraising in the fight against blood cancers, click on the "Donate now" button on the right. Any amount is appreciated. Thank you!

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Hello again - 10 miler today - oh yea!

The last couple weeks haven't been the best training weeks ever, but I think I'm finally done with the cold/allergies/coughing/wheezing crud, so it can only get better from here! At least I don't have pneumonia, which my Dad is now battling. So much for a quick trip in and out of the hospital for round 6 of chemo. Keep praying!

Recommitment date is right around the corner. This is the time when participants have to commit the the remainder of the fundraising - with a credit card - or step out of the journey. It's pretty scary for some of my mentees, first time participants who've never run this far or raised this much money before. I'm so proud to see how far they've all come and believe they'll make it to the finish line. As for me, I'm still hoping to hit the $5000 mark and have a ways to go. Click on the "donate now" button to help me get there! Thanks so much for your support.

Monday, May 3, 2010

Just over a month till San Diego. More hill training and long runs - so far so good. This weekend is an 18-miler, followed by 19 miles next weekend and then 20 on the 22nd. It's getting hot but going well.

Unfortunately, the news on my Dad is not good. He definitely won't be going to San Diego with me. The leukemia is back and taking its toll. Our time is precious and short.

Please keep our family in your prayers.

Click the "donate now" button to help me and LLS meet our goal.

Thanks for your continued support.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

20-miler done! Wasn't the fastest 20 miles I've ever run - but that's ok. I didn't expect it to be a great run; I just needed to do it. And my entire team wore little green tags that read "This one's for LEONARD." How cool is that?

I'm so proud of my teammates. They have come so far and I can't wait to share their victory with them in San Diego. Less than 2 weeks away!

Thank you everyone for your love and support on this journey.

God Bless.

Monday, May 31, 2010

Well, the final count-down is on. We leave for San Diego this Friday and the race is Sunday. This week has certainly had its ups and downs, as I know they will for months to come. Sometimes sadness consumes me and all I can do is cry. Other times I feel ok, blessed that I had such a wonderful father for 41 years. I so wanted him to be in San Diego, cheering me on as I crossed the finish line. But as several people have told me, he'll be with me the whole way - I just need to look up. So, I will run with his name on my back and with him in my heart. I will run because it's what I know how to do, the only way I know to make a difference in this fight. God bless you all for your help and support. GO TEAM!