{{81480}}

Racing to Save Lives

This is my fourth season with Team in Training. I am completing this event in honor of all individuals who are battling blood cancers. These people are the real heroes on our team, and we need your support to cross the ultimate finish line - a cure!

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

It is hard to top a full marathon, but I think I can do it! This season I will be running a ½ marathon a month, August (spirit of Columbus 13.1), September (PDR 13.1 miles), October the NIKE Womens ½ marathon (13.1 miles), and November Philadelphia ½ marathon (13.1 miles) as part of the Team in Training program. YEP, that is 52.4 miles of racing this fall-you know I always shoot for the moon!

Team in Training benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by raising funds to find new treatments and cures for Leukemia, Lymphoma, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and Myeloma. In fact, 75% of funds raised by Team in Training will go directly towards the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s mission to cure these life-threatening cancers.

I am running the races in honor of four courageous people. Whenever I am training and feel like I can’t muster the strength to go another mile, I think of their strength and feel a renewed sense of commitment to the reason why I am doing this in the first place.

Lori Ann Schneider, a Bala Cynwyd mom who was diagnosed with Mantle Cell Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma at the age of 44. She spent many months completing aggressive chemotherapy and is currently in remission! YEAH LORI

Christian, the 15 year old son of my high school friend Greg. Christian started treatment for lymphoma the day before Easter this year. He faces every challenge head on with courage and grace that puts life into perspective for all.

Avi, the son of one of my favorite people at work, Sharon. Avi is 31 and has been battling leukemia over the last year and now is hoping his bone marrow transplant is successful! Avi always deals with the bad and celebrates the good in everything!

Last but definitely not least, for Ed Dougherty. I ran last season for Ed as he fought lymphoma. The day after my last race last fall, Ed died suddenly, leaving behind his wonderful wife Carol and their two fabulous 11 year old girls. Ed prayed “everyday for me and the team to run strong and be healthy and for LLS to help find a cure.â€

Their positive attitudes and determination, serves as a symbol of hope and inspiration for all of us.

I hope you will consider a 100% tax deductible donation to support me and this worthy cause. Please complete the attached sponsorship form and enclose a check, made payable to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, to me at the address above. You can also visit my website at

http://pages.teamintraining.org/epa/nikesf09/mgrugan

to make a secure online donation by credit card. Donations must be received no later than September 15th in order to be counted towards my fundraising goal.

Check out my blog for marathon updates and for links to more information:

http://meggruganmarathonmom.blogspot.com

Thank you for helping to support both my personal mission and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s mission. Together, we are helping to find a cure.

If you have any questions, please contact me at megan.grugan@comcast.net.

Love,

Meg Grugan