Racing to Save Lives

Welcome to Katie Cyphers Team In Training home page, in honor of Jessica Shrader.

I'm training to participate in the San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon as a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training. All of us on Team In Training are raising funds to help stop leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma from taking more lives. I am completing this event in honor of Jessica Shrader and 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!

I am running in honor of Jessica Shrader, age 22. She was recently diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. Jessica is originally from Cordova, Tennessee, where her family still resides. In May of 2009, Jessica graduated from the University of Mississippi with a degree in Finance and moved to Boston for work. While in college, she participated in the Phi Mu sorority.

Knowing something was not right with her body, Jessica went to the doctor and had some blood work done. This is when she received her diagnosis of ALL. Shortly thereafter she entered the hospital and began chemotherapy on January 22. She receives her chemotherapy via lumbar puncture in her spinal cord. The first phase of her chemotherapy is set to last until February 23 if all goes as planned. So far, the treatment has taken well with her body. She has had no serious adverse reactions. Doctors have told her that this particular illness is highly curable. She has been very active, is eating a lot, and one doctor jokingly asked "where the girl going through chemo was" when he came in to meet Jessica. In anticipation of losing her hair, Jessica donated it to locks of love and still looks as beautiful as ever!!! Please keep Jessica, her family and friends in your prayers.

Please make a donation to support my participation in Team In Training and help advance LLS's mission. With your support we will find a cure!

Be sure to check back frequently to see my progress. Thanks for your support!

Katie