My Fundraising Page

Racing to Save Lives

Welcome Friends and Family!

I have some exciting news, but I need your help!

I'm participating in the Phoenix Rock-n-Roll Marathon as a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training. I am training to walk/run 26.2 miles and have a fundraising goal of $4000!

Sounds impressive, doesn't it?

In reality, I have the easy part. The real heroes are those who are battling blood cancers. I am undertaking this challenge with their courage in my heart.

YOU can help too! I would be honored if you would support my participation in Team in Training.

For 60 years, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) has been the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. Your donation will help advance LLS's mission.

You can donate securely through this site.

Checks made payable to LLS can be mailed to me at Webster Records, 117 W. Lockwood Avenue, Webster Groves, MO 63119.

If you are in St Louis, donations can be dropped off at Webster Records or Annie's Books. Come by and say HI!

I will be updating this page with my training progress. I also would like to share with you my personal reasons for participating. I hope to inspire you with stories of those affected by blood cancers. Oh, and course, you can share the journey of a non-athlete (ME) as she attempts to complete an endurance event!

Many Thanks,

Jennifer

October 31st

A very special thanks to the guys at Granite City Steel! They have been very generous with their support (and they didn't draw mustaches on my flyer) :)

Today's training was a tough 14 miles. After weeks of rain, it was finally sunny though! I kept thinking about how those sick with cancer would probably give anything to be healthy enough to walk in the sun.

I'm a fan of Jelly Belly energy beans...much better than the Gu.

Thank you again everyone. It's means so much to me that you are following my journey and offering your support.

Be well,

Jennifer

October 12th

This past weekend I was less than thrilled to get up and go train for hours in the dark, fog and cold. But..my attitude changed quickly when I met the team at Forest Park. One of the honored teammates was present and spoke about his battle with Leukemia. It was inspiring to see the impact of our training and fundraising. Training in Forest Park also offers a poignant reminder of those who are fighting for their lives in the surrounding hospitals.

The day turned out to be sunny and refreshing. I completed my 12 miles surrounded by great people for a great cause. I am very lucky.

Thanks to all who have offered their support and shared their stories with me.

PS : Been listening to Robert Randolph and Black Crowes - good training music!

September 22nd

Thank you - thank you - thank you to everyone for their support! Special thanks to the great guys in the Funky Butt Brass Band for donating a portion of their CD sales at Webster Records to the cause. Thanks Linda & Boyd for spreading the word during the jazz festival.

A great part of the team in training program is the honored teammate. Honored teammates are very special individuals who have battled, or are battling, leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma. One of my honored teammates is Julie. Julie was diagnosed in 2008 with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. To be racing and training in her honor is even more meaningful to me because she is my age - 34 - with 2 young children and otherwise healthly. I don't forget for a minute how lucky I am to be healthy. I am grateful I can do something to help Julie and her family.

The training miles are ramping up! This Saturday we have a goal of 8 miles - that's like 2 hours! Wish me luck. :)

September 3rd

I have been amazed by the outpouring of support! Thank you friends.

The mission of LLS is especially dear to me as my brother-in-law Jerry is a blood cancer survivor. In 1995 he was diagnosed with Chronic myelogenous leukemia. This struck an otherwise healthy young adult out of the blue. His story reminds me how you never know what lies in your future and how blessed we are to have our health. Jerry had a successful complete bone marrow transplant and is thriving today. Thank you LLS!

Training has been going great thanks in part to beautiful weather. The mileage is picking up and I am experimenting with energy sources for during the race. I cannot choke down those power bars!

Thanks to the person who shouted "Go Team" at me last night while I walked. Awesome :)

Rock on, Jen

August 28th

More information on blood cancers:

Blood cancers such as leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, myeloma and myelodysplastic syndromes are cancers that originate in the bone marrow or lymphatic tissues. The diseases result from an acquired genetic injury to the DNA of a single cell, which becomes abnormal (malignant) and multiplies continuously eventually interfering with the body's production of healthy blood cells.

• Blood Cancers do not discriminate by age, gender or race. (Leukemia causes the most cancer related deaths among children and young adults)
• Every 4 minutes one person is diagnosed with a blood cancer.
• Sadly, every 10 minutes, someone loses their battle.

For more information, visit www.lls.org

Training:

I started training on one of the hottest/most humid weeks in St. Louis. Luckily, the weather seems to be unseasonably cool in the near future. We have had one group training (up at 5am!). It is inspiring to see such a diverse group of people coming together. Go Team!

The mileage will start to increase beyond what I normally do. I am a little nervous! If anyone in St Louis wants to walk with me, I would welcome the company. Otherwise, it's just me and the Rolling Stones on my ipod. :)

Cheers, Jennifer