Racing to Save Lives

Welcome to my Team In Training home page!

Introduction

I'm currently a graduate student at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock as part of the PhD program in Microbiology and Immunology. I've been a runner since junior high, and ran for Hendrix College for four years. I made a number of very close friendships doing so, and it really helped me understand the importance of living a healthy and active lifestyle and the relationships running can build. Now that I'm a graduate student, my days are filled with labwork and studying and I'm not able to be as competitive as I once was. I think most post-collegiate athletes one day look at themselves in the mirror and realize something is missing from their lives, and unfortunately that something has come to settle somewhere around their mid-section! Part of the reason I joined Team in Training was to become part of a running group again as well as to commit myself to always having a healthy lifestyle (and for those who have the unfortunate task of living with me on the days I haven't gone for a run). Additionally, I wanted to make my running and training meaningful again, rather than just going out for a 20 minute run here or there. I may not be fast anymore, but I am an able-bodied young lady capable of completing 26.2 miles for a good cause.

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) and the Important Reason for joining Team in Training:

I believe in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's mission. 75% of the funds raised go toward the mission of LLS, which includes support for researchers as well as financial and emotional assistance for patients with leukemia and lymphoma. Our Gateway Chapter of LLS (which includes Eastern MO, IL, Memphis, and AR) specifically provides $2000/wk of research funds to a top leader in the field as well as outpatient services to individuals treated for blood cancer. As a budding scientist and researcher, I can honestly say that one week of research likely costs more than $2000/wk (I went through about $12,000 worth of material in one week). It's an expensive field, but there are some amazing strides being made in treatment, especially for blood cancers.

My goal is to raise $3500, run 1000 miles in honor of Ben Hines, and represent Team in Training for Ben at the Rock and Roll San Antonio marathon in November. Ben is a senior in high school and was diagnosed with B cell lymphoma in December. He has completed all chemotherapy treatments with a very positive outlook, and is one individual who receives financial assistance for treatment and services from LLS. He's really an inspirational young man, as I found out listening to some of his radio spots and watching him play the drums. He's had a much better outlook on his diagnosis than I expect I would have.

Team in Training is a program that supports LLS. Essentially, Team in Training provides those who join the team with training and coaching to complete an endurance event. In return, trainees raise funds for LLS. Trainees can only continue with the Team or complete the event if they meet required funding goals along the way. In short, it's a great program to help people achieve their fitness goals while raising money for a great cause. I hope you enjoy the attached link and photos of our honorary team member, Ben.

http://members.cox.net/jdhines12/

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 all individuals who are battling blood cancers and all other forms of cancer. I'm certain that each of us has been touched at least by one type of cancer in our lives, directly or indirectly. These people are the real heroes on our team, and we need your support to cross the ultimate finish line - a cure! I'd be very grateful if you could make a donation to support my participation in Team In Training and help advance LLS's mission, even if it's only a small donation. Every little bit helps.

I hope you will visit my web site often. Be sure to check back frequently to see my progress. I'll be keeping a fundraising tally as well as a short running log and blog along the way to San Antonio. Thanks for your support!

Miles logged since 5/7/2010: 562.9

My running log is located at: http://www.logarun.com/calendars/broederdorflj/2010/5