Racing to Save Lives!

What would you do to save a life? How far would you go?

Welcome to Pam's Team In Training home page.

I'm training to participate in the Maui Full Marathon on September 14, 2008. This is my third year with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team in Training and I will be running a full marathon which is 26.2 miles! Everyday I read a new article about someone else who is battling cancer. I am proudly participating in this marathon in honor of them and in memory of those who have lost the battle to their disease.

As I train and sweat daily, I don't think of how far 26.2 miles is to the finish line, instead I think about all of the people that are going through grueling treatment to get to their finish line. A cancer patients' finish line is when treatment is completed and tests confirm that they are well again. This race is for those I know and those I may never get the pleasure to meet. These people are the heroes!

My friend and husband, Dee Richard Matherne lost his battle to non-hodgkins' lymphoma 4 years ago this August at the age of 31. A family neighbor, Beverly Ockman lost her battle to non-hodgkins' lymphoma 3 years ago. Our 2009 Honored Hero this year is Reese Godchaux, who is battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). She is merely 3 years old and has another year of chemotherapy treatments ahead of her. These are just 3 stories among the thousands of cancer patients out there.

Those of you who know me, know how passionate I am about this and for those of you who don't know me, I ask you to reach into your hearts and pockets and donate to this worthy cause. I think to myself, what can I possibly say that will make people who may have not had the opportunity to donate before want to reach into their wallets and help? So I ask you, what would you do to save a life? How far would you go? Cancer has no boundaries and affects not only the diagnosed, but those lives around them as well. I have been a first hand caregiver as a spouse, daughter, granddaughter, niece, co-worker and friend to those battling cancer and the road is long and hard. I am not asking you to run a marathon, but instead to support me in my cause and effort. If you need a further reason to donate, I encourage you to visit 3-year old Reese's care page at www.caringbridge.org/visit/reesegodchaux and see what it is all about.

Your donations are tax deductible and any amounts are welcomed! You may make a donation online or send directly to me. I hope you will visit my web site often. Be sure to check back frequently to see my progress and I thank you in advance for your continued support!

Pam

"If you think training for a marathon is hard, try chemo!"

***UPDATE -- 09/09/08***

ALOHA!! RACE DAY IS THIS SUNDAY AND I AM OVERLY EXCITED AS WELL AS A BIT NERVOUS!! CURRENTLY WITH YOUR GENEROSITY I HAVE RAISED OVER $7,300 VIA WEB AND MAILED DONATIONS! MY WEB PAGE DOES NOT REFLECT THE DONATIONS RECEIVED VIA MAIL. MY THANKS GOES OUT TO EVERYONE!! YOU HAVE MADE A HUGE DIFFERENCE IN SOMEONE'S LIFE!!