My Fundraising Page

Racing to Save Lives

I'm doing WHAT??!! Yes, you read it correctly.....I'm running to save lives...TWICE! On September 27, 2008 I will be running (ok, walking too) the half marathon in East Hampton, NY. AND on October 19, 2008 I will be running and walking the Nike Women's Half Marathon in San Francisco.

How did this happen? Well, a college roommate, and a past participant of Team in Training, thought it would be a wonderful idea for us to celebrate 15 years of friendship by doing something meaningful together. 6 of us decided to join her!

As many of you know, my family has been directly effected by leukemia. On August 30, 2000 my husband, Gideon, was diagnosed with Acute Promylocetic Leukemia (APL). After weeks in the hospital, months of chemotherapy, and lots of prayer, Gideon is healthy today! We are so grateful for the research that took place...the doctors told us that the treatment for APL was "discovered" in the 5 years prior to his diagnosis.

Sadly, our journey with leukemia was not over with Gideon, and it did not have a happy ending. In July 2006 my grandfather, Philip D'Ambra, lost his battle with leukemia. He left behind a wife of 53 years, 6 children, 16 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. He is missed.

My friends and I, along with the rest of our teams, decided that we want to make a difference. As a result, I am training as a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training. All of us with TNT are raising funds to help stop leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma from taking more lives!!

Please make a donation to support my participation in Team In Training and help advance LLS's mission. God knows I'll need your support to finish a half-marathon! My life and the life of my family, has been touched by cancer and disease, and I know we really appreciated those who came before us to research a cure.

With the generosity of people like you, there is a cure in sight.

Also, please pass along this website to your friends, family and co-workers! Together, we can make a difference.

I hope you'll visit my website often to see my progress. If you'd like to follow our training journey, my friends and I are writing about our experiences on our blog, www.nikejournal.blogspot.com, so feel free to stop by. And as always, thank you for your support!

Kristin

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Belated Marathon Update (Oct. 3rd)

Training: Yeah!!!! I did my first half marathon!!!! This past Saturday, in the POURING rain, I completed 13.1 miles. 1,200 soggy runners and I participated in the 2nd annual Hamptons Marathon and Half Marathon. Ok, brace yourselves....it was fun! How can that be? I'm not too sure. Maybe endorphins, maybe hysteria, I don't know. All I do know is that I CAN'T WAIT for San Francisco. I realize that if I can do it in the cold, rain, and mud, then I can do it in CA. True, I did walk like I was 92 for 2 days after the race. True, I had blisters on every toe and in between my toes (yeah, that was enjoyable). True, I was a bit achy. BUT.... I did it. And I'm looking forward to doing it again. And improving on time and distance. And run/walking 11 miles tomorrow morning in preparation for the next race. (Who is this chick and what has she done with the old Kristin??!!!)

Fundraising: THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just this past week we hit the $4000 goal!!!!! You all are the best!!!!!!!!!!! My deepest thanks to: David & Trinn, Aunt Carla & Uncle Frank, Mike Russo & family, The Bolta's, Heidi & DT, Janet Thyen, The DeHaven's, Jessica & Chad Wyman, Alison & Danny Pearl, Danielle & Jeremiah Frink, Heidi Lee, Pam Kronowitz.

Just as a reminder:Where Does Your Donation Go?

$25 could pay for the cost of 1 patient’s chemotherapy drug prescription co-payment.

$50 could register 1 person to be a bone marrow donor.

$75 could provide HLA (bone marrow) typing for a family member of a patient with leukemia.

$150 provides 10 patients access to a web-conference to learn about their specific blood cancer.

$300 will train 25 peer volunteers who can provide emotional support to newly diagnosed patients.

$500 could provide patient aid to a person with Leukemia or a related cancer for a year.Please realize that your generous donation is going to save the lives of others. As a family that has walked through cancer...we thank you.

Also, I thought I'd share a blog post that I wrote for a teammates blog just hours after the race....

~Holy cow.... this non-runner, chubby mommy completed a half-marathon! Who woulda thought that was possible?! Certainly not me.

~TNT/coaches/mentor/TC's/Veterans, I have so much to be grateful for. You promised me in June that I would finish the race. You kept your word.

~As I was along the course in the pouring rain with all of you, I kept seeing non-purple people. All I could think was "they don't know what they are missing!" (purple is the color of the TNT jersey that we all wear)

~I'm so excited for Nike now. How crazy is that?! Now I know I can do it. If I can do it in the pouring rain/mud pit that we had yesterday, then I can do it on the hills of SF. And I want to get better. And improve my time. And get stronger. And pick another event to train for. HOLY CRAP DID I JUST WRITE THAT???????????

~I agree. Garbage bags are sexy. (we wore garbage bags i the pre-race time to keep dry from the monsoon)

~I learned that I love hills. Thanks Jules. I'm still waiting for them to make my butt smaller. (Jules is my coach)

~I've learned that the longer the distance, the greater the sarcasm and warped humor comes out. I'm just glad the traffic cop at mile 12 agreed to take a picture with me.

~I've learned that I really don't like pink Powerade. (sorry to whoever generously provides it every week!)

~I've learned not to eat pizza the night before a long run.

~I've learned that a cowbell, when placed in the hands of a fabulous cheering section, really is a great sound. (Just keep it away from my 4 year old!)

~I've learned that there is no other place I'd rather be at 7am on a Saturday... rain or shine (or hurricane).

~I've learned that it is b/c of fabulous people like you that my husband is alive, and my kids have their father.

~I've learned that pain in the shins, hips, thighs, feet is temporary, but losing a loved one to cancer is forever

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Training: Wow! This past Saturday we hit 9 miles! Holy cow!!! And this is fun???? Yes it is! Allow me to explain how fun.....as a family we were invited out to Montauk with friends for the day. If we went, we would leave Islip at 5:30am and therefore I'd miss my team run. We didn't go. I have a committment to the team, the girls I run with, and the people I run for. As much as I wanted to go to Montauk, I needed to be with the team---and I was so glad we made that decision. And I had a really good long run this week. See, last week we ran at Bethpage Park. It was 9 miles and after the prior week of 8, my head said "no problem"....my body said otherwise. In retrospect, I "sunk" myself---I didn't eat correctly the night before or the morning of, I didn't sleep well, I didn't hydrate enough. It was awful. It was a "what not to do" morning and I definitely learned from it. This week was so much better, the 9 miles were so much easier. AND, at one point a mentor was running with me and I stayed with her for a distance (or rather, she stayed with me, but I ran it all with her)!!! I was excited about that!!

The training during the week is tough to get in, I'll be honest. My legs are usually sore after the Saturday long run, and then add "wife" and "mom" to the job description. It's alot. I am committed to do this and I'm proud of all that my teammates and I have accomplished thus far.

Did you know? This week marks the 8 year "anniversary" of Gideon's diagnosis. Hard to believe, I know. Did you know that the doctors told us that the cure for Gid's form of cancer was discovered in the 5 years prior to his diagnosis? Had he been diagnosed in 1995, there would have been nothing medicine could do to save his life. Because of the research, APL went from the "worst" diagnosis to "the best" (that's an oximoron, I know. Since when is there a "good" form of cancer?)

So, if you ask yourself, "Why is Kristin doing this with all that she has going on?" The answer is quite simple...I run and train because right now, somewhere, there is a young man with an equally young wife and baby, who is being told that he has cancer. I do this, and all the work that it entails, because maybe, with the money that is raised, someone else's life can be saved.

Fundraising: $3026!!!!!!!!! I am only $974 from my goal! Thank you to Alison and Rich Parrin, Brook and Jon Herritt, Amy Wallenbeck, and my family for my birthday wishes! Again, if you can help me reach my $4000 goal, I would be most appreciative! So, family and friends...this is my cute little reminder to you! I need your help.

OH! For those of you tracking my friends and I, we need $27,800. We are currently at $18,912!! One friend has met her goal! It is very exciting to see the generosity of family and friends. Thank you.

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August 12th Update--Shameless

Training: Who would have thought that 8 miles would be fun?! Crazy but true. This past weekend our training run was on a BEAUTIFUL Saturday morning....no humidity, light breeze, sunny, awesome. I found myself looking forward to it all week long and the morning didn't disappoint. And the craziest part? After 8 miles I felt like I could do more. I have found myself with a great group of women and we have promised to stay together---regardless of who needs a bathroom stop! :) The great thing is that we encourage one another along. We range in age from 25-60's and yet we have a great time. I look forward to long runs.

Last week was a mentor/team captain hosted run, meaning that our coaches didn't have to be there. Well, us gals found ourselves on the cross country trails of Sunken Meadow Park. Yup...Cardiac again. But we figured this out...if we can do Cardiac then we can do San Francisco! It is encouraging to see improvement in stamina and time. We've been commenting to one another how 9 weeks ago we thought run/walking for 40 minutes was tough on our legs. Now, 8 miles feels like nothing and we look forward to more!

Health: The legs are good! Today (Tuesday) was the first time in 2 weeks that I found myself in the physical therapist's office! I have been run/walking relatively pain free. The only discomfort is related to muscle use now. Actually, the pain today was due to my run last night. I have learned that concrete is not my friend. It was a beautiful night out so I decided to run in the neighborhood rather than be a hampster on the wheel at the gym (treadmill). Note to Self: Sidewalks are not nice to shin splints.

Fundraising: I am currently at $2591 ! Only $1409 left to go! Thank you so much to Ken and Maria Siffert! As I've mentioned before, I have recommitted to the Team and as a result, recommitted to raising $4000 for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. So yes, this is also the section where I shamelessly say that I need your help! Really, the patients and families of those with blood cancers need your help. As our family is coming upon the 8 year anniversary of Gideon's diagnosis, I am reminded of what research for a cure has given to us. If Gideon and others like him can endure chemotherapy, then I can endure 13.1 miles (Twice!). I just need your help to get there.

More Shamelessness: If you are reading this and thinking "Oh! I keep meaning to donate!" or if you are thinking "Gee, Kristin's birthday is on Monday. What shall I get her?" My response would be.....CLICK THE LINK BELOW! Or, if you have already graciously given to the Leukemia Society, then PLEASE forward this link to all of your friends and family! Ok. Enough of that. For now. (hehehehehehehe)

In all seriousness, I thank you for your encouragement, for your emotional support, for your financial support, for your words of experience. When the legs are burning on an endless uphill run, it is the support of family and friends that helps push me on!

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July 26th--I Love Hills!

Whew! The past 2 weeks have been intense!

Training: Well, the shin splints were nothing to joke about. I ended up at the Dr and then the physical therapist. "Matt" the PT guy is my new hero...as he should be! I've been to PT 3 times a week and I'm beginning to reap the rewards of going. I was told that this was not an "injury" that I should just "push through" and that if I did, I risked greater injury and even surgery. Now after a little rest and my trusty PT friend, the aches and pains are a result of putting in 15-16 miles a week rather than muscle separating from bone! AND, because I'm not hurting like I was, I'm seeing improvement in my time, in my distance, in my breathing, as well as how I feel on a daily basis. I'm really enjoying this!

Two weeks ago I walked (under Matt's firm direction!) on the Bethpage bike path. I really liked that path! Today we were, once again, at Sunken Meadow Park. I was part of the run/walk group of ladies that I'm beginning to call friends. We laugh, sweat, and train together. Granted, today we were the running/walking wounded (between us there was: ankle injury, knee injury, new runner, shin splints, and recent gall bladder surgery) but together we pushed through and put in 6+miles together. Our coach, Jules, commented to us that even with the list of "new runner issues" we all have going, he has seen such improvement in our form, time, stamina, and distance. He's teaching us how to run hills effectively--both up and down! He's trying to convince us that hills are our friends and we just need to continue pledging our undying affection to them. Yeah, not happening. However, we are trying to figure out how to get Jules to run with us everyday during the week. Everyone should have their own personal cheerleader.

I'm finding that my training during the week is interesting. I'm trying to get it in before the kids wake up. Much to Gideon's dismay, the alarm is going off at 5:45. That's my goal. Doesn't always happen. When I hit snooze, I find myself on a treadmill at 9pm. Ugh. That's no fun! But, I'm determined to get my training in for the day! And I am!

Fundraising: Thank you to everyone who has donated in the past weeks. Please know that your contribution is GREATLY appreciated...not just by me, but by all of the patients and families that you are helping. Extra thanks to: AnnMarie Shevlin, The Ciano's, and Eva Arnold. I have recently sent in my "recommittment forms", and have signed my name on the dotted line. I'm committed to these events. Now, I just need your help to reach my $4000 goal. I am currently at $2421. Please consider supporting this worthwhile cause! And, don't be shy, if you feel compelled, send the link to my page to everyone you know!!! Together, we can do this!

My Life Lesson This Week: I'll be honest. I didn't think that training for 2 half marathons (Hamptons on 9/27 and San Fransisco on 10/19) would be tough on the emotions. But it is. I knew it would be tough physically, but I never imagined the internal dialogues that would take place. I watch these other folks run...and I mean RUN. And I can't do that yet. I am pushing myself physically, but I'm not at their level yet. I'm a run/walker. I can run, but not at great lengths of time or distance. So I started "beating myself up" about that. Finally, my mom said to me, "Kristin, are you in this to be a runner or are you doing this for the entire experience: to learn to run, to stretch yourself physically, to raise money and awareness for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society, to do something together with your girlfriends, to stay uninjured and enjoy the entire experience...or are you just looking to become a runner?" And that was the truth. (Thanks Mom!) I would love to run like these other people I train with...and maybe someday I can. But for now, I'm a run/walker. I'm enjoying the experience and all that it is stretching me to do. And I'm going to run/walk 13.1 miles. TWICE.

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Still Running!~Kristin's July 12th Update!

The past two weeks have been eventful!

Training: the week of July 4th was a bit rough...I'll be honest. We were away on vacation, and although I didn't get my "run" time in for 2 days, I still wondered...did walking around Nantucket for 6 hours count for anything? I pray it did. Towards the end of our trip we went to Shiloh for 3 days (for those of you unfamiliar, it is a church-run "camp" that we go to for Family Camp every 4th of July). It was actually easier to train there! I did get out for a really enjoyable (although HUMID!!) run along the Hudson River. Later in the day we hiked to the waterfalls--which is approximately 1 mile away. So, although I was a bit off of my schedule, I was still able to keep moving.

This past week was great!! I got in all of my run time and all of my distance! I actually logged 16 miles this week! As Tony said to me today, "I did that on my motorcycle." Yes, but I did it on my FEET!!!!!!!! Yippee! I was actually pretty proud of myself--I've never walked/run that far before. And to think that in 98 days I will do that in a few hours!

I do covet all of your prayers though...I have HORRIBLE shin-splints. At first we (meaning trainers, coaches, mentors, and myself) thought they were a result of being a new runner, needing to stretch better, etc. But, 5 weeks in to my training, they have not improved. After speaking with coaches and doctors specializing in sports medicine, the tentative conclusion is that they are coming from my very flat feet! So, this week it is off to the podiatrist to get orthodics. The theory being, if I increase my arch support, then the pain going down my calves will get better. I'll keep you posted and as said before, I covet your prayers. I would love to get through this experience injury free!

Fundraising: I'm more than halfway there!!! I am currently at $2321 of my $4000 goal. Thank you to all of you for your support and encouragement! I greatly appreciate the funds, but also that no one has yet to say, "And you're doing this WHY?" or "Are you crazy?!" So thank you...not only for your financial support but your emotional support as well. Special "shout out" to: Jen Emberley, Colleen Morvay, Jeanine Yako, Uncle Bob and Aunt Doris, Sue Nichol, the Stanwise Family, Pam Kronowitz, Athena Papayani, Christine Radomski, The Pearl's, Suellyn and Jolie!, Uncle Steven, Aunt Julianna and girls, Al Merrifield, The O'dell Family, Sarah, Vinny and kids, The Carrozzo's, and Kara and Ian Fink. Thanks guys!

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June 28 update!

Training: This week I logged 130 minutes of running/walking. The split time of running/walking is getting more and more comfortable. I'm no longer looking at my watch thinking, "THAT'S IT???!!" but rather "Oh Wow! That went fast!" With it being the last week of school I found it a bit difficult to schedule my training-- I even found myself at the gym at 9pm because I "had to get my time in." I can feel myself getting stronger, my breathing is better, and it's hurting less. Progress! Today team run was at Sunken Meadow Park at 7am. There is something to be said for those early morning runs. I actually find myself looking forward to them.

I did have college flashbacks while on this run. For all you Highlanders out there, do the words "Cardiac Hill" bring back scary memories? Yeah, well, I found it's sister hill here on Long Island. HOLY COW! We ran/walked on pavement, on grass, on dirt, and it seemed that it was all uphill. But...we made it!!!!! I'm actually disappointed that I will be away for team run next week. Whoa, who is this woman and what has she done with the old Kristin?!

Fundraising: I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your donations and your kind words of encouragement. I find myself getting like a giddy school girl every time I see a donation! It's really very exciting. I am currently at $1850!!! $4000 is the goal and I thank you all for helping me get halfway (just about!). So......drum roll.......I want to thank: Mom & Dad Hodulick, Ninon Trudel, David & Corinne Hinde, Bellerose Car Care, John Mysliwiec, the Leuzze Family, Ed Bennett, Aunt Donna, the Russo Family, Rich & Janet Hume, Vanessa & Joe Cappiello, Kari Suderley, Beth & Anthony Santagata, Michele Mechwart, Amy Bellow, Josh & Christine Hodulick, Jeanine Yako, Pam Kronowitz, & Lisa Cervera. Also, thank you to my Birch Lane and Unqua Elementary Families!

I'd like to let you know....

Where Does Your Donation Go?

$25 could pay for the cost of 1 patient’s chemotherapy drug prescription co-payment.

$50 could register 1 person to be a bone marrow donor.

$75 could provide HLA (bone marrow) typing for a family member of a patient with leukemia.

$150 provides 10 patients access to a web-conference to learn about their specific blood cancer.

$300 will train 25 peer volunteers who can provide emotional support to newly diagnosed patients.

$500 could provide patient aid to a person with Leukemia or a related cancer for a year.

I hope that provides you all with a bit of inspiration as you have supported this worthy cause!

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June 21, 2008-----2nd Team Run

I am so encouraged!!!!!

~met up with 3 other women who will be in my training group, also going to Nike, also new runners, and we ran/walked/laughed together this morning. It was so good!

~one of those girls, another mentor, and I all belong to the same gym so we plan on meeting and bonding with a treadmill/crosstrain/strength train together! That makes it so much more do-able than trying to get the motivation to do it alone.

~another mentor lives around the block! Works in a school, has 2 kids, yadda yadda yadda, so we may meet some mornings at o-dark-thirty to run/walk.

~The run this morning was supposed to be 40 minutes. The walkers turned around at 20 and went back to the starting point. My group of newbies kept going...it took us a little over an hour but we did the entire loop (we were at a state park) and we did 4.2 miles!!! It was the farthest for any of us! We were so excited that we finished and we all said that we felt great at the end. My shins are a little sore right now but I can deal.