Cancer Sucks!

My ironman inspiration/coach: Tyler Gordova

breaking news (05/02/2009): I just finished the Wildflower Half Ironman. From not knowing how to swim 1.2 mi, bike 56mi, and run 13.1 run is pretty crazy. Thanks Coach!

For detail please check out my blog.

Louis's Ironteam Blog

breaking news: With me donating over over $1665 to my own fundraiser, I made up over 25% of the minimum donation. That means 100% of what you donate is going to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society! Please donate today.

'Make the Impossible... Possible'

In October 07, I joined Team In Training (TNT) to train for the LA Marathon. I decided to be part of TNT because I wanted to get proper training for the marathon and more importantly to make a difference in the lives of others. I accomplished this by fundraising money to help fine a cure for blood related cancers. Thankfully, I received a lot of support from my family and friends. Together, they have helped me raised over $5,000!

Being part of the TNT family, I have learned a lot about how cancer takes a toll on the patients and the loved ones around them. I met a lot of inspiring people along the way whom have battled this disease or know someone who has. I took what I learned and with them in mind, I finished a total of 3 marathons, 5 half marathons (one more coming up), 2 mountain trail races, and a stair climb to the top of US Bank Building in downtown LA. All in 2008!

In October 08, I decided to take up the biggest challenge of my life. I am now a proud member of the Team In Training Ironteam. For the next 10 months, I will eat healthy and train daily for the Vineman Full Distance Ironman Triathlon in August 1, 2009. The Ironman is a triathlon which consists of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and a full marathon (26.2 mile). This must be completed in 1 day and in less than 16 hours. To put those 140.6 miles in perspective, thats the driving distance from Pasadena to Mexico.

Our Training season starts November 1st and will end on August 1st 2009, the day of the Vineman Ironman in Sonoma County. I, along with my Team, will also be training for the Wildflower Triathlon (Long Course) in May 2009, which is the hardest Half Ironman in the country.

Why am I doing this? I am doing this for my little friend, Tyler Gordova (who I met through my teammate and who is also his aunt, Dorian). Tyler is 6 years old and has Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Tyler has been fighting this disease since March 2007. He has been upbeat and brave since he was diagnosed. He appeared to be doing well. But on September 10, 2008, I received an email from Dorian. She told me to pray for Tyler because the doctor thinks his ear infection seems to be symptoms of a brain or spinal cord tumor. We found out the next day that he may have viral spinal meningitis or a brain tumor. A few days later, we found out that his cancer has spread and he will need chemotherapy and possibly a bone marrow transplant. I was emotionally and physically drained just thinking about Tyler. I could not imagine what Tyler and his family has to go though. I feel angry, sad, and helpless about this whole situation. I worry about Tyler dearly and I told my friends to pray for him. I gave Dorian a call and told her that I will help her in any way I can even if it meant donating my bone marrow (if I were to be a match). After speaking to her, I broke down in tears wondering why how this can happen to an innocent 6 years old boy.

Tyler is a big inspiration for me and the main reason that I have decided to join the TNT Iron Team. Tyler is an honored teammate for the Northern California TNT Iron teammate and I think he definitely deserves a medal for all the fight he has in him. I know many of you may think its crazy for me to take part of something so big. But its such a little thing if I put it in perspective. Ill be doing this little race in honor of him.

In addition to Tyler, I will be doing this to honor my friends Virginia Garner, Theresa, Nina, Sheri, Gordie, Iron teammate Kyle, and all my marathon teammates who are fighting for their loves one. I am also doing this in memory of my grandmother, my grandfathers, Lisa Carlton, Joseph Change, Mineko Kanemoto, Autie Lois, Serafin Fonsera, Fred Akers and Gabe Vogt. It is going to be a very long season; it will be very time consuming as I am putting my heart into this event. The training will be very demanding both physically and mentally.

I have made a personal commitment to raise at least $7,000. All Donations are 100% tax deductible so I am asking you to be as generous as possible. I know this is a rough time for many, but know that every dollar counts.

Be sure to check my blog for update. I am going to update it as often as I can.

If you would like to write a check, please make it payable to "The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society" and mail it to me

Louis Kwan

P.O. Box 3606

Montebello CA 90640

Since I cant really tread water and stay afloat, I think its going to make my training that much more interesting

If you have any questions, please dont hesitate to contact me at louiskwan5@hotmail.com

I hope to hear from as many of you as possible. And if you can, please make it out there for the events as Ill need you to help push me through this. I will not be able to do this alone.

Thank you for your support!

Louis Kwan

updated: Nov 07, 2008

The following people donated. They are not on my site because their donation information are being transfer to my new fundraising website (From Wildflower to Vineman)

Louis Kwan $555

Chi Wan Leung $100

Ringo Kwan $100

Steph Leiter $50

Chris Clark $50

Sarah Hunt $50

Kelli H $50

Jeff and Rosemary $25

Stephen Soong $25

Kathleen Young $5