Running to Save Lives - I Need Your Help!

Hi everyone! I recently joined a new amazing group, Team in Training (TNT), the nations largest organized endurance sports program - all support of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). For over 20 years TNT has organized half and full marathons, triathlons and century bike tours. Each event raises money that funds blood cancer research and providing education and patient services.

Many of you who have known me over the years know that I passionately commit to causes that have personally touched me or that are important to me. By joining Team In Training I have a committed to run a full marathon, 26.2 miles...in one day! Wipe that look of shock off your face and stop saying "You are crazy" It is bad enough that my almost 40 year old knees are rejecting this new venture. This is important, please read on. For those of you who are thinking "Wow, that is bold" THANKS!

Leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma are very common blood cancers. Every ten minutes, a child or an adult is expected to die from leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma. That is nearly 145 people each day, or six people every hour. I personally have not known anyone who has been affected by LLS. Why am I doing training to run 26.2 miles and raise $2,500 you ask? Because with the medical technology and capacities today, we should be saving a child or an adult every ten minutes not loosing them. I do not need to know anyone personally to understand how vital this cause is. Okay, soap box speech over.

I am completing this event in honor of all individuals who are battling these blood cancers everyday. I ask you to help me and LSS patients cross the finish line. Please make a donation towards my overall fundraising goal of $2,500 and support the Team In Training mission of stopping leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma from taking more lives. I know we are all trying to stay a float in these tough economic times but please know that every donation helps and your support is tax-deductible. Although, if everyone just gives me five bucks it might take longer than expected ;). Please feel free to forward my note on, maybe someone you know would like to support my efforts, like this disease I do not discriminate. Also feel free to make a trillion dollar anonymous donation, no one will know ;).

Let us recap: Supporting a vital and great cause, knowing that I am the one out there every weekend puking, oops I mean running and not you and your donation is tax deductible. All win wins, I say click here: http://pages.teamintraining.org/los/rnr09/jortizp9wf

Small personal request. As I mentioned I have not been affected directly by this epidemic, I will run in honor of all leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma patients, but should you know of anyone who is currently battling LLS or has survived LLS I would be incredibly honored to run in their name(s) and tell their stories along my journey. Please let me know if I can have this honor.

I promise to update everyone ever so often with the progress of my training (with pictures) for the big day. Sunday, May 31st the San Diego Rock n Roll Marathon.

Wish me and my knee, ankle, back, etc. luck!

Thank you VERY much everyone for your support!!

Jen