My Fundraising Page

Racing to Save Lives

Hi Friends,

As most of you know, I began working at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) back in January 2007. I'm sure I've shared tales about being the only guy in an office full of crazed females, and may have even recruited some of you to volunteer at some of our events. Luckily, before working at LLS, I had very limited experience with cancer and those close to me. Shortly after starting, I was introduced to one of my Worcester Light The Night participants, Anne Sullivan, and her husband Jay.

Being my first meeting, I was nervous. I was just looking to get some feedback on the previous Light The Night, trying to learn what I could do to make it bigger and better. I was amazed at Anne and Jay's willingness to help out and answer any questions I had.

Anne's story truly inspired me. In June 2006, three weeks before their wedding, Anne was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma. Thankfully, the wedding was still able to happen, but the honeymoon to Hawaii had to wait so Anne could begin chemotherapy. After several months with a very aggressive treatment plan and some complications, Anne received the news that she was cancer free! She was able to finally able to book her honeymoon the following June!

Unfortunately, the remission did not last very long. In May of 2007, Anne began to experience severe pain in her side. On June 1, 2007, just one year and one day after her initial diagnosis, Anne's cancer was back. This time, Anne was going to need even more intense chemotherapy proceeded by a bone marrow stem cell transplant. This took place on September 19, 2007. Anne and her family began to call this her "2nd birthday". Anne's strength was growing and she was able to return to work.

Again, the remission was short-lived. Back in March of this year, I had asked Anne to volunteer to be one of our Light The Night Honored Heroes. She eagerly agreed and began to fill out the required paperwork. I remember getting the email letting me know she had relapsed once again. It was so ironic. She had agreed to be an Honored Hero, and a few days later found out the cancer was back again. She was scheduled to have another bone marrow transplant. I was blown away, that even with this news, how optimistic and upbeat Anne was.

On June 27th, Anne received her bone marrow transplant and things have been going extremely well since! She just recently got clearance to get out of the house, thus relieving a pretty severe case of cabin fever! She will be attending this year's Worcester Light The Night again as the captain of Team Auntie, and I look forward to seeing both her and Jay there.

The Sullivan's truly set the tone for me at this new job. They are just one example of the SEVERAL stories I have heard since working at LLS that have been an unbelievable inspiration. You cannot work in this organization without being absolutely floored by the stories of inspiration, courage, and generosity you hear on a daily basis. It really is a testament to the human spirit.

Which brings me to why I'm writing...

I'm not a runner. Anyone who knows me can attest to this. Unless it's away from a dog, after an ice cream truck, or towards last call, you usually wouldn't find me running anywhere. It's honestly one of my least favorite activities. But I began running last March, and have stuck with it since. It's been going extremely well and I have lost close to 50 lbs so far as a result.

So after almost two years of managing participants and coaching them on their fundraising, I figure it's time to put my money where my mouth is. For the next five months, I will be training with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training program in an effort to run the 2009 Boston Marathon. I will receive professional coaching and nutrition tips in exchange for fundraising for LLS's mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and myeloma and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

I'll be honest. I get tired just at the thought of driving 26 miles, nevermind running them. But I figure, if Anne, and all of the people I have met during my time at LLS can get through cancer, then I can get through running 26.2 miles.

With all of this in mind, I have set a $5,000 fundraising goal. I know it's very ambitious, but I know with the love, support, and generosity of friends, family, and all those around me I can get there.

I am asking all of you to sponsor me. By doing so, you are supporting something that has become a huge part of my life, and you will truly be making a difference. All donations are tax-deductible and will go a very long way in our fight to cure these diseases.

No donation is too small. Every bit really does help. Thank you for your support and for helping me get to this goal.

I'd also like to invite everyone out on Marathon Monday (4/20/09) to come cheer for me (laugh at me), as I run, walk, limp, and crawl the 113th running of The Boston Marathon. I hope to see you all at the finish line. I'll be the guy needing a beer.

Thanks again!

Sean