In two weeks I will be running the 2014 Boston Marathon alongside my husband and sister as a cancer SURVIVOR!!!!  Please help us help others fighting blood cancers by propelling us to our fundraising goal!!!!!

For those of you familiar with our story, it probably seems unbelievable. In January, we were blessed with the birth of our second child, Leighton Ann. Exactly one month later, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The same cancer my husband was diagnosed with 2 weeks before the birth of our first child, Anderson. My diagnosis brought along with it determination and strength and I never looked back. I set out on my 6 month cancer treatment journey with the incredible support of family, friends, co-workers, and medical professionals. As strange as it might seem, I can only describe 2013 as the most challenging yet positive year in my life.

I am happy to report that I am currently in remission. I count my blessings every day. Damian and I are fortunate to have been diagnosed with Hodgkin's as it is one of the most treatable forms of cancer, with a five-year survival rate of over 86% for adults. Prior to 1980, the five-year survival rate for Hodgkin’s survivors was around 40%. Thanks to funding for blood cancer research from organizations such as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society; our cancer has a tested and proven treatment program.

 

Out of roughly 360 million people in the United States, there are 9,000 new cases of Hodgkin’s each year. We still have not been able to understand how it could have happened to us both, in such a short period of time, around the birth of a child, and we probably never will. What we do hope is that our story will inspire others going through treatment, and show that great things can happen in life after a cancer diagnosis. We are both truly lucky to be given the chance to run the 2014 Boston Marathon, for both personal reasons, and in light of the horrific events of last year’s marathon. Last year, Damian was stopped at mile 25.5, unable to complete the marathon, and I was directly across the street from the first explosion. Needless to say, we are looking forward to crossing the finish line together in April.

 

So I ask that you join me on my journey to cross the finish line on Boylston Street by donating to our Team In Training Boston Marathon Team. Each donation helps accelerate finding a cure for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Our fundraising is not about us; it’s about brining hope to the nearly 958,000 Americans that are currently battling these blood cancers. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has been a source of strength and support for our family. By raising funds for LLS, we can continue supporting the work they do to find cures and advance treatments which have allowed people, like us, to live longer and healthier lives. I am determined to honor and support my family, fellow patients and friends who have been affected by blood cancers and the thousands of individual's I do not know personally, but who’s struggle is all too familiar.

 

On behalf of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, thank you very much for your support. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

 

Thank you,

Leslie Bailey