Welcome to my Team in Training fundraising page!

First I want to share my story with you...

When I was three and a half years old I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). Over the course of the next twenty seven months I endured various chemotherapy treatments, including spinal taps every sixteen weeks. I still get shivers down my spine when I say this, or even type it now. Over the years I have repeated this over and over again, to the newspaper reporters covering my story growing up, and to my family and friends along the way. But it wasn’t until just the other day, when I was confirming the details of my diagnosis with my parents, before writing this letter, that these words actually sank in. Starting from the time I was three and a half, I lived with years of needles, hospital visits, fevers, spinal taps, and daily chemo medicine. It was ten years before my parents even felt secure using the word "cured."

Why had this never really sunk in before? Well, because growing up “being sick” was never that big of a deal--- it was just the way my life was.

When my hair started to fall out and my cheeks puffed up from the new chemo regimen, I just put on an extra big smile and went to school.

There was one year I was too sick to go trick or treating, so my parents dressed up as different characters behind each door in my house, as I walked around knocking with my candy basket.

Another year I had a dance recital coming up, and the chemo had seeped out of my veins and on to my skin, giving me what’s called a “chemo burn” on my wrist. So naturally I just put on my tutu and danced anyway!

But the reality is that I almost died, and it has taken me a really long time to accept this about my life.

Growing up with Leukemia exposed me to a childhood different than what my parents expected or wanted for me. But once the diagnosis was made, it was not going to stop me from being as “normal” as possible.

This August marked my 24th year of being cancer free! (Pause—whoa—deep breathe—smile)

And I am going to celebrate by giving back to the organization that SAVED MY LIFE—The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Team in Training!!!!

On October 2nd I am going to run the unimaginable, long, terrifying, I don’t even like driving this far, distance of 26.2 miles of the Maine Marathon.

Why you might ask, am I going to put myself through training and running a marathon?

Because I am one of the very lucky ones; I am one of the children who survived. I am alive because of the research funded by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the patient support services they provide. The real question is how could I not give back to the organization that helped save my life? How could I not run to raise money for the children who are walking into the hospital right now and holding their stuffed animals tight, as they try to be brave just one more time?

And why am I running with Team in Training?

Because when I had cancer I was a Team in Training “honored hero” patient. I was matched with local runners who were also raising money for the lifesaving treatments that the LLS funds. These runners crossed the finish line and brought me back their medals! Growing up I always said One day I would like to run a marathon as a celebration of my life and the Team in Training program.

Well, “one day” is this day, and I am writing you this letter because I would like you to join me in crossing the finish line and raising money to find a cure for Leukemia.

The facts you need to know about blood cancer:

• There is no known cure
• Leukemia remains the leading cause of cancer related death in children
• Every four minutes, someone is newly diagnosed with a blood cancer
• Every ten minutes, another child or adult is expected to die from a blood-related cancer
• The research is working! In 1960, the five year survival rate for children with the most common form of leukemia was 4%. Today it is 85%...oh my gosh!!! Let’s help it reach 100%!!!

Donations:

• 75% goes to research and patient support services---two of the instrumental parts in my own recovery
• Are 100% tax deductible
• Will help save lives

To be a part of Team in Training and run in the Maine Marathon I must reach the fundraising minimum of $2,000. BUT….seeing as I am running my butt off training for an organization that helped SAVE MY LIFE; I want to give back even more! My personal fundraising goal is $13,000. Please join me in crossing the finish line by making a donation and sending this letter to anyone you think will be willing to help me reach this goal!

My fundraising deadline is September 19th, but I will gladly accept donations after this date. Donations can be made here on this page, OR you can send me a check (57 North Street, Hatfield, Ma 01038) payable to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

From the bottom of my tired legs and fast-beating heart, I couldn’t be more thankful for sharing this life changing experience with all of you. Thank you.

I hope you will visit my web site often. Be sure to check back frequently to see my training progress.Thank you for your support!