WELCOME TO MY TEAM IN TRAINING (TNT) HOME PAGE FOR

THE DETROIT FREE PRESS MARATHON

 

After months of training and fundraising, the marathon took place on Sunday, October 16, and it was an amazing day! In fact, the entire weekend was so awesome and full of love, friendship, and comittment on so many levels.

 

Hannah and I started our weekend with a drive downstate to pick up DeeDee (my college friend, leukemia survivor, and mile 20 hero) at the airport. We spent a wonderful night and Saturday morning at my parents where we were sent off with lots of love and good wishes! We arrived in Detoroit, checked in the awesome MGM Grand and headed to the marathon expo. The Inspiration Dinner was our next stop where DeeDee gave an incredible, inspirational speech after we enjoyed a yummy pasta dinner! I received an award for being the highest fundraiser for the Detroit team which was such an honor!! I couldn't have done this without all of you! There was also a slide show of the many heroes for whom we run and I caught a few of the photos with a phone picture, but I was not fast enough for all! I added them down with the hero/mile posts!

Saturday morning send off!

Fun at the expo and package pick up!

Mother/daughter in the big D!

DeeDee telling us about her inspirational leukemia journey.

 

My top fundraiser award for the Detroit team! Thank you for all of your support!

Beautiful moon rising over the Ren Cen and Detroit River.

 

The morning of the race broke with mild weather and a cloudy sky - perfect for running! DeeDee and Han walked me to the lobby to meet my TNT team where we walked to the start of the race. The run was long and challenging but for the first time in a marathon, I didn't wear a watch and let my body dictate my pace. I saw my parents at mile 13, and was cheered on by DeeDee and Han at mile 8 and 14. Everyone met me at the finish where it had just started to rain - made it just in time! After connecting, hugging, stretching and catching my breath. We headed back to the hotel for a nice, long shower, a nap, and wonderful room service later on! The best part was sharing time with Hannah and DeeDee with no schedule or place to be. The most enjoyable part was laughing until our stomachs hurt and having my daughter learn that time doesn't change special friends and how when you are together, you don't feel like you have aged! 

The daunting route!

The start!

What a crowd!

We're off and running toward the Ambassador Bridge!

View from the bridge - Detroit to the left and Windsor to the right!

View of Detroit from Windsor.

Cool Ren Cen view and sighting of the USS Detroit Navy Combat Ship!

Mile 10!

The finish with my cheerleaders and fan club!!

What an amazing medal!

And the girls relax....

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It takes more than one person to make up a team and that’s why I’m asking you to donate to my TNT fundraising page for those facing blood cancer! I am running the Detroit (Free Press) Marathon on October 16 of this year (only a few weeks away!) and we really need your support!

 

My journey with TNT started in 1998 when I ran my first marathon. I then renewed my commitment in 2008 to celebrate and honor many milestones in my life, and to try and give back for the blessings that had occurred in the past ten years. Little did I know how much this journey would change my life, lead me to so many special relationships, and to also appreciate more the relationships I already had...and I haven't stopped running or believing since! My husband, Greg, joined in the fight by running marathons with me in 2009, 2011, and 2013 at which point his doctor forbid him to do any more running as his spinal stenosis had reached a damaging and painful peak. I am running this marathon solo, but Greg will be my biggest supporter and fan!! 

 

By participating as a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) TNT, I am raising funds to help find cures and ensure access to treatments for blood cancer patients. I have connected with so many people (and children!) that have had to battle blood cancer that this quest for a cure has now involved me personally. In 1998, I ran in honor of someone I didn't know and hoped for the best. But once I became involved with TNT again in 2008, I felt like there were so many reasons bigger than myself that lead me down a path from which my heart and soul could not stray. I began to discover and connect with so many special people that had battled blood cancer in some way and I felt like I had to do what I could to help. I continue to run in honor of or in memory of so many special friends. Please take a few moments to read about the heroes to whom I've dedicated special mile markers on my run.

 

 

Mile 1

Josie Greenwood

www.caringbridge.org/visit/josiegreenwood

Josie was a beautiful, little girl who lost her battle with leukemia at 3 1/2. She is our first dedication as she is the very first child we have ever known who had leukemia so we are dedicating mile 1 to Josie. Our daughter, Hannah, became special friends in preschool with Averi, Josie's younger sister. Our son George, would be in the same age as Josie and they all would have attended school together. Her story and her family's love inspired us to challenge ourselves as well as others to try and make a difference. Josie is our angel.

Mile 2

Zoe Schillinger

www.caringbridge.org/visit/zoeschillinger

Zoe was diagnosed with leukemia in January 2011 when she was just 2 1/2, so mile 2 is dedicated to this beautiful little girl. She finished her treatment in June of 2013 and just recently turned 8! She is full of energy and is cancer-free!

 

Mile 3

JossLynn Brown

www.caringbridge.org/visit/josslynnbrown

Mile 3 is dedicated to JossLynn as she was just 3 1/2 when she was diagnosed in January of 2009 with leukemia. She faced her treatment with amazing strength and completed her program in May of 2011. Josie is now 11 years old, cancer-free and dancing her way through life!

 

Mile 4

Austin Ullrich

www.carepages.com/carepages/AustinBoston

Sweet Austin was diagnosed with a very rare leukemia just after he was born. We have dedicated mile 4 to him as he turned 4 when we first honored him in the Marine Corps Marathon. Austin is now 7 and cancer free!

 

Mile 5

Eric Lutheran

www.caringbridge.org/visit/ericlutheran

Eric was a young man of 32 when he was first diagnosed and has spent the last few years battling leukemia, enjoying a few brief moments of remission and then faced another diagnosis of leukemia. He is now suffering other side effects because of the treatment and had to return to Mayo in Rochester for a transplant. He just recently made this familiar trip and he is cancer free! His favorite number is 5 so whenever you give out a high five, please keep him in your hearts and thoughts!

Mile 6

Ellen Gregoire

www.caringbridge.org/visit/ellengregoire

Ellen was diagnosed with leukemia at age 5 in June (month 6) of 2008 and her beautiful smile and positive outlook radiated throughout her treatment. She is now in 8th grade, growing into a beautiful young lady and is cancer-free! She is George's age and I always think about Ellen and what she is up to now! She has grown up in front of our eyes and we were honored to have her visit Phoenix Elementary with Rosebud, her Make-A-Wish puppy who has also now grown up and now has a new puppy sibling!

Hannah with Ellen, Rosebud, and her dad, Brian - 2008

Rosebud, Ellen, and George in 2011

Ellen running her heart out in 2016!

Mile 7

Conner Adair

www.caringbridge.org/visit/connoradair

Conner was diagnosed with leukemia when he was just a few months old and he spent the next few months battling this horrible disease only to pass away at 10 months old.

 

Mile 8

Ron Campbell

We dedicate mile 8 to the father of one of my best friend's from high school. Mr. Campbell passed away from leukemia in 2002, the same year his grandson was born on March 8.

 

Mile 9

Barb Sloan Donnelly

We are dedicating mile 9 to my mom's first cousin and special friend, Barb, who was diagnosed with lymphoma. After facing treatment after treatment for many years, she is now cancer-free!

 

Mile 10

Jordan Dvorak

www.caringbridge.org/visit/jordandvorak

Jordan's favorite number is 10 so we will be thinking of him during mile of our marathon! Jordan is amazing little boy who finished his chemo treatment in 2012 after battling leukemia like a super hero!! He is now in 6th grade and cancer-free!

Mile 11

Vickie Snowden Delmonte

Mile 11 is dedicated to an amazing wife, mother and daughter of my mom's childhood friend. Vickie, whose birthday is November 11, battled lymphoma for several years and she is now cancer-free!

 

Mile 14

Ali Borgen

www.carepages.com/carepages/WeLoveAliB

smilesfromali.wordpress.com

Mile 14 is dedicated to sweet Ali Borgen as she lost her life to leukemia in 2011 when she was just 14 years old. Ali was an amazing child with the wisdom of a person who has discovered the meaning of life. She faced her cancer with such force and optimism that we all are still shocked that she is no longer with us. She had such a positive outlook on life and a true belief in the good of all people. Ali is known for her quote, "Smile Wide Everyday" and every year on September 5, Ali's Birthday, it is "Smile Wide Day" in Grand Forks, ND. Share your smile wherever you go!!

Mile 15

Taylor Vossekuil

www.caringbridge.org/visit/taylorvossekuil

Taylor was a vibrant, young teenager when she was diagnosed with leukemia. Her battle and treatment were rocky and painful and she passed away in 2007 when she was not yet 15. Taylor was also a postive, happy child and seemed to eminate this radiance wherever she went. Her favorite saying was "F.R.O.G. Forever Rely On God".

Mile 16

Mike Sherman

www.classcreator.com/Dearborn-MI-1984/class_profile.cfm?member_id=89393

When I was 16, Mike was 18 and a super cool senior at our high school. He was one of the kindest upperclassman that I knew, not to mention one of the most handsome. It was such a shock to hear of his death from leukemia just a few short years later. He will always be remembered.

 

Mile 17

Kaya Kavadas

www.caringbridge.org/visit/kayakavadas

Kaya was diagnosed with leukemia in February 2007 and has faced many ups and downs these past few years due to the disease and the treatments. She is a true inspiration of bravery and optimism and has grown into a beautiful young lady. At the age of 13, Kaya is cancer-free!!

 

Mile 18

Nancy Bemis Pennington

Nancy was diagnosed with leukemia when she was 18 and I met her shortly thereafter in Charlevoix, MI. I was spending the summers as a camp counselor and cocktail waitress having the time of my life, while Nancy was bravely facing leukemia. I wish I had been more aware of leukemia back then and had been a better friend. Nancy is one of the sweetest people I know and we are so lucky to know her and her family. Nancy is not only an amazing wife and mom, she is a wonderful daughter, special cousin and friend! She has been cancer-free for many years!

Mile 19

Kerri Kennelly

Kerri is a loving wife and mom and faced lymphoma with great strength and grace. She and her family have always supported our marathons for the LLS and we would like to honor her with our run. She is a wonderful baker and donated delicious baked goods, wrapped in pretty ribbons, for our charity yard and bake sales! What an inspiration to give to this cause when she was facing her own battle!! Kerri is now cancer-free!!

 

Mile 20

DeeDee Grant

http://caringbridge.org/visit/deedeegrant

DeeDee is a very special friend from college and when I was told that she has leukemia in 2013, right before we ran the Marine Corps Marathon, I was shocked and very scared. DeeDee has always been supportive of what we do for the LLS (and throughout my life's ups and downs) and to know that she was now fighting this from a personal perspective continued to push me to keep trying to find a cure. DeeDee has always been the rock for so many people through out the years, and no matter what was occurring in her life, she always had words of wisdom for others. At 20 years of age we had the adventure of a lifetime when we headed to France to study and to travel Europe! Not only is she an amazing friend, she gives in so many ways, like visiting VA hospitals with her best friend, Jaeger, the German Shepherd, at her side. She fought a very rare leukemia and is now cancer free!

Graduation from Alma College!

My birthday surprise just a few months after DeeDee's treatment and we both donated our hair!

25 Year Reunion at Alma College in October 2015

 

Mile 21

Jack Parrish

www.caringbridge.org/visit/jackparrish

Jack is another amazing boy who is still finishing up his treatment to fight off leukemia. He was surprised with a Make-A-Wish trip and left on February 21 of this year to head to Legoland in Florida! Keep Jack in your thoughts as he completes his treatment!

 

Mile 22

Brittany Dvorak

www.caringbridge.org/visit/brittanydvorak

Mile 22 is dedicated to a wonderful girl whose basketball jersey number was 22!! Brittany is such a beautiful, strong young lady and had a very painful battle with leukemia. Although she is still facing some pain and damage from the leukemia and treatment, she is finally cancer-free!!

Mile 23

Brenda Ann Rubinoff

Brenda Ann passed away on August 27, 2013 at the age of only 66 after a very shocking diagnosis of lymphoma on August 14. She met her husband when she was 23, which in turn resulted in a wonderful son, Brad, who became our good friend. Brenda was a dedicated and loving wife and mom - a true inspiration to all.

 

Mile 25

Jim Odegard

Jim was the loving uncle of Stephanie (Odegard) LaDue and long-time Grand Fork's County State's Attorney. He lived on Belmont Road (in a house just down the block from where we used to live) and spent his summers at Cass Lake. He passed away in 2009 after battling leukemia and lymphoma for several years.

 

Mile 26

Judy Sieber

Judy is an incredibly strong woman who was diagnosed with leukemia several years ago. She never gave up the fight, even when she lost her house because she could no longer work. Judy spent 6 months in the hospital and had a bone marrow transplant. She is now cancer-free and is determined to stay uplifted. She is a devoted mom and friend and her talent for being an interior designer reflects literally in her attitude and spirit for life.

 

Mile .2

This portion of the run is by far the hardest part as it seems like it is such a short distance but yet it seems to go on forever!  We decided to dedicate this .2 of a mile not just to the heroes but also the families that give unstoppable, never-ending, unconditional love and support to those who are battling blood cancer. And no matter how tough or dark the days get, they keep fighting and pushing forward. So as we head into the final leg of our run, we will keep pushing forward not just physically but also with spreading awareness, raising funds and fighting for a cure.

 

Your donation will help fund treatments that save lives every day; like immunotherapies that use a person’s own immune system to kill cancer. You may not know it, but every single donation helps save a life with breakthrough therapies such as these. Your donations also help with family support and monitary aid. Patients and families need these cures and they need your support.

 

Please make a donation in support of my efforts with Team In Training and help get us all closer to a world without blood cancers.

 

Thank you in advance for your support!

Kristen