Racing to Save Lives! So far I've raised more than $4,200 and our entire team has raised almost $100,000!

Welcome to my Team In Training home page.

THANK YOU so much for your support along the Team in Training journey to this point.

I have reached my fundraising minimum goal! THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!

I could not have come this far without your help and support - whether it was a monetary donation, a thumbs-up to a Facebook post, or just asking "Hey, how's the training going?"

Knowing that there are that many people out there who are behind me is really pushing me to continue without becoming discouraged.

Each time someone asks how the training is going, it keeps me honest. It gets me out of bed at 5 a.m. to head to the gym. It keeps me running up those darn hills even at mile 16 or 17.

I've attached a photo of my training partner, Mitzi, and I. It was taken just after our long run last Saturday - 18 miles! We're still smiling, and it's because of you!

My efforts for Team in Training have become even more important just in the last few weeks. I will wear the name Lynsey Fitzgerald on the back of my racing singlet in memory of a 2008 Blue Valley High graduate who passed away three weeks ago after a years-long battle with Leukemia. Lynsey was known around BVHS for her love of students and teachers and her BV Tiger spirit. Her will to be at school even when she was in horrible pain is an inspiration to us all.

Again, I truly appreciate your willingness to support LLS research, programs and patients even in these economic times.

If you haven't donated yet, you still can. Visit my website: http://pages.teamintraining.org/mid/rnrseatl09/jchittum

Why am I doing this?

So you might have thought I was crazy the FIRST time I did this back in 2006, but now I've gone and decided to do it again. So, I'm officially certifiable.

The fact is, I, Jill Jarsulic Chittum, have decided to run my second marathon for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society with Team In Training. I am committed to raising $4,100 to run the Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon on June 27 of this year.

Why would a mild-mannered high school journalism teacher decide to do something that will make her even more tired and take up even more time? Your tax-deductible donation, and my running hundreds of miles (while in training) will help fund research and programs for Leukemia and Lymphoma patients and their families. Leukemia is the number one disease killer of children, and it strikes 10 times as many adults. Every 10 minutes, someone in the U.S. dies from Leukemia or a related cancer.

I run this marathon in honor of those currently fighting the disease, in honor of those who have beaten it, and in memory of those who have lost their battles. As I trudge through the 26.2 miles on race day, I'll be thinking of our honored patients and all of you who have pledged your support in this endeavor. Surviving a five-hour run is nothing compared to what those who have this disease have faced.

The research is working - in 1960, only four percent of children diagnosed with leukemia survived. Today, 85 percent of children under 15 will survive.

It's easy to help! You can donate right here!

Every little bit helps. When you donate online, within seconds, you'll receive a confirmation e-mail and receipt for taxes. Maybe you simply want to give a dollar for each mile run on race day - $26.20. It's that easy. I know in these economic times, giving might not be the first thing on your mind, but please consider contributing to the cause.

I'll keep you updated on my training progress through my fundraising homepage and my blog.

Thank you all so much!

I hope you will visit my web site often. Be sure to check back frequently to see my progress.

I will keep you updated on my training progress as well as fundraising progress.

Offline Donations

Thanks to:

Clara Smith

Aunt Erma

Sherman Zimmerman

Kathy Lamas

Jackie Storm

Anna Toneva

Terry Brown

Bob and Lou Brazeal

Jim Allen

Alice Scott

Pat and Linda Robinson

Jeff and Kathryn Welch

Terri Wenzel

Vito and Debbie Barbieri

Matt and Megan Sage

Uncle Louie and Aunt Betty

Doris Uhlig, Alice Scott and Aunt Marcella

Dave and Bev True

Ken and Arlene Woodall

Linda and Rodger Drake

Cindy Brown

Wynona Hudson

Please spread the word to friends of your who might support the mission of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Pass along this website and ask them to donate.

LET'S LEAVE LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA IN THE DUST!