Friends, family, countryman, lend me your ears!

Can you believe it is almost summer? I know it is because I have again joined the The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training, and summer is when we begin our training. I will be training for the Twin Cities Marathon on October 2 and will be raising money for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma research. What this means is that I will be training to run 26.2 miles, all in ONE morning! Last year my goal was to raise $2,000, and I exceeded that goal by raising $2,300! I was so overwhelmed by the generosity of my friends and family. This year I have set my sights at raising $2000 again!

What can I say to my wonderful friends and family who have been so generous in the past? How on Earth can I ask you again for your financial support? Well, pardon my frankness, but cancer sucks. We can find a cure and we will, but we need financial support. Your donation will go to helping to find a cure for blood cancers and to improve the lives of patients currently fighting this disease.

If you have contributed in the past, already you have made a difference in someone’s life. Research changes the outlook for patients. Since 1970, the survival rates for lymphoma and myeloma have more than doubled, and survival rates for leukemia have tripled, thanks in large part to Gleevec. Gleevec was developed by Dr. Brian Druker, a scientist who is funded in part by the LLS. Sadly, although we’ve come a long way, nearly 50% of newly diagnosed blood cancer patients still die within 5 years.

This year we are training in honor of Matthew, who is 9 years old and has Leukemia. Matthew is our honored “teammate” and is halfway through his 3+ years of chemo. I will also be training in honor of several personal connections I have to blood cancers, including my aunt and a college professor. Last year many of you shared personal stories of loved ones in your life who have been effected by blood cancers. If you would like to honor someone through me, I would welcome the opportunity to wear their names on my jersey on race day.

I hope you will find it in your heart to contribute to the fight against leukemia and blood cancer. All donations are 100% tax deductible and approximately 76% of the funds raised will go directly to research.

May you realize success in your own endeavors, and may we all go the distance.

Thank you for your generous support.

Go Team!

Update #1

Hello all! Yesterday we ran our farthest distance of the season, 16 miles. It was hot and sunny and very difficult for me and many other runners. Even though it was difficult, when you compare it to what blood cancer patients have to endure during their treatment, it was as easy as pie. I have met so many wonderful new team members, and have reconnected with some old. Our team is really special this year and I can't wait to finished a marathon with them.

Fundraising has been a little slow this year compared to last, but I have faith that I will meet my goal! This cause means more and more to me everydat day as I meet more people who's lives have been effected by cancer. Every day is an inspiration and a reminder of how lucky everyone with good health is.

Go TEAM!