Racing for Megan!

Welcome to my Team In Training home page.

In Megan's parents words...

"Megan was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on November 1, 2006 when she was 3 years old. Megan had been sick for about two weeks with flu like symptoms and a fever that would come and go. Eventually she started having joint pain, in her shoulder and her knee. One Saturday she woke up unable to walk because of severe pain in her left knee. We took her to the doctor where he determined she had a bad case of strep throat. Sometimes it can get into your bloodstream and cause joint pain. We were relieved we had an answer. But two days later there was no change, in fact she was worse. We took her to the Shady Grove Hospital ER so we could get every test done we needed all in one place. We had not thought of cancer as a possible cause for any of this. Even when the ER docs didn’t want to give Megan Tylenol for pain but instead gave her Morphine, we were still nave to the fact as to how serious the situation was. You never think someone is going to tell you your child has cancer…it’s just too rare, it can’t happen to you. But shortly after the Morphine was administered the doctor came and took us out of Megan’s little room. The ER was crowded that night, which meant there were no open rooms. So, there in the middle of the hallway in the ER the doctor told us that Megan had Leukemia. We felt like we were slammed into a brick wall – such shock and disbelief. Later that night we were transported to Children’s Hospital in DC by ambulance and our 2 year chemotherapy protocol began the very next morning.

Although this has been an incredibly tough time for our family we have learned so much. We have learned how loving, giving and supportive our friends and family are. We have learned to “go with the flow” because you just never know what tomorrow will bring. But mostly we have learned how incredibly brave and resilient Megan has become. Since the beginning she has dealt with her treatments as a nuisance rather than bringing her down. She plays, loves, laughs and fights with her big brother and sister just like any normal kid would do! "

I met precious Megan when she accepted the role as Montgomery County's Honored Walker for Light The Night. Five minutes into our game of playing Polly Pockets, I was smitten. Before I left, she drew her name on a piece of paper for me and gave it to me so I wouldn't forget her, and before she handed it to me, she finished it off with a heart and explained that it was because I played with her.

Megan is surviving thanks to advances in the medical world. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's mission is to cure blood cancers and improve the quality of life of patients-like Megan-and their families. Please help me reach my goal of $2,400 to race in honor of Megan-any amount is appreciated!

Thank you, in advance!

Amy Jo

P.S. watch my progress in the training world on the Nation’s Triathlon Blog