"Racing to Save Lives"-swim, bike, RUN!!!

Welcome to my Team In Training home page for the Disney Marathon January 8th!

I hope everyone is thankful for each day we enjoy in 2010! The last time I decided to act in the name of cancer, it was May 2008. The time before that, it was September 2007. Both times prior, I completed triathalons in the name of a very dear friend, Lonnie Walkey. He named me "Leenie". There are many reasons I can name to list in committing to pushing my body hard and long in order to raise money for cancer. The first thought is Lonnie.

I met Lonnie 5 years ago when I moved to Florida to work, instead of pursueing an MFA. Upon settling with Richard's Paint Mfg., he was a brother to me. 36 and so full of light. His short physical, friendship is one I credit to the path I have gradually taken in order to understand my interaction with God. It's constantly growing and I can not wait to thank him for that one day.

He was a humorous and self-less friend, who was also a wonderfully dedicated husband and father to two beautiful young girls.

I was attending an ABC meeting recently, a trade networking community, where I ran into a client and acquaintance who mentioned that they were training, non-affiliated for a marathon. He had been biking quite a bit and I'll admit, I was impressed. I later talked with a lady who knew Lonnie Walkey. One can only ignore signs from God so long.

2010 has been a wild ride for me. I was laid off the end of January, and took 4 months to re-connect with myself through yoga, swimming/running, community service, prayer and hard work on the job front. I made goals and decided that I was in control. Now, October 2010, I am accepting a position to teach Interior Design in Colombo, Sri Lanka for Raffles Education Corporation. BUT, just because I'm leaving suddenly DOESN'T mean I don't have LLS'-Team In Training in my heart. In fact, the family of friends I've made will be with me for life-no matter where in the world I am!!!!

I'm strong person, so many of you who have supported me before and know me, have recognized that through business, joint community service efforts or friendship. I thank you for that support and once more ask for it again in the name of helping to fund an END TO CANCER.

As an twice cancer victim myself, I can appreciate the peace that comes with remission. Yet, I can entirely relate to the fear and submission that comes with cancer. In those times, we must rely on an inner strength to push ourselves into comfort, stamina and love for those around us. So much of cancer is about the selflessness that a person inhibits. So many times, it's the treatment that kills, but it's the INDIVIDUAL will to take that risk in order to comfort your loved ones about your potential risk of departure that makes you stronger. THEY ARE THE HEROS.

Want to see WEEKLY PICTURES UPDATES of tired, sweaty atheletes????

Check out: http://picasaweb.google.com/100067480462407260261

Your support is crucial in the effort to find a cure. Absolutely any amount helps. It all adds up! Seventy-five percent of all funds go directly to research, and your contribution is tax deductible (501 (c) 3 IRS Tax ID # 13-5644916).

If you would like to contact me via email for a donation, please email me at: brownsugarleanne@gmail.com

“What does a Donation buy?”

$1000 helps the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society fund a Researcher to find a cure.

$500 helps provide patient aid to a person with cancer for one year.

$250 helps provide funds for locally sponsored patient education programs.

$100 helps provide a patient with transportation for traveling from home to a cancer center.

$75 helps provide bone marrow typing for a family member of a patient with leukemia.

$50 registers a person to be a bone marrow donor.

$25 pays the cost of a patient’s drug prescription co-payment..