Racing to Save Lives

Welcome to my Team In Training home page!

I'm training to participate in an Olympic distance triathlon as a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training. Two things I am most passionate about- fitness and helping others (maybe even saving lives)!

All of us on Team In Training are raising funds to help stop leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma from taking more lives. I am completing this event in honor of all individuals who are battling blood cancers. These people are the real heroes on our team, and we need your support to cross the ultimate finish line - a cure!

The photo is of my honored heroes, John and Nathan. John and I are on the left at fundraising event. John began harvesting 4.9 million stem cells in March of 2008 for his chemotherapy and transplant. After many intense treatments, as of July 2008 John is at 99% remission. Nathan is on the right at the ice cream shop where Molly, Arran and I met him and his family. Nathan was diagnosed with T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in November 2008. Nathan is currently doing his chemotherapy regime, fighting this battle. This is the most brief summary that provides a glimpse into my heroes life experiences.

Cancer is something that could happen to any of us. In some way we have all been touched by the disease. We must do our part to help out those in need. Funds raised through this website not only go to vital research, but also to patient services programs that help those currently fighting cancer. These brave individuals are our mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. They need our help. Please support them by making a donation today! I greatly appreciate your generosity.

I hope you will visit my web site often. Be sure to check back frequently to see my progress. Thanks for your support!

God Bless,

Maggie

4/1/10: Aloha! I have returned from Hawaii (even though I did not want to leave). It was such an amazing experience. Team in Training had a total of 311 participants who raised over $1.4 million for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society! It is great to know that I took part in making an impact in the lives of many touched by blood cancers.

Aside from the fundraising, my goal was to complete the triathlon in less than three hours. I ended up finishing 7th in my age group/264th overall with a time of 2:44.45. My honored heroes, Nathan and John, were truly an inspiration during the race when I felt like I was running in quick sand. Here is a link to the official race results if you are interested:

http://www.theracershub.com/results_view.php?id=827&result_type=file.

You have to check out these breath taking photos:

http://www.printroom.com/ViewFoundPhotos.asp?evgroupid=69&userid=hawaiiphotoman&group_id=69&stype=0&sword=064&minSearch=3

The first and last photos on this link are not of me...just got mixed in by mistake.

Together, our fundraising efforts have gone a long way toward advancing the mission: to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. I can’t thank you enough for all of your love, support and encouragement. I hope to keep in touch after I leave for Guatemala on April 27.

3/14/10: I competed in a sprint distance (300 meter swim, 12 mile bike, 3 mile run) this morning to warm up/prepare for Hawaii. I ended up getting 3rd in my age group! Here's the website for more results: http://results.active.com/pages/displayNonGru.jsp?orgID=216359&rsID=90061. It was a wonderful experience with lots of Team in Training folks!

3/2/10: I can't believe it's already March! 29 days until the big race! I'm getting more and more excited. I'm doing a practice/warm up triathlon on March 14 in Keller, Texas. Cross your fingers for warm weather. If not I'm bringing my snuggie. I continue to be overwhelmed by the donations and support. I am so fortunate for the many loving people in my life. What am I going to do after the event?!

2/16/10: It's been a while. Ashley and I just got back from visiting Molly and Arran in New Zealand. We had a wonderful time. I was able to squeeze in some incredible work outs- open water swims in the ocean, runs along the bays, and tons of hills (that seem like mountains). Great preparation for Hawaii! Only 39 days away. We (couldn't have done it without you) have ALMOST met my fundraising goal. I would not mind exceeding the goal and raising even more money for this cause I am so passionate about.

1/25/10: Friends, family, supports...we are almost at the goal. This is so amazing- to think that we've raised close to $6,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This will make a significant difference in the lives of many touched by blood cancers. I am overwhelmed by the amount of support. The list of donors just keeps getting longer and longer. It touches my heart!

1/20/10: I realize that on this webpage I've neglected the whole "training" part of this experience. It has been such a pleasure. On Sunday we went to Texas Motor Speedway for a group bike and run. The weather was very nice. It was great getting outside on Misty, my bike. Monday was another great workout- run, swim and yoga! I really enjoy training with the team. It makes me so happy!

1/12/10: Thank you all for your many contributions to a successful fundraiser at Kelly's last Sunday! We raised a grand total of $1,275 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!! (This amount will not apear on the website for a couple of weeks). I sincerely appreciate everyone's generosity. The event would not have been possible without the support of everyone attending, Ashley Pratt, Lisa McDermott, Max Chartrand, Kelsey Ingold, First Watch, Joe's Pizza by the Slice, Kelly's Westport Inn, Pat Kelly, Kyle Kelly, Colleen Kelly, the organizing and planning from Molly Kelly and Arran Stone, and ultimately, the real heroes, John and Nathan! Thank you all so much.

12/22/09: Probably my last update before next year. I've participated in two team fundraising events. Both were very successful, thank you to my mentor's guidance and the support of family and friends. I hope you have a wonderful and blessed holiday. Kansas City friends and family- I really miss you! Please mark your calendars for Sunday, January 10 from 2-5 pm at Kelly's to support my fundraising campaign.

12/8/09: I can't believe it's already December. Time is flying! I have to share this story- I was visiting different businesses, asking for donations for two big fundraising events we have coming up. I was hesitant to go into Old Navy (almost passed it up). While I was standing in line waiting to talk to the manager the woman in front of me saw my TNT shirt and sparked a conversation from there. She proceeded to write me a generous check. It brought tears to my eyes. This experience confirmed my life motto that "everything happens for a reason"; although I did not want to go into Old Navy, something or someone pulled me in there.

11/29/09: Do you enjoy YOGA? Never tried it? Join me on Monday evenings from 6:30-7:30 at Performance Bike off of South Hulen in Fort Worth. No charge for the class; however, I do accept donations. It is a multilevel class, open to the public. We like to have a good time. Please join me for an enjoyable evening of yoga.

11/25/09: So many things to be thankful for...health, friends, physical abilities, family, new friends, coaches, food, yoga, donors, technology, opportunities, good weather, water, second chances, forgiveness, wellness, sisters, children, freedom, memories, education..the list is endless. What are you most thankful for?! Thank YOU for your support. Happy Turkey Day!

11/16/09: Please read the new information (above) about my little honored hero, Emmy, whom I got to spend some time with last Saturday!

11/8/09: Yesterday morning was the first group training. Not only did we start training, we also learned proper running techniques and warm up stretches. Every week our team shares a "Mission Moment", where one teammate shares a story about how a blood cancer has affected their life. We complete our training in honor of that individual. The connection is very powerful and motivating.

10/30/09: Attended the Kick Off event...met my teammates, coaches, mentor and honored hero. Such a hard working, motivated, and inspirational group of individuals. An honored hero shared a heart touching story. I acquried some awesome Team in Training gear and lots of information.

10/26/09: Such a wonderful Monday. I continue to be blessed and amazed by the generous donations. It is so encouraging.

10/22/09: The past few days have been very exciting and motivating. I check my e-mail obsessively to see how much closer I am to my goal. I am so appreciative of the donations I have received. I am blessed to be a part of such an incredible program. I can't thank you enough for your support.

10/18/09: I received my first donation today. Words can't describe how happy I am. It was an emotional experience, bringing tears to my eyes. I felt such a sense of happiness and accomplishment. It is a wonderful starting point and great motivation. Thank you Molly and Arran for all of your love and support.