I am TRI-ing It Again!

It is with much excitement and trepidation that I announce that I am doing another triathlon with Team in Training on behalf of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and in honor of Gage Holmes!

We are headed back to Washington D.C. to race in the Nation’s Triathlon on September 12, 2010. It is an Olympic distance triathlon that includes a one-mile swim, a 25-mile bike ride and a six-mile run.

I am thrilled to race in honor of Gage Holmes. He was diagnosed with leukemia (ALL) on June 21, 2007 when he was 4 years old. Blake and Rebecca Holmes were expecting their fourth child at the time, with Avery, 6 and Ellie, 2. Gage will be almost 8 by the time he finishes his treatment. The first nine months of treatment were very intense and included many, many nights spent at Children’s Hospital in Dallas. After almost a year, Gage finally began to feel better and was able to slowly resume normal routines of his childhood. Now, he is able to go to school, have play dates, play sports and more…at least on the days he doesn’t feel too crummy from the chemotherapy.

On September 17th of this year, after 1,204 days of chemotherapy, he will be finished with treatments. So, when we race on September, 12th, Gage will have completed 1,199 days of chemotherapy…and have only 5 to go! The Holmes have received funds from the LLS to offset some of the numerous costs that face all families fighting cancer. Gage’s chemotherapy protocol is greatly influenced by decades of research funded by the LLS. The surgically implanted port in Gage’s chest (that allows him to easily receive chemotherapy and have blood drawn) was invented by a doctor whose efforts have been largely funded by the LLS. Advances in the treatment of blood cancers have also improved the treatment for many other types of cancer. To read more of their story, visit their blogspot http://gageupdates.wordpress.com.

It’s been two years since I completed my first (and only) triathlon with TNT. It was a wonderful and challenging experience. A lot has happened since then: we moved, I got pregnant, got swine flu, had a nearly 10 lb. baby, recovered from a fourth C-section, and had 3 trees fall on the house. But I am thrilled to be a part of TNT again. Our team (Racing for Gage) has grown this year! There are 30 members that will be doing the triathlon in honor of Gage. Together we will raise over $100,000 for cancer research.

Team in Training (TNT) is The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s largest fund-raising program, bringing in over $69 million dollars this past year alone. Each participant in the program pledges to raise a certain amount of money during the months they train for their event. I have set a personal goal to raise at least $3500 for my triathlon. Seventy-five percent of every dollar spent at the Society goes to research, patient services and education.

I am asking for your support to reach my goal of $3500. Please know that no donation is too small! Your donation is tax-deductible.

Just go to the DONATE NOW button on the right side of this website! It's super easy and fast!

I want to thank you in advance for your support. I am excited to be a part of finding a cure for blood cancer and for helping families like the Holmes during such a difficult time. I hope you will take part in this adventure with me!

Thanks!

Missy

If you want to read more about our family, check out our blog here!