Happy Saturday Everyone,

Today was our first official training day with the whole team. Darrel and I are learning how to be fast walkers. Our pace today was 3.6 mph. We averaged a 17.08 minute mile. We all did 3 miles today with two water/gatorade breaks. Our coaches made us all stop for those. It was very exciting and encouraging to find out after the first mile the shin and calf pain goes away. We are already looking forward to next week. At one point I told Darrel I could feel all the prayers and he said, "oh, is that what I'm feeling?" lol

I also received the gold metal today for having the highest fundraising for the week. Thank you to all who helped make this possible.

Speaking of giving, those who have already given will be entered into the drawing for "A POT OF GOLD" for each $5 given. This is an incredible opportunity! Everyone who gives a donation over the next month will receive one entry for each $5 given. The POT OF GOLD is a collection of gift cards from various places that the team members are collecting. The POT has been between $1000-$2000 value in past years. We see no reason why the pot will not be as much or more this year. ONE person gets the whole POT. Make sure you are not left out and know your giving is going to find a cure for blood cancer of all kinds.

Before we began our training today a mom shared with her 6 year old son buried behind her of their journey and battle with cancer. This little boy was diagnoised 3 years ago. Her and her husband put their son in the hospital the same day she gave birthday to his younger brother. Can you even imagine putting your 3 year old in the hospital for cancer and having to leave him to go in for a c-section for another child. Only the grace of God can see them through. Anyway, there was much more to their story but you see that giving does make a difference.

Have a great blessed week. We love you all,

Darrel and Ginger Brooks

Dearest Friends and Family,

I trust this letter finds you happy and in good health. We miss you all so much especially since our move to Texas. Thankfully we have made new friends and family members (Caleb, Chloe, Colin and Caylee) in Texas to add to our treasure box.

Darrel and I have often referred to our lives as “the great adventure”. This letter is to tell you about the newest chapter in that adventure. Earlier this month we signed up to walk/run a Marathon. That’s 26.2 miles. Never done one before. You’re probably asking why?

Well as many of you know Darrel lost his mom to colon cancer 26 years ago and I lost my stepdad, Tom, to brain, bone and lung cancer only 11 months ago. Many of you may not know that my stepmom, Vivian, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma 8 years ago. Well we are running in memory of our parents and in honor of Vivian, with the Leukemia, Lymphoma Society. Watching my dad fight so hard for his life last year made a huge impact on me that I must do this. No matter how I cry out in pain during this training it’s still nothing compared to what he went through.

A diagnosis of leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma or myelodysplastic syndrome brings daily challenges. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. LLS is committed to providing information and support to people living with these cancers and to the health professionals involved in their care.

I love that LLS is not only dedicated to finding a cure but are at the same time helping patients and families in the midst of their fight today. That meant so much to mom and I helping with dad, health care professionals volunteering to assist us and also to help financially.

It is so rewarding to help others as you know. Getting our eyes off ourselves and our own struggles. That’s why we run.

You can help us through your prayers foremost and also through your giving. You can mail me a check made out to LLS or the easiest way is on our websites:

Ginger's Website

http://pages.teamintraining.org/ntxok/Whiterck11/gbrookseqb

Darrel's Website

http://pages.teamintraining.org/ntxok/Whiterck11/dbrooksojb

Darrel also started a blog to keep track of our daily progress.

It’s: Http://brooksruntherace.blogspot.com

Well, we’ve bought our shoes and socks, signed our names and started our training. It’s your turn now. I hope you will remember someone special and give.

The Lord Bless you always,

Darrel & Ginger Brooks

Welcome to my Team In Training home page.

I have a mission-to help find cures and more effective treatments for blood cancers. To accomplish that mission, I’m participating in a sports endurance event as a member of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Team In Training. Like the other members of TNT, I will be raising funds to help find cures and better treatments for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma. I’m improving the quality of my life by participating. With your support, I can help improve the quality of life for patients and their families as well.

It's been 8 years that my step mom has been fighting lymphoma ~ she's in remission now and doing well. She is one of my honored hero's along with my step dad, which means I think of them when I feel like giving up. It will be one year Sept 10 since my step dad died of cancer. My mom and I took total care of him his last ten days. I like that LLS also helps families. These two loved ones inspire me. I hope you will remember someone special and give.

Please make a donation in support of my efforts with Team In Training and help advance the research for cures.