It’s hard to think of Finish Line Physical Therapy without also making a connection with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Team in Training. Thousands of endurance athletes have come through our door throughout the past 6 years, becoming both patients and friends in the process. Many of them have dedicated their athletic pursuits to raising money in support of LLS’s mission of finding a cure for blood cancers and improving the quality of life of patients and their families.

This winter, Finish Line PT is once again proud to sponsor a corporate team for the Bermuda Race Weekend, January 19-20, 2012. A team of both staff and patients are running with the goal of raising more than $50,000 to support LLS. This is a cause we all believe very strongly in, and we are honored to be a part of this mission.

Each of us has individuals that we’re running in support of and who inspire and motivate us daily. As Team Finish Line, we are fundraising in memory of fellow friend, colleague, and teammate Dave Wagner, who lost his battle to lymphoma in January 2012. Dave was not only a friend but also a talented athlete, NYC firefighter, husband, and father. His death was a harsh reminder that, although we’ve come so far, there still is not a cure for all blood cancers.

Dave was diagnosed with lymphoma in January 2011, just two months after he competed in the 70.3 World Championships. It’s still hard to believe that such an amazingly strong, talented, committed man lost the fight… but it is his memory that inspires all of us to keep running, training—frankly doing whatever we can—to raise as much money to support the mission. The fight is far from over, but every little bit we can raise will make a difference.

For every sad story of loss, there are thousands of inspiring stories of success and hope that remind us that the work we are doing and the money we raise has a direct impact on the lives of others.

From all of us at Finish Line Physical Therapy, thank you for your support.