Three days after my one year anniversary with LLS my father passed away from cancer.

My dad had been in ill-health for a variety of reasons but the cancer came as a bit of a shock. He had a malignant tumor removed from his leg about two months prior. The doctors were still in the process of running tests and there were delays in exchanging information across hospitals when he was rushed to the emergency room for heart problems. There they discovered that cancer, sarcoma, had spread thoughout his whole body: lungs, liver, pancreas and stomach. They gave him two to three months to live and he died eight days later.

My dad was a decorated combat veteran and a distinguished police officer, he had battled communists and criminals his whole life. But his cancer was so pernicious, he didn't even get the chance to fight back.

Now, I wouldn't be a very good solider. I really like air-conditioning and sleeping. Plus, I think I have a touch of sciatica. I don't think I would be a good undercover cop either. I am a terrible liar. I've never seen Donnie Brasco. And I had to close my eyes during that scene in Resevoir Dogs. But I am determined to fight the war on cancer.

Every dollar LLS raises funds lifesaving research and support services for patients, caregivers and healthcare providers. When LLS was first founded only 3% of children with acute lymphocytic leukemia, the most common childhood cancer, survived. Today, 90% of children with ALL survive. But patients with acute myeloid leukemia or multiple myeloma still only have survival rates of 23% and 40%, respectively. These patients deserve the fighting chance that my dad didn't get. We can only give them hope by remaining relentless for a cure.

I am now running this race in memory of my dad, Sgt. Francis X. Gowrie Jr. -- even though he would make fun of me because it's only 5 miles* and I'm not even running in the jungle with a hundred pounds on my back. I'm also running in memory of all the Vietnam Veterans who suffered from blood cancers - Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma and chronic lymphocyctic leukemia - due to Agent Orange exposure.

I am lucky to have such kind and compassionate co-workers and generous and supportive friends and family -- during this difficult time and always. Thank you for taking the time to read this and thank you for your support.

With gratitude,

Sarah

*updated number of unimpressive run/walk miles, especially since I'm downgrading from 13 to 5 and 6.2.

On Saturday, I had my first real GTS in a long, long time. I am really slow (obviously) and I'm still really sore. That's not really an update but I just wanted the world to know that I'm trying. :)

Hi!

My friendworkers and I are having a joint happy hour fundraiser tonight at Van Diemen's from 6-9pm. You can check out the Facebook invite here.

People always ask how I got involved with LLS. I always say while I didn't start off with a strong connection to blood cancers, you can't work here without developing one.

One early summer morning I was at practice ("Group Training Session") and I was so tired and grumpy (It was hot! It was 7 am! I had to run!). I turned to my co-worker Stacey and said, "Ugh. Why am I here again?" And she just looked at me and I remembered, "Oh, right, for you. Fiiiiinne." Stacey is a survivor of childhood leukemia and a wonderful reminder of how the work we do really saves lives and that she is living proof. You can check out Stacey's story here.

Hope to see you tonight!

As I continue to fundraise for Team In Training, naturally, my dad comes up a lot in conversation. Last night, I imagined what our conversation would be if he knew about all my fundraising efforts and I think it would go something like this:

"Hey Dad, I'm running another two races, in your memory, to raise money for work."

"Another half-marathon?"

"No, I have a bad hip now"

"What are you, 80? Try running a half-marathon through the jungle with a 100lbs on your back..." (I stop listening)

"Well, it's still a good way to get in-shape and raise money for a great cause."

"But I didn't have a blood cancer," he says.

"I know but our research has an impact on all cancers..." (I continue on and now it's my dad's turn to stop listening)

"Sounds like a weasel deal to me. Why aren't you raising money for the Wounded Warrior Project?"

"I don't work for the Wounded Warrior Project."

"Well maybe you should."

"It's headquarters is in Florida"

"Fine. You're just using my name to get money because I'm famous."

"Dad, I believe the correct term is infamous."

"Same difference."

(this is only funny if you knew my dad)