Conquering New Challenges!

What can I do bigger and better than a marathon?!? An ULTRA marathon!!! Ah yes, I am at it again. Except this season is a little different than last . . . actually a lot different. Not only have I chosen a much more challenging endurance event, I found out that one of my best friend's father from work was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia.

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a slow growing cancer in which the bone marrow- the soft, spongy tissue in the center of bones- makes too many white blood cells. Although normal white blood cells help the body fight infection and disease, leukemia cells look different than normal blood cells and do not function correctly. Large numbers of leukemia cells also interfere with other blood cells, usually red blood cells and platelets.

I really can't imagine going through a battle with cancer, but I can tell you one thing. . . I am going to do all I can to help fight it!!! I am dedicating this marathon to my dear friend's father, Steven Anderson. I will be completing a 50k (approximately 31.07 miles)! On August 1st, I will be running the beautiful trails from Lake Chabot, Castro Valley to Skyline, Oakland. This will be a rewarding challenge to say the least.

Last October, I completed the Full Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco with the help of team in training to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I can't even express how good it felt to cross that finish line. It became more than just finishing the marathon, but knowing that all my hard work of training and fundraising were going to affect more than I could fathom. It was hard for me to understand what little money I raised could affect so many until I met the families of honorees and the honorees themselves. This season, I have again decided to train with team in training and in the process, raise funds to support blood cancer research. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's mission is to cure blood-related cancers: Leukemia, Lymphoma, and Myeloma. The money I raise will not only go to blood cancer research, but it will help create a better quality of life for those suffering.

While I have only just begun fundraising, I'm hoping to get as close to (and exceed) my goal of $2,500 as soon as I can.

Tragically, cancer is something that affects us ALL, yet there's something we can do to help. Please support me as I dedicate all my training this season to those who are physically unable, and are battling even bigger struggles of their own. Those that need OUR support!

I invite you to join me in this effort by making a 100% tax-deductible contribution to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Over 75% of your contribution will directly support research as well as care for patients. ANY amount would be appreciated, but please consider contributing $1-5 for every mile I run. The LLS team has conveniently provided me with this personal website where you can securely make your donation online. I can also receive cash and check donations directly (please make checks out to "The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society'". If you have any questions or need an address to send a donation to, please don't hesitate to email me at bethayreina@hotmail.com.

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!

Still Running,

Bethany Perry

Please make a donation to support my participation in Team In Training and help advance LLS's mission.

Also, please check with your company to see if they will match your donation. You will still receive a tax deduction so will your employer, and the Leukemia Lymphoma Society will receive twice your contribution!

You can visit my blog at http://bethanyreina.blogspot.com/.

Be sure to check back frequently to see my progress. Thanks for your

support!