California, Here I Come!
The bad news last year was that my lymphoma relapsed, and it took nine rounds of chemo over seven months to get it under control again. There were side effects, and it wasn't much fun.
But the good news now is that I'm getting stronger every day. To celebrate my recovery, I've started training with Team in Training to run the Nike Women's Half Marathon in San Francisco. And, as before, I'm raising funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to help find cures- and better treatments- for these diseases.
Please make a donation to support my participation in Team In Training and help advance LLS's mission- I know firsthand how important it is. My goal is to reach $7,500 by August 15; I'm counting on your generosity to help me get there!
7-13-08
At long last- ten miles!! I'm thrilled to say that, while it wasn't easy, it wasn't really that difficult either. The most wonderful thing, of course, is that I can do it at all. Now that my strength is restored, it's more important than ever that I help those who are struggling as I did, with chemo and its side effects. It's most important that I do all I can to make sure that the day will come (soon, I hope) when there will be cures, and that no one will have to suffer.
Thanks for joining me in this quest. Your support gives wings to my feet!
6-1-08
Did 7 miles yesterday! I feel like celebrating- that's the longest I've run in a year! It was hot, and a few muscles were sore, but I was elated. I can run for those who can't. It feels so great to be able to say that!
Afterwards I went to Sam's Club in Sunrise to do a fundraiser with teammates Karen and Wanda. We stood outside, sold cookies, chocolates and bears, and raised $225 each! Again, it was hot (this is Florida, after all!) but it was worth it, to educate the public and help raise funds. Standing in the sun for a few hours is a lot easier than chemo, so if that's what it takes, I can do it!
Thanks for all your support. I carry you in my heart, along with my honored teammates, every time I run.
Anita Lawson
Last Edited on:
07/21/2008
| "Go sissy!! You are my hero! Love, Sissy" | |
| Cher Terwoord | |
| "A great day with Karen and Wanda- what team spirit!" | |
| Sam's Club Fundraiser | |
| "We love you !!" | |
| Lani Midway | |
| "Anita -- Please add Louise Smith and Lisa Flynn to your shirt. Louise died from acute leukemia in May 2001, and her daughter Lisa was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma this past May. Thanks, Lori" | |
| Lori Thurgood | |
| "To the bravest woman I know!" | |
| Vito Maggiolo | |
| "Dearest Anita Cathy will be running by your side. (Spiritually, of course, she wouldn't have been caught alive or dead actually running anywhere!) Love Bruce Bruce" | |
| Bruce Gaber | |
| "You continue to be an inspiration! Barbara" | |
| Barbara Demas | |
| "Anita - You're a remarkable person. Best of luck in your training and race." | |
| Janice Bergin | |
| "Anita, we are all in this together whether we walk or we run or we just donate. Thanks for all you are doing! " | |
| Anonymous | |
| "Go Anita Go!! Good Luck in your upcoming event. Thanks for being there not only for me but the rest of my "HFD FAMILY". Lots of Love!!" | |
| Armando Arriete | |
| "You are my inspiration! You go girl!!" | |
| Gail Brion | |
| "Your strength, courage and commitment in all that you do never ceases to amaze and inspire me. I love you mom! " | |
| Nicole Lawson | |
| "Go Anita - thank you for your support last year when I did the Disney half marathon" | |
| Patricia Milstead | |
| "Good luck with the run, Anita. You're amazing!" | |
| Donna Mallet | |
| "Anita -- You're probably the strongest and most determined person I know. You have my undying respect and love. You're doing a great thing. Go get 'em tiger. Judi Meyerhoeffer" | |
| Judith A. Meyerhoeffer | |
| "You go girl!! Cathy was so incredibly proud of you, and so are we!! We know you can do this! Hugs and kisses, Jennifer and Joey" | |
| Jennifer Hemingway | |
| "Good for you!" | |
| Faith Campbell | |
