Racing to Save Lives

Welcome to my Team In Training home page.

Dear Friends and Family,

I have decided to run/walk (or however I can get my feet across the finish line!) a half marathon. For those that know how un-athletic I am, you know this will indeed be quite a challenge for me!

I have joined Team in Training to train for a half marathon and to raise money to fight blood-related cancers - leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin lumphoma and myeloma. This is a cause near and dear to my heart. As some of you already know, I lost my mother to leukemia 25 years ago. My decision to take take on this challenge is in large part to honor her memory. I am also participating in honor of a dear friend of mine, Patricia Torres. Patricia's story has had a much more positive outcome - she is a non-Hodgkins lymphoma survivor. She fought the disease for many years, but has thankfully been cancer-free for 10 years now. She is an amazingly strong woman and used to be an avid runner. Due to complications from her disease, she is no longer able to run. I am honored to be able to train and run this half marathon for her.

Despite the advances in treatments, leukemia remains the leading disease killer of people under the age of 20. Additionally, leukemia strikes eleven times as many adults as children. Through programs like Team in Training, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society raises funds for research, patient services, community education and outreach programs. In exchange for fundraising, the Society will help me train for the race, provide coaching and will put me together with other walker/runners of similar skill.

So here I am, seizing my opportunity. My goals are two fold: one, to cross the finish line of the Nike Women's Half Marathon in San Francisco on October 17, 2010; and two, to raise $2,500 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by September 15th. I am hoping you will be able to help with with both of these goals. Your encouragement and positive reinforcement will go an incredibly long way in helping me complete this half marathon. Your financial support will not only help save the lives of those afflicted with blood-related cancers, but make their lives more comfortable and manageable while they are fighting - and winning - against the disease. Consider also that many of the strides that are made toward curing blood-related cnacers translate into making a difference in fighting all types of cancers.

If you should feel inspired to take up this tremendous cause, please feel free to share this message and request with anyone who might be inclined to help. Every contribution will have an impact, will be personally acknowledged by me, and will be appreciated by so very many.

Please use the link below to donate online quickly and securely plus learn more about my progress. You will receive a confirmation of your donation by email and I will be notified as soon as you make your donation.

http://pages.teamintraining.org/sj/nikesf10/jenzirbes

Each donation helps accelerate finding a cure for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. More than 823,000 Americans are battling these blood cancers. I am hoping that my participation in Team In Training will help bring them hope and support.

On behalf of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, thank you very much for your support. I greatly appreciate your generosity.

Thank you,

Jennifer Zirbes

P.S. If you know someone who has been afflicted with a blood-related cancer, or any type of cancer, I would love to walk/run in their honor as well. Please let me know their name(s) and I will be sure to wear a bracelet for them on race day. Thanks again.