****Please see below for update****

Welcome to Harold's Team In Training home page.

My very first experience with cancer was when my father was diagnosed with lung cancer (no, he didn't smoke) back when I was only 9 years old. He lost his battle after two years of chemo, radiation, and a lot of suffering. That left my mom, my older brother, and me without a husband/father.

Lucky for us, my mom met another man who treated us like we were his own. We called him "Uncle Joe". He was with us for over 15 years. On July 4th, 2006, Uncle Joe checked into the hospital to undergo treatment for Burkitt's (aka Non-Hodgkin) Lymphoma. It was a tough battle that my mom, brother and I had to relive. The worst part was watching Uncle Joe suffer. Exactly two months later, Uncle Joe finally got to rest in peace.

I've always wanted to do something to help fight cancer. But, wanting to do something and actually doing something were worlds apart for me. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about both my dads. At least now I can say that I am doing something for them!

I'm training to participate in a 100 mile bike event called Tour de Palm Springs on February 13, 2010. And no, I'm not talking on a motorcycle like you would think. Believe it or not, I will attempt to pedal my way through Palm Springs. If you know the kind of shape I'm in, you know it won't be easy for me. But nothing I do could ever compare to the struggle that people fighting cancer experience.

I will do this as a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training. All of us on Team In Training are raising funds to help stop leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma from taking more lives.

Although, I am completing this event in honor of all individuals who are fighting blood cancers, I am also dedicating my journey to both my dads as well as those of you who are fighting or helping to fight cancer and/or those of you who have loved ones who had to go through this terrible ordeal. They are: Herminio (Dad) , Uncle Joe, Grandma Sacramento, Richie Rich, Emilio & Bing, Jeff & Amy, Roger & Denise, Granny Mary, Gilbert, Tita Thea, Tita Julie, Tita Ruth, Mary, Maja, Lola Kising, Auntie Titang, Jayne, Barry, Bill, and Tripod (Coach Peggy's 3 legged cat), and many others that I am just not remembering right now... (please let me know if you want me to add your name or a loved one's name).

I hope you will consider making a donation to support my participation in Team In Training and help advance LLS's mission. I have until February 1, 2010 to reach my goal of $5,000, but please don't wait until the last minute. In fact, get your donation in prior to year end and take advantage of the tax benefits (please consult your individual tax professional...sorry for the disclaimer...it's the CPA in me)!! :o)

TOGETHER WE CAN FIGHT!!!!! Thank you so much for your support!

*******UPDATE - November 2009...because of the generosity of such wonderful people, we blew away my original goal of $5,000 in just 1 week. Therefore, I decided to increase my personal goal to $7,500. With over two months to fundraise, I am confident that I can raise the funds to continue this fight against cancer! Please join me in this fight! Thanks!

I've also started a blog so that you could follow my progress. Please go to my blog located at http://fightcancerhd.blogspot.com/

and don't forget to click on Older Posts at the bottom of the page so that you could read from the start of the season. I hope you enjoy it.