Racing to Save Lives

My name is Nick Thomas and June 28th is a very important date in my life, for two very different reasons.

On June 28th, 2000, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, which in short is cancer of the lymph nodes. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) played a large role in my year long battle and cure of the disease. LLS dates back to 1949 and it's goal is curing leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, as well as improving the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS informed me about the disease I was battling, provided information on my treatments, mental help, stability, and even went as far as providing gas money, for my daily 40 plus mile trip to my treatments.

On June 28th, 2009, I am challenging myself to complete a triathlon. You may ask, why someone would want to take part in an event that consists of a 9 mile swim, a 25 mile bicycle ride and a 6.2 mile run, before finally crossing the finish line? I'm doing it because someone did it for me and I am ready for the opportunity to give back, and do it for someone else.

In 1988, Team In Training was started. Team In Training, consists of over 30,000 walkers, runners, cyclists and hikers that participate in major marathons, triathlons, century rides and hiking adventures, while raising funds for LLS. I have joined Team In Training to challenge myself to finish a triathlon and help raise funds for a society that did so much for me.

Participating in Team In Training, I have surrounded myself with with amazing people that have made what I once thought was an impossible goal, completing a triathlon, seem easy. It is a sobering thought that others participated in Team In Training events while asking family, friends and acquaintances to sponsor them towards the goal of raising funds that were so vital, when I needed them, to help me win my battle against Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Along with the great trainers of Team In Training, I have an honored teammate, his name is Luke Miller. Luke is currently battling non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and undergoing treatment at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. Luke is your typical young man that enjoys baseball, basketball, reading, movies and a good cheeseburger. He gets wonderful support from his two sisters, Liza and Lily, as well as his dog, Leo. Just like someone did for me, back when I was facing my battle with disease, I am striving towards my goals to help Luke and everyone else facing their intimidating challenge.

I have set a goal of raising $4900 for LLS through Team In Training, prior to the triathlon taking place on June 28th, 2009. I'm asking for your help with my financial goal. Your donation of $30, $60, $250 or any amount will go towards helping LLS, a great organization, that I know firsthand gives so much hope to the people it helps. I thank you for your consideration and donation.

You can donate by going to this link: http://pages.teamintraining.org/soh/philtri09/nthomas

Sincerely,

Nick Thomas

2662 Hannah Jo Ct

Hebron, KY 41048

nthomas1999@gmail.com

859-620-8715