I did 4 miles in 64 min today. I know it's slow but just a month ago I wasn't even walking much less jogging any miles. Today we had a team breakfast and got to meet another Honored Teammate. She is 5 years old and was just diagnosed with ALL in March. She was supposed to start K this year but can't right now. She lost her hair last week. My heart ached for her mom and for her. She was all smiles with a cute pink cap on. She is why I am running. I am running for her, my mom, and all the many other people suffering from blood cancers. If you have made a donation to LLS, thank you so much. If you haven't please donate today. Kids and adults are getting diagnosed with cancer everyday. We have to raise funds for the researchers to find a cure. We have to help these familes as they spend days, weeks,and even months in the hospital.

Hug your family and friends and thank God for your health!! You never know when it may be your turn to deal with a devasting diagnosis.

Rachel Jeanette

I had my second training today and felt a little stronger. The heat is wiping me out though. I'm glad my event is in Jan. I know many of you have been getting personal emails and I don't want to keep bugging people. I'm just trying to reach as many of my friends as possible. I am on a fundraising mission. The whole reason I am attempting to run this half marathon is to raise funds for blood cancer research. Today I met our Team in Training Honored Teammate. Her name is Chrisitne. She is currently in remission from Hodkins lymphoma. She has a young daughter and is about my age. Her story really tugged at my heart. She was telling us about when she was in isolation she wasn't able to see her daughter for 3 months. I can't imagine going through what she has been through these past several years. Eventhough she is in remission now she still has that fear. She has to get her blood tested every few months. She is supposed to get her blood test back on Monday. While she talked to us you could tell she was nervous and anxious to know what the results would say. Please consider donating to the LLS. You will be helping the researchers and the patients. LLS also gives patients $ to help pay for parking, hotels, dining etc... Thank you for your consideration. I know we can make a difference to help find a cure for all blood cancers.

I had my first training session this past Saturday. As I passed my Coach at the end of the 3 miles, she asked how I was and my response was, "Well, I didn't die."

This morning I got up to run/walk again. It was so hot. The Houston sun beating on my face and I was thinking I can't do this. I had to force myself to think about my mom and everything that she went through. She didn't give up..she couldn't...she was a fighter. I will be a fighter. I will not give up. Please pray for me. I have no idea what I am doing.

Please consider donating to the LLS. We must help find a cure.

Thanks,

Rachel Jeanette Larson

Racing to Save Lives

Welcome to my Team In Training home page.

I'm training to participate in the Chevron Houston Marathon & Aramco Houston Half Marathon 2011 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.

I am completing this event in memory of my mother, Rachel Smith. She was diagnosed with Acute Leukemia in 1992. She fought hard, endured months of chemo and a bone marrow transplant. She lost her battle on Dec. 28, 1993 from complications due to her weakened immune system.

This will be my first attempt to run a half marathon. I know it will be hard and quite an accomplishment for me when I finish. My mom fought an even bigger battle. She is my real hero. I need your support to cross the ultimate finish line - a cure!

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

I hope you will visit my web site often. Be sure to check back frequently to see my progress. Thanks for your support!