Racing to Save Lives

Welcome to Anna & Erik's Team In Training home page.

3-21-2010- Well, it's that time my friends. Anna & I are heading to the big island Wednesday morning for our race on Sunday. Here's the link to the event website in case you want to check it out or check our results after the race:

http://www.lavamantriathlon.com/waikoloa/

We'll send an update to everyone that's supported our efforts and encouraged us along the way. We are truly fortunate to have so many wonderful people in our lives and we are grateful for each one of you. Thank you so much!

2-23-2010- We've passed the $5,000 mark! Thanks for all your help...every donation truly does make a difference.

I had an MRI a few weeks ago and learned that I have strains in each calf. At least I have a medically documented excuse for when Anna beats me on race day :) I've been going to PT for treatment and I'm hoping I'll be able to run by the end of March for the event. If not, I will adapt and have fun regardless.

All else is going well. Anna & I are having a Win a wine Cellar Event on March 13th at Portage Bay Cafe at their South Lake Union location. We've been getting donations from local wineries for this and we're excited...it shoulb be a lot of ufn and somebody will walk away with a slew of tasty wines.

2-1-2010- Anna & I are at $4350! So far so good. Thank you to all that have donated to our efforts so far. We are grateful to have such generous and supportive people in our lives.

Training-wise, we're progressing. Anna seems to be making more headway than I on this front. I could be in real trouble come race day. :) My calf has been giving me trouble on the run so I'm calling a doctor today to try to get to the root of the issue. Otherwise, it feels good to train again and to strive for such a lofty goal.

I also pledge to be better about updating our webpage, so please check back regularly to check in and hear how Anna's kicking my butt!

Original entry-

We are training to participate in a triathlon as members of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training.

Our goal is to raise $15,000 in honor of all individuals who are battling cancer. Sadly, we know too many of them, and the list keeps growing. In particular we are training & raising money in honor and memory of:

Erik's grandmother, Alice Nordstrom, one of the most beautiful and loving people we've ever known. She was diagnosed with Leukemia (CML) last summer. No one deserves such a fate, but least of all her. We would gladly take this on for her in a heartbeat if it were a possibility. Thankfully, she is energetic and responding well to treatment. Those of you that know her, know how amazing she is and just how fortunate we are to be able to have our lives intertwined with hers.

Crash, our Team in Training team mascot and a fantastic golden retriever who succumbed to a battle with lymphoma this past week.

Erik's cousin, Art Hanna, who we met on a trip through Calgary and who, along with his wife Gwen, welcomed us into their home with a generosity typical of the Nordstrom relatives. Unfortunately, Art lost his battle with Leukemia in October of last year.

Ray Fair, the father of one of dearest friends, Andrea, whom came to know through Andrea and her sister, Amy. Each of our interactions with Ray left us feeling light, warm, smiling and usually laughing too. He lost his battle with cancer last November.

Jeff Berkman, one of Anna's fellow rowers with whom Anna has shared many a laugh or joke about her lack of rowing dedication, and who is currently undergoing treatment for Leukemia and preparing for a bone marrow transplant.

Joan Rees, the beloved mother of our good friend Andy, who lost her three year battle with cancer last October.

Don Lennartson, the friend of Anna's aunt and uncle who has CML, and is enjoying a good quality of life thanks to a drug developed by researchers funded by LLS.

Ju-Hea Yea, the beloved father of Anna's friend Yoo-Lee who lost his two year battle with cancer last November.

Richard Holloway, the father-in-law of Anna's former colleague, Maggie, who died of blood cancer two weeks before Maggie and Andy's wedding.

John Alberti, a rowing friend of Anna's who is 14 months away from "victory" - five years cancer free. He was diagnosed with stage 2 Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma in 2005.

Jared Boeschoten, whom we have not yet had the pleasure of meeting. Erik has gotten to know his story through his father, Paul, and through his Caring Bridge Journal, which is used to update friends and family on his treatment for a rare form of Leukemia. Some of it can be hard to read, given that it's happening to a young boy that should be climbing trees and getting scrapes & bruises instead of undergoing chemotherapy. But his is a reality that all too many face and if he has to live it we feel that the very least we can do is read about his experience so that we can try to understand and appreciate his path the best we are able. Please read Jared's Journal at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jaredboeschoten/journal .

These people are the real heroes, and we need your support to cross the ultimate finish line - a cure!

Please help us help those that we love by making a donation and spreading the word to anyone and everyone that you can pass this along to. You'll be surprised by just how many people that you know have a connection that you were unaware of.

We hope you will visit our web site often. Be sure to check back frequently to see our progress. Your help really does have a very direct impact. Thanks for your support!

Much love,

Anna & Erik