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When I first heard about the Lavaman Triathlon, I thought of it as the "what's next" after completing the Danskin Triathlon in August. But then it became so much more.
I remember being in my apartment, it was a sunny day, my husband was there and the phone rings. "I have cancer" my dad tells me. I don't remember my response, just the fear. I know he told me a lot of details here, what kind of cancer, what the treatment would be, but I don't remember any of it. All I remember is "I have cancer".
For the next several months I would hear updates. Visits became more frequent. It was important to go home for Christmas. Then in January, the visits became almost weekly. As soon as my husband and I would get off work on Friday, we would get in the car (making sure the cats had enough food for the weekend) drive late into the night, arrive early Saturday, spend the day, then head back to Seattle on Sunday. Eight hours each way (if the weather was good) for eight hours with my dad.
I remember Valentine's day, 1996. My dad was in the ICU and wanted to give my mom a gift. I spent hours trying to find just the right card (ending up buying five so that he could pick just the right one).
I remember what I knew in my heart would be my last conversation with my father.
I remember a phone call... "You should come back" (although I knew it would be too late).
At our Team in Training kick-off, we heard from someone who is a blood cancer survivor. She praised not only the doctors and researchers, but also the people who do Team in Training events to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). The money raised by LLS directly helped to fund research that not only made her treatment easier than it would have been in the past, but ultimately saved her life. All I could think was "if only this could be my Dad's story..."
So, "what's next" is the Lavaman Triathlon on the Big Island of Hawaii on March 28, 2010. Five months of training, six days a week (in Seattle weather), so that I will be able to complete a 1-mile swim, 25-mile bike ride and a 6-mile run. I want to do this, not just for me, not just in memory of my dad, but for all the dad's out there who could have a fighting chance of beating this disease.
Please make a donation to support my participation in Team In Training and help advance LLS's mission. Absolutely any amount will be appreciated, it all adds up!
Mahalo!
update 11.14.09
The first two weeks of training are complete. So far, my knee is holding up nicely, feeling stronger every day, in fact. This morning we met at Marymoor Park for run/walk training. No rain, but it was 30 degrees and the path was terribly icy in spots. Luckily no one slipped.
One of the things I am really liking about Team in Training is that every training session seems to be followed by some kind of get together. Today was coffee at Victor's in Redmond. It's great to get to know my fellow teammates.
update 12.5.09
There has been a slight hiccup in the training. I picked up some kind of bug at Thanksgiving. I've been sick and unable to train (or do anything else for that matter) for eight days.
This morning we were supposed to meet for "trail games" (a fun way of getting our run work-out in). But when I woke up, my head still felt like a watermelon and I was coughing up a storm, so no trail games for me. Hopefully I'll be able to get back in the pool on Monday, but for the rest of this weekend I'll be resting, drinking lots of hot fluids and trying to stay warm.
update 1.1.10
This morning I participated in the Resolution Run 5k complete with a Polar Bear Dive. I've just recently added a wee bit of running to my normal track workout (which has been all walking) so I did just the tiniest bit of running this morning. I knocked about 5 minutes off of my best 5k time (which I was quite pleased with even though I was still super slow) but the highlight of the morning was the plunge into the 42 degree Lake Washington. I was a little nervous, but it was absolutely great! Something nutty to cross off my list.
update 1.15.10
Last night I held a fundraising event which I called "Screw the Resolutions Hawaiian Feast". About 30 people braved the rain and traffic to attend. We had tons of Hawaiian Food (including spam, of course), lots of beer, door prizes and an awesome DJ. All-in-all we raised $706 to benefit LLS.
The thing that really touched me was the willingness of my friends to give of their time and talents to help make my event a success. Some friends gave amazing door prizes, others spent hours in the kitchen helping me prep and serve, another spent the evening as our DJ (setting an awesome tropical mood) and a few helped collect money at the door, sell raffle tickets and bartend. I could not have had a successful event without all of their help,
update 1.19.10
We found out a couple of days ago that our team mascot Crash the dog has passed away. He had been receiving monthly chemo treatments and had been in remission for a while but sadly the lymphosarcoma got the best of him.
In Crash's words "Take it from me, Crash, who is Lavadog... cancer sucks. Is ruff on everyone."
update 1.31.10
January 19 was "recommitment day", the day we each had to say "yes, I am going to be on the team, finish my fundraising, complete my training and participate in the Lavaman triathlon." Well that kind of decision calls for a party. So yesterday everyone who had recommited got together to celebrate our decision.
I had to leave the party a bit early (I had a catering gig) but before I left Iwas recognized as the top fundraiser (so far) on our team. I had no idea. Of course I centainly haven't done that on my own, so thanks to everyone who has generously donated, bought my treats or attended or helped out with my events. You guys rock!
update 3.11.10
I've been putting off updating for a while, hoping for better news. But it was not to be. Today I was officially told that due to an injury Lavaman 2010 is a no go. However, I will be able to roll over most of my fund raising to Lavaman 2011!
Here's the whole story if you are interested.
http://blog.notesfromhomeplates.com/lavaman-lost/
And thank you so much for all of your support.
Marie Isern | $350.00 |
Becky Isern | $200.00 |
Neal Lindemood | $200.00 |
Cure Cattle | $200.00 |
Irene Broman | $150.00 |
Jerilee Thurston | $135.00 |
Dr Richard Reimann | $100.00 |
Costco | $100.00 |
Philip Etheredge DDS... | $100.00 |
Mary Franklin | $100.00 |
James McEachran | $100.00 |
Gene Roeglin | $100.00 |
E Kirkpatrick | $100.00 |
Kash Browne & Co... | $100.00 |
The Johnsons | $100.00 |
Kathy Hewett | $80.00 |
Jerilee Thurston | $80.00 |
Tami Shinn | $54.00 |
Kurt Lutterman | $54.00 |
Fred Adolphsen | $54.00 |
Derrick Connell Leed... | $54.00 |
Costco | $50.00 |
James Long | $50.00 |
Betty Hotes | $50.00 |
Mark Davis | $50.00 |
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Mark and Nancy Davis... | $50.00 |
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Kris Flink | $50.00 |
Anne Guest | $50.00 |
Janice Bowerman | $50.00 |
Beverly Akada | $50.00 |
The Norton Family | $50.00 |
Michelle mcleod | $45.00 |
The Johnsons | $43.00 |
F Knehans | $40.00 |
stephanie lewis | $40.00 |
C Lynn Johnson | $32.00 |
S.I. Short | $32.00 |
George's Wine Shoppe... | $32.00 |
Elizabeth Rogers Hag... | $30.00 |
Nicole Ji | $30.00 |
Louisa Pardo | $30.00 |
Holly Westerfield | $30.00 |
Teresa Ritzhaupt | $30.00 |
Jennifer Henson | $25.00 |
Jennifer Harris | $25.00 |
Carol Harris | $25.00 |
Marcia Anderson | $25.00 |
Chris Rusnak | $25.00 |
Conni Brownell | $25.00 |
Wendy Johnson | $25.00 |
Shannon Sorem | $25.00 |
M McLagan | $20.00 |
Nicole Ji | $20.00 |
jodi cheetham | $20.00 |
joyce duker | $15.00 |
michelle mcleod | $15.00 |
Hawaiian Feast | |
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Holiday Treat Sales | |
Valentine's Treats | |
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'becca |
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The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is a global leader in the fight against cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is a 501(c)(3) organization, and all monetary donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by tax laws. Please check with your financial advisor if you have more questions.