Two days ago, my father, Gary, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, seven years to the day of my first marathon finish with Team in Training. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that this disease would hit so close to home. 

I am writing this from my dad’s hospital room in MD Anderson, as we await chemo to begin. Sometime in the next 48 hours he will be moved to an isolation room for 28 days where they will effectively kill his entire immune system with the hopes of knocking this shit into remission. 

I am so grateful for the advances in the treatment of this disease due to some incredible research either partially or full funded by LLS. I have always said that I do these crazy events and fundraise so that not one more parent, child, sibling, cousin, friend, coworker, whoever, ever has to go through this. But now, I’m taking this personally. This is MY father that you’re messing with, and we Gastons don’t back down easily. We are going to fight this with everything we’ve got.

In 16 days, I will race my first half-Ironman with Team in Training on behalf of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and in honor of my father, Gary. Please join me and donate today. 

Those of you who have reached out, we thank you so much for your support. 

Love, 

Michelle

In the past 7 years I have fundraised again and again for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society because of the most excellent work that they do in funding research and supporting patients and their families. This year, some incredible therapies discuvered through research funded by LLS have been approved by the FDA (https://www.lls.org/blog/the-staggering-pace-of-blood-cancer-therapy-approvals). And so I will continue to help in this fight. I have run 3 marathons and a handful of half marathons and have raised over $15,000 to fight cancer, so now it's on to something new. 

Following the advice of some coaches I know, who have always said, "Do what scares you," on June 24, I will be racing the BEASTMAN triathlon, consisting of a:

• 1.2 mile swim
• 58 mile bike ride
• 13.1 mile run (half marathon) 

All in one day. 

And just so you know, up to a few weeks ago I only owned a beach cruiser (with back-pedal brakes), and the only laps I have ever swum were during a swim clinic 2 years ago. And even then I could only swim about 100 yds without stopping. So, this is a whole new ball game, a really scary ball game, but I'm super excited to try new things and to kick cancer in the nuts at the same time.

A few weeks ago, I completed my dissertation, the hardest thing I have ever done. However, writing that paper is nothing compared to the difficulty that families dealing with cancer have to face. My own family has been touched by this devastating disease, and those close to me have suffered loss, fought like hell, and thankfully, some have won. I do this for all of them, for all of you, and for those we have lost. Until we find a cure, I will continue to do the crazy things that I do. 

Thank you for your donation! You rock!