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 (http://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:
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!
WELCOME TO MY TEAM IN TRAINING (TNT) HOME PAGE!
It takes more than one person to make up a team and that’s why I’m asking you to donate to my TNT fundraising page for TNT!
By participating as a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) TNT, I am raising funds to help find cures and ensure access to treatments for blood cancer patients.
Your donation will help fund treatments that save lives every day; like immunotherapies that use a person’s own immune system to kill cancer. You may not know it, but every single donation helps save a life with breakthrough therapies such as these.
Patients need these cures and they need your support.
Please make a donation in support of my efforts with Team In Training and help get us all closer to a world without blood cancers.
Thank you!
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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.