Hello All,

Thank you to everyone who has donated so far!!! I am over half way to my goal! Each of your contributions are taking me one step further in this amazing journey.

At this time I wanted to introduce you to a few other people that are helping me throughout this journey.

First is Katye, she is my running coach. Since I have never ran before she has so far been an amazing resource on anything and everything about running from shoes and apparrel, nutrition, hydration, injury prevention, etc.

Next are Brandy and Brooke who are my mentors. They both have previously completed events and raised money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. They provide support about fundraising ideas and all the challenges of training for my half marathon.

Then there is Megan. She works for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She is the one that helped me get started with my website, writing letters, brainstorm fundraising ideas, and developing my fundraising strategy. She is also the one that plans everyone's itinerary, travel, and accommodations for the event.

Last, but definitely not least is the rest of my TEAMmates. Every Saturday morning all of us that are training from Baltimore County come together to train together, provide support and encouragement to reach the finish line.

Each and everyone of these individuals I owe a HUGE THANK YOU too. Without their support and encouragement I most definitely would not be taking apart of this once in a lifetime opportunity!

THANK YOU and GO TEAM!!!!!

Racing to Save Lives

Welcome!!!!!

Family, friends, colleagues, and all those working to cure cancer,

I am training for the PF Chang’s Rock N’ Roll Arizona Half Marathon, as a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Team In Training.

I am completing this event in honor of my father who was diagnosed with Leukemia this past January. After receiving chemo in March to send the cancer into remission he received a Bone Marrow Transplant in April and is currently getting better every day.

I am also proud to be training for my honored teammate, 9 year old Emily Glenn, who battled with Leukemia for over two years and is now successfully in remission.

• Every 4 minutes one person is diagnosed with a blood cancer.
• An estimated 139,860 people in the United States will be diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma in 2009. New cases of leukemia, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma account for 9.5 percent of the 1,479,350 new cancer cases diagnosed in the United States this year.
• Leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma will cause the deaths of an estimated 53,240 people in the United States this year. These blood cancers will account for nearly 9.5 percent of the deaths from cancer in 2009 based on the 562,340 total cancer-related deaths.
• Every ten minutes, someone dies from a blood cancer. This statistic represents nearly 146 people each day, or more than six people every hour. Leukemia causes more deaths than any other cancer among children and young adults under the age of 20.
• An estimated 912,938 people in the United States are currently living with, or are in remission from, leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma, NHL or myeloma.

*Facts and statistics from Leukemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma Facts 2009-2010, June 2009.

So why a half marathon and why now?

My entire life I have found different ways to volunteer and give of my time and talent to any cause that works to better the lives of others from Habitat for Humanity, Locks of Love, Blood Donations to the Red Cross, Mission Trip to Kentucky, and many other causes. My father’s diagnosis gave me a first hand experience of the havoc a cancer diagnosis can have on a person and their family and friends. My family and I were the gracious recipients of the help and support that the LLS provides. Also, in January I started my own journey of lifestyle changes to get healthier and happier. The changes I have made have left me with more energy and desire to do more with my life. When I learned about the Team In Training program it seemed like a great way to contribute to a cause that I am passionate about and challenge myself in a new way.

I have always lived under the philosophy that the only reason to run is if something is chasing me. So this will be a huge challenge, but I know anything I set my mind to, I will accomplish it!

If my dad, Emily, and the millions of other cancer patients and their families can battle cancer, I can surely endure competing in a half marathon!

With your support, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society can accelerate cures, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

Please support my participation in Team In Training. I have a deadline of October 15th to my fundraising goal. Any amount you can give helps. Many companies offer matching donations. Please check with your HR department to see if you can double your donation! Remember, all donations are 100% tax deductible.

If you prefer to give a donation offline with a check, send an email to sarah.gentner@gmail.com and I will forward you my address.

To get info, give encouragement, or share your story, email me at sarah.gentner@gmail.com.

Lastly, please spread the word share my website with your family and friends.

My sincere thanks for your support and generosity,

Sarah Gentner