Now I know you’re thinking, “Melissa, you’ve never run 26.2 miles before! How are you going to do this?” I’ll tell you how: I joined the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training program, and I am now a part of Team OC Coast! (And I’m very excited!!)
Why am I doing this? Because blood related cancers are the #1 disease killer of children. This year, I decided that I would focus on helping children grow up a happy and healthy lifestyle. But I can’t do it by myself - I need your help to do it! The only way to reduce these statistics is to provide the funds needed to the brightest researchers and to provide resources to allow patients to receive the care they so urgently need. The best thing about the Team in Training program is that 75% of all funds raised goes directly into research, education, and patient services, one of the best ratios of all charitable organizations!
This program enables me to challenge myself physically while making a financial impact for the benefit of cancer research. I also have the added benefit of supportive team members who make sure I stay on track with my training. I will be running in the Rock and Roll Marathon in San Diego on Sunday, June 1st. I will run a total of 26.2 miles, not for myself, but for some special people. The first person is my team’s honored teammate, three and a half-year old Jason Cooney, a sweet little boy who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). Jason has a Portacath in his chest for his Doctors’ access to his veins for drawing blood and to administer his chemo treatments. By the grace of God, Jason’s cancer has now been in remission for two years. He enjoys playing with all types of trains and watching his favorite television show”Little Bear” with his twin brother David. The second is my Caringbridge friend, McKenna, who was also diagnosed three times in her short life of 10 years with a rare form of leukemia (ALCL). She won the battle of cancer with the help of two Bone Marrow Transplants (BMT) and became an angel on her mom’s birthday due to complications. www.caringbridge.org/mn/mckenna. Lastly, Evan Cousineau was diagnosed with Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), he also endured a BMT and I am honored to be running in his memory www.caringbridge.org/visit/evancousineau another special Caringbridge angel! Those three special people give me my daily motivation, and strength to wake up at 6 AM to train for this marathon. This marathon doesn’t come close to the treatments they endured in their young lives!
So, if you want to be an honorary part of the team, Please donate online at http://www.active.com/donate/tntors/tntorsMPires! Prayers, Money, and moral support – everything will help! To find out more about this program, visit www.teamintraining.org. Thank you and take care!
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