… and in better shape every
day!
On June 21, 2003, I will be running
(and walking) in my very first marathon!
As part of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training
(TNT), I am joining hundreds of people around the country to train for and run
in the Mayor’s Moonlight Marathon in Anchorage, Alaska! I am excited to combine my enjoyment of
running with my desire to help others.
Through the TNT program, I will
have a coach, a training regimen, nutritional advice, a great group of runners
with a common goal, and lots of support.
Beside the challenge of training for and completing 26.2 miles of
running, I am committed to raising $4500 to support the Society in its battle
against blood-related cancers and honoring two special cancer patients –
Kathe Goldstein and Lynn Baumert.
Leukemia is the number one disease killer of children, but it strikes
ten times as many adults. Kathe is
a former co-worker of mine. She
was diagnosed in the fall of 1998 with multiple myeloma. She has undergone a bone marrow
transplant and continues treatment in her courageous and positive battle with
cancer. Kathe is currently receiving chemotherapy. Kathe is a strong woman who shared with me her joy of
teaching and learning my first year at Marion High School. Lynn is the mom of one of my former
students. In March 2002, Lynn was
diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). I still clearly recall
hearing, Kate’s (my former student) voice as she called to tell me,
“My mom has Leukemia.”
From the moment those words were uttered, I knew that Lynn and the rest
of the Baumert family would rally around this diagnosis. Lynn has chosen a very aggressive
treatment using stem cell transplants (from her own healthy cells) and is
presently in remission. Both of
these women have faced cancer head-on with positive, can-do attitudes. I can’t think of better
inspiration as I finish mile 26 in June!
I will also be running in memory of Mike Burford who taught me to never
give up on myself. He showed me
how to be courageous and to make the best of whatever comes my way. Those are lessons I still carry with
me. Those lessons will help me to
be successful in my goal of completing my first marathon!
As I run the 26.2 miles in
Anchorage, you will be with me in spirit, just as Lynn and Kathe will be. Your partnership will inspire me to run
faster and stronger to the finish line!
I can handle the early morning long runs on Sunday mornings …
those of you who know me well know I’m not all that fond of
mornings! However, I need your
help with the fundraising. Keep in
mind as you make your donation that $100 will fund a Society researcher for a
day, provide a child with a one-month supply of medication, or test one –
two individuals as potential bone marrow donors. Please be sure to include the matching gift form if your
company participates in this generous program … this will DOUBLE your
contribution!!! Please contact me if
you are interested in contributing to this great cause! The best part of this program is that
75 - 80% of the money raised goes directly to research and patients of
blood-related cancers!
Having people like you in my life
is what encouraged me to take on this challenge in the first place. You have offered your support to me in
many ways. I greatly appreciate
our relationship and look forward to hearing from you soon!
Take care,
Amanda
