Chemotherapy is no Vacation

What do you have in common with these people?

Just like you and me there were perfectly healthy people UNTIL they were surprised to learn that they had developed a blood cancer-a severe blood cancer that can affect anyone without warning.

In the summer of 2008 I teamed up with Team In Training and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to complete an endurance event-The Nike Women's Marathon-and I'm back this year.

I will run 26.2 miles up hills, in and out of Golden Gate Park, and on the long stretch of the Great Highway in San Francisco on October 18th!

Overcoming blood cancer is an endurance event-it takes years to beat (all gone) this cancer and it can affect anyone. There are no pre-existing conditions or behaviors that trigger the disease. It can affect people of any age with any background and in any physical condition.

I am completing this event in honor of all the people posted on the margin. Here are the stories of the people posted above.

1. Leah Tedeschi, was diagnosed at the age of 13 with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Leah survived it twice! She underwent a total of 14 months of chemotherapy and six months of radiation. With the help of the LLS Leah and her family received information to help them understand her cancer. It also provided her parents with a mileage allowance for their daily drive to the hospital 65 miles away. In spire of a weak heart from her treatments nothing has deterred her from enjoying an active lifestyle. Leah gave birth to two "miracle babies" Molly and Lucia, and has completed two marathons with TNT in 2004 and 2006! You rock Leah!
2. Keith Newman, a family man and an active runner was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma on April 14, 2008 at the age of 48. Since being diagnosed he's half way through of his 18 month treatment of chemotherapy and has continued to run; he ran in the same marathon I did! He's currently in remission, and in between treatments, and is training for TWO full marathons with TNT, Kaui and SF Nike! Go Keith! My goal is to keep up with you this season!
3. Jack Aiello, a family man, was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 1995. He's been in remission since 2002! "I'm increadibly fortunate to have survived this long with Myeloma, which even today only has a 4-5 year average life span after diagonses....How lucky am I?" Jack joined TNT in 2001 because, "the friendships, dedication, and accomplishments I've seen throughout the TNT experience continue to amaze and inspire me. Thank you all so much for making the TNT commitment to join the Run Team!"

I've committed to raise $1,500 in four months to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

What are some of the ways the money will be utilized?

1. To families who are battling the disease. Families are given a stipened to help pay for medical expenses, drugs, room and board away from home during treatments, etc.
2. For research to improve the treatment, drugs, and survival rates of all blood cancers. The ones named above are just two of hundreds of diseases the Society is committed to.
3. Keith says it best, "My future years as a survivor depend upon medical professionals and existing non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma treatments, but also on cancer research. I can't thank you enough for your fundraising efforts to help save the lives of blood cancer patients like myself."

How much money actually benefits the cause?

75% of total expenses in the Society's audited annual report are spent on the Society's mission.

Are the donations tax deductible?

Yes-100% for you, your business, or your employer.

How do I donate?

on-line: http://pages.teamintraining.org/sj/nikesf09/ghuynh

Thank you for your support!
Gabriela