Gateway

77 West Port Plaza, Suite 480
St. Louis, MO 63146-3125

Team In Training Staff and Coaches

The Team In Training program relies on the extraordinary talent and dedication of our support staff! Our support staff is passionate about the mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and dedicate time, resources, and encouragement to exhibit Purple People Power!

STAFF

Richard Buckley (4) Original Photo

Rich Buckley
Campaign Director
richard.buckley@lls.org
314-590-2241

I became director of Team In Training in March 2012. I'm excited to work with LLS staff and with hundreds of athletes and volunteers to help find cures for blood cancers. Leukemia took one of my schoolmates in eighth grade, and I've seen blood cancers take their toll on friends and relatives ever since. My past experience includes fundraising and public relations for non-profits as well as corporate communications for a large public relations agency in St. Louis. I've also been a radio, television, and print news reporter. I've run three marathons, including New York City. I have a bachelor's degree in journalism from Mizzou.

Rick Sloan
Rich Sloan
Campaign Coordinator
Richard.sloan@lls.org
314-590-2242

I started my journey with Team In Training five years ago. Since that time I have completed two full Ironman competitions, a number of triathlons and a half marathon. My experience with TNT has been rewarding, both in my personal growth as an athlete and in seeing how LLS improves the lives of those suffering with cancer. My personal connection with cancer drives me to support this cause and challenge others to live their lives to the fullest. In fall of 2011, I had the opportunity to coach my first triathlon team, shortly after that amazing event I was hired by TNT full time and am now a Campaign Coordinator. TNT has changed my life and I know it will change yours too. I love this program and now as an employee I am even more driven to continue to help change the lives of our participants and Honored Heroes.

COACHES


Flavia Bader Run/Walk	I have been involved with LLS since 1999 when I joined the TNT Anchorage marathon team as a participant. I had such a good time and met so many wonderful people that TNT became part of my life. Since Anchorage I have done three marathons, three half marathons, two triathlons and three century rides as a fundraiser. Besides TNT events, I have participated in more than one hundred triathlons including my proudest moments - two Ironmans. I have also competed in many running races and several swimming competitions. Having a healthy lifestyle and helping others is very important to me and the way I raise my kids. TNT has enriched my life in a way I cannot even describe. I have met the most wonderful people though TNT both participants, survivors and their families and I feel blessed for being a part of this wonderful program.
Rick Brown Run/Walk	I joined TNT in 2007 as a participant in the Chicago Marathon. The experience was so amazing and the mission so meaningful that I wanted to stay involved and began coaching in 2008. Since then I have coached runners and walkers for seven events, including GO! St. Louis, Nike San Francisco, Disney and the San Diego and St. Louis Rock 'n' Roll Marathons. In 2011, I was certified as a Tier 1 coach by Team In Training. I am extremely proud to be part of TNT. It's a fabulous organization made up of remarkable people.
John Gray Run/Walk	I've been with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Team in Training since 2005 when I did my first full marathon in St. Louis. To this day, I remember everything about that event, from the staff and coaches to the Honored Teammates. What a feeling knowing the money I raised was going to help people I didn't even know. And crossing the finish line was very emotional. When I signed up for this event, I knew nothing about blood related cancers and didn't know anyone who had one of these diseases. I love it so much I signed up for the same event in 2006. In 2007, I was the fundraising mentor for the Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon. In 2009, I went back to Walt Disney World, but this time as a coach. The experience of watching participants complete their event was just as amazing as my first event. Since then, I've participated in 7 other events with TNT, more recently as a coach. It's very gratifying to me to see all these participants working so hard to raise needed funds for research and training for months on end. The dedication and commitment is so inspiring. Along the way, I've met so many great people and I'm still friends with many of them. Most notably are the Honored Teammates I've met. These are the people we work so hard for. They are the ones who inspire us to do things we never thought possible. In July '11, as I was coaching my team for San Antonio, my wife, Debbie, was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Even though I knew several Honored Teammates, I still had no personal connection ? until now. Luckily, for us it's a slow growing cancer and, in many cases, needs no treatment unless there are outward symptoms. Debbie isn't being treated at this point. Just a regular blood-draw to monitor her white cell counts. Now, more than ever, I am committed to this amazing organization and everything they do. I'll continue to raise money and help train other participants until a cure is found.
Dave Hanson Hike	I joined Team in Training in 2007 as a participant on the spring Grand Canyon team. Since then I've been involved as a mentor on the 2008 and 2011 Yosemite teams and the coach for the 2009 Rocky Mountain team and the 2010 Zion team. In 2009, my brother-in-law lost his battle with Lymphoma and TNT has become a way for me to do something in his memory. Hike On! Go Team!
Meggan Hargrave	I became involved in TNT in 2006 after losing a friend to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. I did my first Triathlon at Innsbrook with TNT. Through this program, I have met some AWESOME people that I now consider my best friends. Not only do we raise money for an amazing cause, but you make lifelong friends, and improve your quality of life at the same time! I started swimming competitively at age 4. I swam for U.S.S. Swimming throughout my whole life. I was on cross country in high school as well as college. I love to run and have completed many half marathons. I'm also a certified spinning instructor. I look forward to making your TNT experience the most AMAZING possible.
Janet Johnson Triathlon/Run/Walk	I first joined Team In Training in January 2008. In April 2013, I will have completed four half marathons, two century rides, one triathlon, and three full marathons as a TNT participant. I have served as mentor for five teams and began coaching in August 2010. I was certified as a triathlon coach by Team In Training in March 2011 and plan to complete my run coach certification at the Disney Marathon in January 2013. I am committed to ensuring a positive TNT experience for every participant.

Amy Kaller Walk	I have been with TNT since 2010 when I did my first half marathon right there in St. Louis. Along the way I have met so many great people, participants AND Honored Teammates, and made friends for life. I became a certified walk coach for TNT in January 2012. The impact that TNT makes in our own St. Louis community is amazing, and I am grateful to be part of such an invaluable organization. GO TEAM!
Doug Kaufman Run/Walk/Cycle	I've been a Team In Training coach for the Gateway Chapter since 2006. I started with TNT as a participant in 2003, about a year after my mother was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Mom is the reason I came to TNT, and I am committed to TNT and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in her memory, and in honor of all my friends who are survivors or are still battling blood-related cancer. I'm a lifelong athlete, and I coach running/walking and cycling for TNT. I have taken cycling team to Maryland, Lake Tahoe and Hawaii, and run/walk teams to Seattle in 2009 and 2010, and Alaska in 2011 and 2012. This year I am preparing runners for the Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon January 12-13, 2013 in Orlando, Fla. I'd like to invite you to join us in Team In Training and enjoy this life-changing experience. You will make new friends, stretch your horizons and make a difference in the lives of cancer patients who would love to be physically active. Thank you.
Pam Lee Hike	My name is Pam Lee. I have a huge love and passion for TNT! I've had the pleasure of joining LLS in 4 events. The century bike ride in Tahoe? Two training hike events for the Grand Canyon? The hike training for Yosemite? I know far too many people who have or love someone who battles Leukemia or Lymphoma. I have heard many stories of how TNT has impacted lives. This organization CHANGES lives! I am honored to be a part of TNT!!!
Chris Ludwig Cycle	If you asked me 13-years ago what Team In Training was, I wouldn't have known. It must have been a higher calling that led me to coach 11 teams, over 300 participants and result in more than one million dollars raised. I immediately fell in love with the program, its staff, participants and a little 9-year-old girl named Kailie Rhines. Kailie motivated me not only to coach, but also to raise awareness and money (over $30,000) for the cause. In those first few years my love for the mission and Kailie grew. When Kailie was called to the beyond in August 2004, my resolve only hardened. There are many children and adults alike that fight cancer every day. With each successive honored-teammate turned friend, new participant, and support staff my motivation continues. As a former elite athlete (1988 Olympic Trails, 12-time District Champion) and certified coach, I seek to pass on my love and knowledge of cycling. More importantly I wish to instill in every participant what they do makes a world of difference for those who have leukemia, lymphoma or other blood-borne cancers. Join me for my twelfth-year/event and help find a cancer cure one mile at a time.
Jeffrey Promnitz Run/Walk	I became a member of the TNT family as a participant of the Inaugural Mardi Gras Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Team running in honor of my good friend's Mother. Since then, I have coached a number of marathon teams and believe our participants deserve hero status for the dedication towards the fundraising that makes such a difference in our community. I believe in TNT and its mission because I have seen first hand the powerful benefit it has on patients, families and survivors. What we accomplish through training for endurance events and the achievement of crossing the finish line is remarkable, but the impact it has on our honored teammates and loved ones is truly amazing! In addition to being an active runner, I also hold professional coach certifications through both TNT and The Road Runner's Club of America. Go Team!
Abby Rolbiecki Run/Walk	In 2007 I ran the LaSalle Bank (now Bank of America) Chicago Marathon with Team in Training. Training with TNT was one of the best experiences I've ever had. I've enjoyed it so much that I decided to become one of the Columbia Coaches. Since Chicago, I have coached two seasons of Team in Training in Columbia; the Roots n' Blues and BBQ 1/2 marathon and the Rock n' Roll San Diego 1/2 and full marathon. I have just signed up to coach the Nike Women's group as well! I have several personal connections with blood cancers, and am proud to belong to this organization. Run on!
Bethany Schmidt Run/Walk	My journey began with TNT in 2002 after the birth of my daughter. Having been a runner for a few years, I decided that I needed to get back into shape while also being able to give something in return. After being a participant and a mentor, my journey would continue as a coach. I began coaching for TNT in 2004. While my initial reason for joining TNT was more for myself, I have found that it is more about a person?s determination to put others before yourself. It has been an amazing journey with so many miles and so many amazing people on all of my teams. The miles and the smiles of participants, survivors, and patients inspire me to give what I can to help find a cure.
Sharon Schmitz Run/Walk	My journey actually started in Jan. of 2003, but I didn?t know it at the time. That January I vowed to do something "original" for my 40th birthday. About a month later, I got this flier in the mail about Team In Training. I decided to check it out, went to the info meeting and went home and thought about it. I signed up! BUT then the REAL reason all came together, because almost 2 weeks after I signed up my sister-in-law, Melissa, got diagnosed with non-Hodgkin?s Lymphoma ? stage 4. Needless to say ? I KNEW why I had signed up at that moment! I ran in Melissa's honor for three events before she passed and at that point, I vowed to complete at LEAST one event with TNT each year and call it "Melissa Marathon". I've now completed over 15 events with TNT, now as a participant and a coach. It was truly an honor to be asked to coach for TNT. What a great feeling I get each time I get to meet a new participant that will complete his or her first TNT event. I get to feel that peace from Melissa every time I watch someone raise the funds and complete something they thought they never would. I take pride in this organization and believe that ONE DAY there will be "no more sad stories" (Thanks Jenn Been for that quote!) SO ? what?s in it for you, sometimes you will not know it until you sign up. For me, it was the beginning of a very fulfilling part of my life and I can?t imagine my life without TNT in it. I will continue to train, help others train, raise funds, and hopefully bring a cure to these blood diseases ? I want to continue for as long as the good Lord will allow me to or until we finally get to cross the finish line for the last time. God Bless and GO TEAM!!! Click HERE for 20 things you didn't know about Sharon!


Tina Steck Walk	I first got involved with TNT in 2002 when I received a direct-mail piece at the right time in my life. I went on to do six TNT events as a participant and mentor, staying involved because of the wonderful people, experiences and mission. Thus far, I've completed ten full marathons and 13 half-marathons, so I definitely practice what I preach as a coach. I have enjoyed coaching walkers since 2007 and I can't wait to train you for an upcoming event! Go Team!
Lisa Tennenbaum Run/Walk	My first event was the 2011 Walt Disney World Half Marathon. I?m the mom of two daughters, married to my college sweetheart, and enjoy reading and LOVE naps! I worked in non-profit before having children, and now make fitness my full time career. I am an ACE certified Personal Traininer, ACE & AFAA certified Group Fitness Instructor and have many specialty certifications in various fitness activities. In May of 2009, my best friend, chosen sister and life long confidante was diagnosed with AML. She lost a five month battle that included chemo, radiation, daily transfusions and a stem cell transplant. I was with her throughout the process and watched helplessly as leukemia ravaged her body. Cynthia left two children to grow up without their mom and while I promised her that I would take care of them, I promised myself that I would do something to prevent more tragic losses from blood cancer.