Julie is currently our Run/Walk Honored Hero out in the Lexington area. Here is her Story:

I am writing to thank you for all your efforts in raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.Your efforts greatly benefit cancer survivors like me in research and patient support. It really means a lot to me that you put this great effort into fighting a type of cancer that has deeply touched my life.

I was first diagnosed with Stage IV Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 1999 at the age of 28 years old. My baby daughter was one year old. It was a whirlwind of a time and I remember doing a lot of research on the Internet. One of the sites that I frequently turned to for information was the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's website. At that time, I remember learning about Team In Training, and I told myself that I would love to participate once I got through all my cancer treatment. After 9 months of chemotherapy, I was in remission, only to have my cancer recur as an aggressive form 1 year later. I underwent an autologous stem cell transplant at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, WA in 2002 and I am happy to say that I have been in remission ever since. 

Last October I realized my dream of participating in Team In Training by walking in the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco. It was such an inspirational, fun , challenging, fun and exciting experience. I was fortunate to have my two older brothers walk along with me and my teammates (actually, they had to jog since our race walking pace was a bit too fast for them!). As I was walking there were several people on the sidelines cheering us on, and I was so touched that so many people were working so hard to ensure that people like me get through cancer and live their lives. I am not saying it wasn't tough, but it was so worth it! 

I am thrilled and honored to be an Honored Hero for our chapter of Team In Training. I have come to think of my team as a part of my extended family, and I have truly enjoyed my experiences with them. I am so blessed to have the good health to participate in things like Team In Training. Best of all, my little daughter is now a happy, healthy 9 year old. I am so glad that I can be here and see her grow up. She came with me to the marathon, along with my parents. At the Thanksgiving table this year when she said what she wad thankful for, she said getting to go on the trip with Team In Training. I too am thankful for Team In Training and all of you! Go TEAM!

-Julie