North Texas

Team Honored Heroes are very special people who have battled and survived, or who are currently battling, leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, and who have agreed to share their experience to inspire and motivate Team In Training ^® (TNT) participants.  TNT participants train for and complete a marathon, half marathon, hike in a national park, century (100 mile) bike ride, or triathlon in honor of these extraordinary people.

A Personal Hero is someone a TNT participant personally knows who has suffered the physical and emotional effects of a blood cancer.  If you have a Persona Honored Hero you would like to participate in honor or memory of, please fill out this form and submit to office.

Here are a few of our Team Honored Heroes:

Craig

Craig is 45 years old and father to three precious little girls. He has Follicular B-cell Lymphoma stage 4. Craig has competed with TNT in both Seattle and now in Dallas.  Craig's wife, Wendy,  just completed the US Open Triathlon with TNT this past fall.  Craig would like to be top 5 in his age group when he competes in the Galveston Half Ironman in April 2011.

 

 

Doug
In Feb. 2000, at age 37, Doug was diagnosed with a stage 4, incurable, small B-cell follicular non-Hodgkins lymphoma.  We're now been married 14 yrs. & have 3 daughters, Meghan (14), Cassie (12) and Keely (8).  Since his diagnosis, he has had various biopsies,  endured 7 different chemos, many diagnostic scans & lots of blood tests. His first remission was the longest--three years. In Jan. 2008, after visiting MD Anderson Cancer Center and consulting with doctors at Baylor, we realized Doug's best chance of a cure was a bone marrow transplant.  His last chemo regimen ended in Dec. 2009 and he's currently in remission, but 10 years of cancer treatments have taken a toll on his heart and he suffered bilateral pneumonia this summer. He can no longer do the things he loves like running & mountain biking. But, after a 2-year search, an 11 out of 12 match was found-a 53 yr. old man from Europe.  So, on October 1, 2010 Doug had a stem cell transplant. He is currently in remission and doing well.  

 

Austin
In July of 2009, Austin received some overwhelming news for a 7-year old: he had T-Cell Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). He entered treatment right away at Cook Children?s Hospital, where his mom, Kristen already happened to be a Hematology/Oncology nurse. Austin started his chemotherapy on July 22 of 2009, and is still in treatment right now. Through secondary infections, tests and seemingly endless hospital stays, this resilient little guy has beat the odds and is in remission again! His ?super-sib? older brother, Dalton has been his constant companion and mom Kristen is joining Team In Training for her first event this Fall.

 

Dave
Dave has Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
First TNT event was the White Rock Relay and he is currently training for the Anchorage Alaska Half Marathon. Dave prefers the title Team Mascot. Dave trains in Grapevine with the DFW Metro Team and has done 6 events with TNT.  He has recently relapsed and will be starting his 4th round of treatment in the near future.  His father had the same disease and lost his battle within 5 years.  Dave has had CLL for nine years and is happy, not to have the disease, but to still be here with his wife, two kids, and grandchildren

 

 

 

 

 

Sam

"After meeting the Tahoe cycle team in 2007, I came back to Dallas and was diagnosed with CLL (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia) just weeks later.  Following six rounds of chemo over eighteen weeks, I was told I was in remission on December 31, 2007.  Since then, I've  participated in three century rides in Tahoe, the Galveston Half Ironman triathlon, the White Rock Half marathon, as well as several relay teams all while raising funds for LLS. I'm so lucky to have found such a wonderful support system and also be given the opportunity to give back to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society."

 

 

Hailey

18 year old Hailey is a survivor of Hodgkin's Lymphoma. She is a cheerleader at Richardson's Berkner High School and is interested in attending Texas Tech after she graduates from High School this year.  Hailey is in remission and appreciates the support of her family.  She has an older brother named Hunter and her younger sister is Harmony.

 

 

 

Chris

"I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin?s lymphoma almost 18 years ago. Fortunately my cancer was very treatable, thanks to all the research that has been funded by people like you.  I had surgery to remove one tumor followed by six rounds of chemotherapy. Chemo wasn?t easy and my goal is to keep raising money so that no one has to go through chemo in their lifetime. I have been riding with TNT since 2001 and I?ve completed 12 events. My husband Chip, will ride with me in the upcoming summer season. When I?m not on my bike I enjoy traveling, working out, reading and Sudoku."

 

 

Dana

I was diagnosed with follicular non-Hodgkin?s Lymphoma in October 2009.   Within 12 weeks, I completed six rounds of chemotherapy and was hospitalized a week for pneumonia after my last treatment.  On February 4, 2010 I received the awesome news that I was in remission! My brother-in law Rick, signed up with TNT and successfully completed America?s Most Beautiful Bike Ride in June 2010 while I was undergoing chemotherapy. He challenged my sister, my husband and I to participate with him. November 20, 2010 my husband Don and I tearfully crossed the finish line of El Tour De Tucson Century ride after 8 hours and 47 minutes. We are all training for the Tahoe Century ride this June. I receive CT scans every three months and feel blessed each time I have a positive result.  My oncologist is confident a cure will be found in my lifetime. I am committed to participating in a TNT event every year until we find a cure!!

 

Allen

"In June of 2010 I had just gotten off work and laid on the bed to read and I noticed my neck was stiff.  After reaching up to massage it a bit I realized that a big lump on my neck was actually causing the pain.  After seeing several doctors and specialists, I had a biopsy in August which showed Hodgkin's Lymphoma.  I was then sent to an oncologist and with new doctors came new workups which meant blood tests, x-rays, lung function test, EKG's, PET scans, etc. After about a week of tests, the next challenge to take on would be chemotherapy (which funding from TNT created).  And after several months of aggressive treatments I completed chemotherapy and started a new challenge - enduring radiation treatments.  Now that my treatments have ended I am currently cancer-free.  I have no idea when I get to hear the word "remission" as far as my treatment goes but hopefully it's soon!"

George

 "I have been participating in TNT events since 2005.  I have completed numerous Cycling Century rides, a half marathon, and I am currently training to participate in a TNT Half Ironman.  I have held the positions of Participant, Mentor, Captain, and I am currently a TNT Cycling Coach.  I was diagnosed in August 2009 with Stage 4 Follicular B Cell Lymphoma (a treatable but not curable form of blood cancer).  During 2009 I underwent intensive chemotherapy and during January 2010 I was re-staged as in Remission.  Currently, I am undergoing maintenance chemotherapy, which will prolong the time before the illness returns."

 

 

 

Austin

 Austin was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (A.L.L.) when he was barely two years old.  On the children?s cancer ward at Medical City Hospital, Austin underwent a bone marrow biopsy along with surgery to install a Med-Port (research funded by LLS).  The results of the bone marrow biopsy confirmed the A.L.L. diagnosis. This diagnosis has a cure rate of 85% but the journey was long and challenging.  Austin began with intense chemotherapy for six months and daily maintenance chemotherapy for the remaining two and a half years.  For six months he was in and out of the hospital with various complications, reactions to drugs that were part of his chemotherapy regimen and spinal taps which caused horrible side effects.  He was very courageous and brave during his treatments.    Austin received his final treatment May 5, 2009 and remains in remission today. He visits the oncologist every three months and if he does not relapse by his 12th birthday he is considered cured. Austin now lives the life of a normal seven year old. He is in the first grade and has been able to attend a number of events as an Honored Hero. With LLS, he has watched his mother and several close friends train with TNT and complete marathons.  

 

Jack

"In December 2009, at age 4, Jack Jack the Super Kid was diagnosed with ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia).  Jack presented initially with a single swollen lymph node behind his ear, which appeared to the body doing it?s normal function.  After swelling of other lymph nodes in the same location within a week, and a bump appearing on the top of his head, it was recommended to have them removed and a biopsy completed.  Within 36 hours we were told that Jack had leukemia, he was admitted to Medical City Dallas Children?s Hospital and received his first dose of chemotherapy.  Thankfully Jack was in remission by Day 14 after diagnosis, but he will continue with treatment until February 2013.  Jack has faced each treatment with a brave heart, a lot of courage and a few tears. So with a pocket full of positivity, plus the love, support and prayers from family, friends and even complete strangers, we are well on our way down the long road to having a cancer-free Jack Jack the Super Kid. Jack's favorite ways to spend his time are playing with his little sister Lucy, catching bugs, riding bikes, doing puzzles and learning to read. Jack enjoys playing in the sunshine and finding new treasures in his backyard with his dogs, Zoe and Belle.  He also enjoys playing Transformers or any other super hero with his friends or a quiet game of Star Wars on the Wii."

Ethan

"On January 14, 2010, Ethan, 5 years old at the time, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. It was a complete shock for all who know him and his family! Prayers and support began pouring in immediately from friends, family, his teachers, his school, his church, and even from perfect strangers! These prayers have helped us to be reminded of how blessed we truly are that Ethan's prognosis is good, that he is in remission, and that God is here with us through each and every step of the way. Ethan has learned more in this past year about doctors, hospitals, chemo, side effects, transfusions, and procedures than many adults will ever learn in a lifetime.  His life is returning to normal as he is now in the maintenance phase of his treatment, his hair has grown back thicker than ever, he is back at school full time, and he can run and keep up with his 9 year old brother! 

Danielle

"I was diagnosed with the adult form of CML in 1997 at the age of seven.  I underwent a bone marrow transplant in July of that year and was cancer free for the next four years.  In 2001, I relapsed and after additional stem cells from my original donor failed to put me in remission, I was enrolled in a Phase I pediatric drug trial for Gleevec.  I responded  to Gleevec very quickly and my leukemia has been under control ever since.  In April 2010, I was diagnosed with a second cancer which is thought to be a late side effect of my treatment back in 1997.  I am now in remission after undergoing extensive treatment over the course of 15 months.   I am a senior in college, majoring in biology, with a political science minor.  In my spare time, I enjoy playing club soccer, running, and traveling.  I am also a TNT alumni, having completed the Cowtown 10K in February 2010.  I am looking forward to being a part of TNT's North Texas Cycle Team this season and participating in America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride.  I am thankful for our TNT family and all of your efforts in raising funds for research.  Go Team!

Lynn

"At the age of 49 in early 1999, my life changed dramatically when I was diagnosed with small cleaved follicular B cell lymphoma that had turned aggressive. After 11 rounds of chemotherapy involving three unsuccessful regimes, I underwent an allogenic bone marrow transplant involving intensive chemotherapy and full body radiation. Thanks to the competent care of the Baylor medical team and the loving support of my wife and family I am now cancer free after ten years. I still deal with chronic graft versus host disease, but have lived to see my three children graduate high school and college, meet and marry their spouses, and start their careers. In November 2009, I became interested in TNT. With the support of the North Cities Triathlon Team I celebrated the 10th anniversary of my bone marrow transplant by completing an Olympic distance event and followed it up with a half marathon in the fall of 2010. Despite the long hours and early morning workouts, I?ve had the honor of meeting many fine people making a difference in the battle against cancer.  Your efforts to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society help provide the information and support for thousands in their battle against leukemia or lymphoma.  Thank you for what you are doing."

 

For more information on the TNT Honored Hero Program or on volunteering to inspire and motivate our TNT participants as a Team Honored Hero, please email our TNT Office or call us at (972) 996-5942.