Each Team In Training^® (TNT) team member trains in honor of a member of our community affected by leukemia, Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin lymphoma, or myeloma. Our honored patients are the most important members of the team, the inspiration for our training and fundraising efforts. Training for an endurance event is a celebration of the human spirit. For TNT members, it is a celebration of life.


A few words from our honored patients:

"I was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in October of 1994. I was classified as a stage 2A. Treatment started in November with six months of chemo and radiation therapy at UCSF. Today, my treatment has been successful with no reoccurrence. I am an avid windsurfer, cyclist and now father. Thanks for giving me hope that if it shows up, we'll be ready to fight it again." - Meade Boutwell

"I was diagnosed with leukemia on Oct. 8, 1997, two days after my 5th birthday. I had no obvious symptoms, but a blood test during a routine visit to my pediatrician led to the diagnosis. The next day I went to Lucille Packard's Children's Hospital with my mom and dad where Dr. Marina (my oncologist) confirmed that I had acute lymphoblastic leukemia. That very same day I started chemotherapy.

"Last year, I spent lots of time at the hospital. While I never got really sick, I went into the hospital whenever my blood counts got too low, so the doctors could keep an eye on me to make sure I didn't get an infection. The chemo made me tired a lot and my hair got very "wispy."

"There are many nice people at the hospital who do fun things to keep you busy. There is a man named Joe who is always there. He knows every kid with leukemia by name. He carries pictures of his son; one when he was little and had leukemia and another one as a grown-up and healthy man today. Joe tells the parents that the children get well and lead normal lives. My dad says when Joe's son was sick, they knew very little about leukemia and most kids died. Today, most kids survive.

"I missed a lot of school because of the treatments, but my teachers and classmates figured out fun things to bring the school to me when I was at home or at the hospital. They made videos of our class and sent me lots of cards, and I always got lots of hugs when I returned.

"I was an honoree last year for a team of runners in the San Francisco Marathon and this June for two teams of cyclists at the lake Tahoe Century. My dad was one of the riders and we had lots of fun cheering "GO TEAM!" at him and all the Team In Training riders. Afterwards, we went to a fun party with all the riders and danced a lot.

"I am now over half way through with my treatments and feeling much better. I like being with my friends and going to school and doing art projects. I love playing with my two sisters, Gillian and Betsy. I like riding my bicycle and swimming, and I love my dog, Ginnie. And I also love Beanie Babies - lots and lots of Beanie Babies." - Emma Rogers

"Dearest Team In Training marathoners:

"I have been wanting and intending to write to you for some time now and have put it off, feeling that I just couldn't adequately express my gratitude to all of you. So, finally, I will attempt to tell you of my deepest appreciation for your efforts at fundraising and at completing your goal.

"Scott has been busy with the last week of school activities, and one of them included receiving a Sparthenian Reader Award. Bob and I watched as he joined his classmates, who had read over 50 books during the year, receive words of commendation and a beautiful shiny medal with a satin blue ribbon. Each stood proudly, gleaming in accomplishment. Bob and I are moved so deeply at each milestone, each accomplishment, that Scott reaches... so thankful for each.

"Three years ago I couldn't even picture Scott in second grade. It was something that seemed so far away, with so far to go that it was hard to imagine and here we are. Thanks to God's enduring love and the advancements in oncology and leukemia research.

"And so, I thank you. For your commitment to your goals in running this marathon. Undoubtedly, it has not been easy, with many challenges. And maybe for some of you, it is difficult to imagine crossing that finish line. For us, the last part was the hardest and we continued to keep our eyes on our goal, leaning on God's enormous grace and continue with each day, whatever challenge it brought and then... we were finished, having completed a goal that in our minds was incomprehensible.

"And so, I encourage you as you near the end of your goal, with excitement and maybe some anxiety. We are praying for you and your families. We think of you often with heartfelt gratitude, and we will be cheering you on as you work your way along your 26-mile journey. We have been grateful for the many blessings along our path of a family with a child with leukemia, each one of us being touched in many ways. And you are one of those blessings in which God has strengthened and encouraged us and made our way more full and our load a little lighter.

"Thank you for sharing your lives and your achievement with us. You have touched us and so many others forever. Our love and God's blessings to you." - Ann, Bob, Scott and Jenna


Become an honored patient 
Most of us know someone who has faced the challenges of leukemia, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma. As an honored patient, you'll have the opportunity to share your story and inspire others to raise funds to find cures for blood cancers through Team In Training and other Society events.

Who is an honored patient?
An honored patient is anyone who is being treated for, or is a survivor of, leukemia, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma or myeloma.

• A community of new friends who are joined in the quest to find a cure
• Opportunities to develop relationships with other honorees
• Invitations for you and your family to attend events and festivities
• The ability to inspire others to help find a cure
• A chance to help raise awareness about blood cancers

Call us for more information:

Silicon Valley and Monterey Bay Area Chapter
For the Peninsula, South Bay, Santa Cruz or Monterey areas call (800) 446-9460 or email sjtntinfo@lls.org . 

Greater San Francisco Bay Area Chapter 
For the North Bay, East Bay or San Francisco areas call (415) 625-1139 or email Britta Narum at sftntinfo@lls.org.