South Texas

Dee Dee Said: TNT Director - ext. 128

I learned about LLS and Team In Training when my sister's husband, Kyle, was diagnosed with leukemia on Christmas Day, 2001.  After he went into remission, I cheered on family members, including Kyle, as they completed cycling events with TNT.  In January 2004 I began working at LLS.  It's impossible to work here and not be inspired by our team mates.  I've fundraised and completed a century ride, full marathon and half-marathon since joining LLS.  I feel privileged to work with such a special group of people.  I am constantly in awe of the dedication of our volunteers and everything they accomplish.  I can't begin to describe what it means to have the team members and their families share their stories and lives with us.  You are truly inspiring.

Melissa Johnston: TNT Marketing Manager - ext. 114

I joined the Team In Training^® staff in November 2004.  Five years later I've completed my triple crown and raced/rode in 2 marathons, 1 half-marathon, 1 triathlon, and 2 century rides for TNT.  Of all my events, my most enjoyable was running the Nike Women's Half-Marathon with my mom.  Hopefully, my dad will join me on the bike someday!  Beyond the thrill of the events, what keeps me dedicated to our mission is knowing that there is no way to prevent blood cancers.  So many other diseases can be prevented - this can not.  Therefore, any one of us may be struck by a blood cancer.  I want to make the story of survival a true one for anyone who may be diagnosed.  That's why Team In Training and the mission of LLS are so important!  It's great to know we are working to find cures!"

Jennifer Pearce: TNT Campaign Manager - ext. 318

I started with Team In Training in 2003 after reading a magazine article about how TNT trains ordinary people for endurance events.  I had always wanted to run a marathon, but had no idea how to go about training for one and thought this would be a great opportunity to accomplish a personal goal and give back to the community at the same time.  I completed my first event with Team In Training in February of 2004, with the Motorola Marathon in Austin Texas.  Since my first season with TNT, I have completed 1 full marathon, 6 half - marathons, a century ride, numerous sprint and olympic distance triathlons, and 2 Ironman 70.3 triathlons.  Needless to say I am HOOKED on endurance sports!  In 2007 I was blessed to expand my passion for this cause and became a full time employee of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  Currently, I work with marathon teams in South Texas' "Outlying Markets".  I manage a team in the Rio Grande Valley and in June of 2009 started a new team in New Braunfels. My favorite part of this job is getting to train with the participants at our Team practices.  I really love getting to meet new people, learn about why they took on this challenge, and watch them grow as individuals throughout their training.  The ultimate moment every season is watching the participants cross the finish line on event weekend - it's amazing to know that you have been a part of such a wonderful personal experience in someone's life.  I think Helen Keller captured it best when she said:  "I am only one, but I am still one.  I cannot do everything, but I can still do something."  Each participant that I meet is doing something to support out mission.  Together we will one day find a cure.

Pat Hilburn: TNT Campaign Manager - ext. 122

Who knew that when I read a fortune cookie over three years ago it would come true.  I officially joined the Team In Training staff in May 2006.  However, I  started with TNT when I trained, fundraised, and completed the 2006 Austin Freescale Marathon.  I loved the experience and organization so much that I decided that I wanted to be part of the excitement and impact others the way that I was impacted.  I love being a TNT alum as well as part of the staff and seeing the huge impact we make. TNT and the inspiring people I have met have pushed me to new heights I never imagined.  In May 2009, I EARNED my triple crown after completing the Lonestar Half Ironman tri and the Armadillo Classic Century Ride (that was actually 106 miles!).  My fortune cookie read, "Participation in sports may lead you to a lucrative career."

Johnna McGill: TNT Campaign Coordinator - ext. 129

I started working for Team In Training in July of 2009.  I first heard of TNT from a friend who trained in memory of her son.  It has been so exciting and rewarding to be a part of such a wonderful group.  This job is the perfect fit for me, and I am on my way to becoming a runner, too!  It is awesome to know that my work is helping find a cure to blood cancers and impacting so many lives.  I cannot wait until I get the chance to fundraise and complete my first TNT event!  (It is going to be tough to decide which one)!  "Write it on your heart that every day is the best day of the year." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Lexi Stanley: TNT Campaign Coordinator - ext. 316 

Howdy! I joined the Team In Training stafff in October 2009 as the Campaign Coordinator for the Cycle and Triathlon teams.  I am so excited to be a part of an organization taht does such amazing work to find a cure for blood cancers while providing support to patients and their families.  After my friend, Matt, had been diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma in 2006, I turned to LLS for information concerning his cancer; and now, I am so honored to personally be a part of this mission.  When I'm not cheering my cycle and triathlon teams on, I sing with the San Antonio Mastersingers and I love to cook and bake.  As for the participants and volunteers with TNT, I am endlessly impressed with all of the teams' hard work and dedication.  I can't wait to participate next to them in my first TNT event!

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