Deborah
A. Barker: TNT Director -
ext. 319
I joined the South Texas Chapter as Team In Training Director in July
2005. With over 20 years experience in a variety of jobs and
industries including retail, aviation, and banking, I've done just about
everything from sales to running a small company. I have been blessed
to find what may be my "perfect" job as Team In Training Director.
This job allows me to use all my professional skills and I get to work for
and with a terrific group of people. Everyday is rewarding and I
can't begin to express to you how lucky I feel. It is particularly
rewarding because my family has been touched by leukemia and knowing that I
can make a difference in the fight against blood cancers is hugely
satisfying.
Dee Dee Said: TNT Senior
Manager - ext. 128
I learned about the Society 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 as they
completed cycling events with Team In Training. In January 2004 I
began working at the Society. I feel privelged to work with such a special
group of people. I am constantly in awe of the dedication of our volunteers
and everything you accomlpish. I can't begin to describe what it means to
have cancer patients and thier familes share their stories and lives with
us. You are truly inspiring. I completed my first event with Team in
Training in May 2006 when I biked 100 miles from San Antonio to
Shiner, TX. It was a remarkable experience! In October 2007 I finished my
first marathon - Nike Women's Marathon. I'm addicted and plan on
many more events to come. My six year old daughter is looking forward
to the day she is old enough to complete an event with me. I'm looking
forward to the day we can ride or run together in honor of Kyle and
others fighting blood cancers.
Melissa Johnston: TNT
Campaign Manager - ext. 114
"I joined the Team In Training® staff
in November 2004 after spending a summer exploring the Colorado mountains
following graduation from Austin College in Sherman,
TX. Having run since I was four in road races, fun
runs, track, and cross country and having a love for event
planning and volunteerism, being a Team in Training manager
seemed like a dream come true. Inspired by our
marathon participants, I decided to train and fundraise for the Mayor's
Midnight Sun Marathon, Anchorage, Alaska in June 2005. 26.2 miles and
$5000 later, I am now a TNT alum and am so glad to share with our cyclists,
triathletes, and marathoners that it truly is possible! It's great to
know we are working to find cures!"
Jennifer
Pearce TNT 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, the Motorola Marathon, in Austin Texas. Since my
first season with TNT, I have completed 3 half marathons, a century
ride, and am currently training for my first triathlon to be completed
Sept. 3, 2007. Did I say that I LOVE TNT! Recently I was
blessed to expand my passion for this cause and became a full time employee
of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in April of 2007. I have always
said that a person should truly love what they do, but this is the first
time that I can honestly say it myself. This position gives me the
opportunity to work with amazing people everyday and truly make a
difference in the lives of people in my community ? I couldn't?t ask for
anything better.
Pat Hilburn
TNT Campaign Coordinator - ext. 122
Who knew that when I recently read a fortune cookie 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. I love being
an alumni as well as part of the staff and seeing the huge impact we
make. I plan on fundraising for my second marathon, P.F. Chang's Rock
'N' Roll in Arizona in January 2007. My fortune cookie said,
"Participation in sports may lead you to a lucrative career."