The Mission:

"The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society mission really spoke to me in terms of fighting cancer in general, and how that touches the lives of pretty much everyone."

   ~   Rachel

"We initially decided to accept this challenge to increase our fitness level, but as we learned more about the Society's mission - to cure leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma and improve the quality of life of patients and their families - our motivation has shifted to raising money for research into stopping blood cancers."

     ~  Gina and Jeff

"I don't know anyone personally that has suffered from blood cancer, but cancer in general has plagued my family. My uncle and grandmother both passed away painfully from cancer. I am committed to finding a cure for this disease in whatever form it may affect families. I appreciate TNT for being an outlet for fitness and a cure!"

      ~  Kim

"December 2005 will make 10 years since my husband passed away. Our son was only eleven at the time. It was non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. We were grateful for the 5 years of remission after the initial rounds of treatment, but that certainly was not enough.

That first-hand knowledge of both the difficulties of dealing with blood cancer and the importance of this effort gets me out on the course and pushes me a little more each time. Running is not 'my thing,' and it is really hard for me to do...but never as hard as chemo, or weekly blood work, or having to talk with a child about losing a parent."

    ~   Catherine

"The reason why I joined Team In Training was because of my friend Joey. He was diagnosed in 2003 after a basketball injury to his leg that caused a visit to the doctors office, that was quite a shock to everyone. He eventually received a bone marrow transplant but then due to complications with this procedure he passed away in May of 2005. He was 25 years old.

I never knew the seriousness of this disease until it was too late. Now I think about Joey almost everyday. My wife and I keep a picture of Joey and his fiance to remind us to cherish everyday because you never know what can happen. I took it for granted Joey would get better. He didn't, now I feel its my job to educate others about this deadly disease and how work still needs to be done to find a cure."

            ~    Travis

The Experience:

"This experience has been so much more than training for a marathon. Your organization rocks! The support, encouragement and inspiration that the TNT staff provides is amazing...that's why you get amazing results. I am so proud to have been a part of it and to have met you all. "

          ~ Andrea

"I just wanted to thank you all for a phenomenal experience. The

farthest I'd ever walked before training for the SA Marathon was a 5k!

Your training program enabled me to accomplish some very important

personal goals. I was able to support a dear friend and her husband (my

honored hero), raise money for a cause I very much believe in, and meet

a physical challenge I never would have thought possible for me. The

TNT training program was inspiring, and it was outstanding preparation

for the marathon. Pat, I don't think I've realized yet just how much it means to me that

I've done this, but I thank you for one of the triumphs of my life."

With much appreciation,

            ~ Susan

To be a part of a team of "strangers" all working on themselves, but doing it in honor of or in memory of others was an inspiration to me. As each Saturday & Wednesday training occurred, it seemed we each had time to meet and get to know another person. It didn't matter what pace we were at, there was usually someone at the same pace, and we would fall into rhythm with that person and spend time learning about another fascinating person or another personal honored hero. The selflessness of the staff and coaches & mentors was a living testimony to their belief in this cause, and in the cause of each person becoming healthier. They were never there for themselves, but for us the newbies, and for their own honored heroes and our team honored heroes.

It takes a person of integrity and good heart to stick with a season that required extreme dedication. AND it was all done with a SMILE. I will recommend TNT to whoever will listen. I am personally grateful for ALL of the people who have gone before me on this search for the cure. Because of their efforts, my mom, and many others have a chance at a higher survival rate. I pray that the efforts of this team will, in turn, brighten the hope for others who will face one of these diseases. Go Team !

              I love you all, Mona