I’m training for the Portland Marathon. It’s been quite an interesting experience - I’m running further than I ever though possible, and I had some concerning knee pain after my recent practice half-marathon. Fortunately what my Physical Therapist calls a kneecap tracking problem can be improved with a few exercises and better stretching. I was very relieved to hear this good news: no permanent damage, and I can continue towards those 26 miles!

It also means that I can continue to be part of Team in Training, a great program run by The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Its goal since 1988 has been to help tens of thousands of people train for endurance events every year while fundraising to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and other blood-related cancers.

As part of my training with the program, I’ve committed to raising $2500 for this awesome cause. It’s a respectable amount, but these numbers keep me motivated:

  • An estimated 747,465 Americans are living with blood cancers.
  • Approximately every five minutes, someone is diagnosed; approximately 114,530 new cases are expected this year.
  • Every 10 minutes, someone dies from blood cancers — an estimated 54,480 deaths in 2005.

You can help me and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society fight this battle! The Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, making it both eligible for tax-deductible donations and most corporate matching. Please consider including a gift to The Society in your giving plan this year.

I have a simple web site set up to keep track of my training progress and make any donations as easy as possible . Thanks for your consideration and support!

 


PS: if your company matches donations, please consider doing this paperwork – it makes a big difference! I'd need the matching funds form from you to turn in to the TnT people. Also: I have specific steps for you if you work for Microsoft.

Appendix: Common research/treatment costs:
$32 – prescription for anti-nausea medication
$54 – one week of low-grade chemotherapy
$75 – a screening for possible bone marrow donor
$100 – monthly blood analysis
$200 – blood transfusion
$350 – daily salary for a medical researcher
$500 – blood chromosome analysis