Dare to Swear
Honestly, I am simply NOT quite sure how this happened.
One second I was reveling in the glory of completing my very first Olympic distance triathlon while enjoying the company of my teammates around a table on a dimly lit and smoky patio. (I found out that night, smoking is allowed on restaurant patios in Pacific Grove, CA. Who knew?)
The next second I was pinky swearing and promising to trade away my precious winter hibernation months. In return, I would be allowed to get off the couch, out of bed, escape from the covers under which I’d surely be warm and sheltered from anything…cold and hurty.
I’d be given the privilege of heading out into the world of runners wearing headlamps on dark morning or evening jaunts, cyclists with ear warmers and visible breath and swimmers too silly to understand the winter months are simply not a time for swimming.
I looked down towards the glass that held my drink and noticed the liquid had barely been touched. I should have had my wits about me. Apparently, I did not.
And now, here I am; trying to find the words to populate yet another fundraising page.
Don’t get me wrong – I am solidly on board with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society‘s (LLS) Team In Training (TNT) program and its mission to raise money towards cures for blood cancers like leukemia — the No. 1 disease killer of children — lymphoma and myeloma. Solidly. On. Board.
That is why I am once again joining forces with TNT. This time, with the help and support of the coaches, mentors, captains and friends, I will be working towards the goal of finishing my second triathlon. I will do so in honor of all individuals who are now fighting or have ever fought blood cancers. These people are the real heroes on our team
I do detest cancer, so.
My dislike for cancer exceeds even my intense liking of my winter hibernation.
That is precisely what will power me through this next adventure.
I’ve declared (meaning, I ‘won’ a bet and was made to pinky swear that) my next event with TNT will be the 2014 Lavaman Triathlon on Sunday, March 30 in Waikoloa, Hawaii. I will be doing the Olympic distance, consisting of a .9 mile swim, 24.9 mile bike ride and 6.2 mile run.
Having experienced a triathlon and the workouts leading up to it once already, I know there will be many days and nights during my training I will not feel like swimming in the icy lake waters, cycling in the fog and pouring rain, or even running with blisters and shins feeling as if they may explode with the next footfall.
I know this, and freely admit it. So, you may ask, “Why are you doing this?”
The answer is simple.
To save lives.
All of us with TNT are raising money for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) in order to help fund their research. That research will help stop leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma from taking more lives.
I believe we are close to finding a cure for blood cancers and, consequently, a cure for all forms of cancer. You can help make that belief a reality.
Here’s how you can make a difference:
Join me in my efforts to fight these terrible diseases by making a donation in support of my endeavor with Team in Training.
Every one of us has the opportunity to have an impact. Give all you can and know you are changing lives. Take comfort in knowing 78% of every dollar given goes directly to the Society’s mission in our area and 100% of your donation is tax deductible.
The Mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS):
Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.
The Short Term Goals for LLS:
Each year, LLS moves closer to their goal of finding a cure for blood cancer. This year to support their mission, they’ll be focusing on these specific goals:
- Continue to fund blood cancer research projects that offer the best chance of accelerating development of new, promising treatment therapies
- Give more people with blood cancer access to clinical trials
- Give all people with blood cancer – at every stage of their journey – access to the information and services they need to fight and manage their disease
“I can. Therefore, I will.”
~ Abbey