Today I decided to undertake a new and exciting endeavor: to run the Disney World Marathon (26.2 miles). Those who know me know I can do anything when motivated. This time my motivation is very personal. I have become a volunteer for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training. I am donating my time and energy to a rewarding cause: advancing the Society’s mission of finding a cure for leukemia, the #1 disease killer of children -lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma.
I’m training to help kids like Michael Coburn. Here is Michael’s story.
Michael was born on July 23, 2002. Just two days after he was born we found out that Michael had a rare congenital heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. This type of defect requires three open heart surgeries. Michael had his first open heart surgery at Hopkins when he was just a week old. He then had his second stage surgery when he was 7 months old. Everything started to finally be normal. We had a few years before he would be needing his last open heart surgery.
On October 9, 2003, our world came crashing down around us again. Michael was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia. We thought we lived out our nightmare, but this was just the beginning. Michael went for treatments at Hopkins, our home away from home. We spent holidays in there and even birthdays in the emergency room. But we didn't have a choice on where to celebrate. We made the best out of a bad situation. Michael endured countless rounds of chemo, restless nights, and nights of not knowing what was going to happen next. Not only did the doctors have to worry about the Leukemia they also had to worry about his weak heart and what was going to happen to that. Well I can proudly say that my son, my hero is in remission. He has been in remission since April 14, 2006. He since has had his last heart surgery on March 2, 2007, he is a happy healthy little boy and he is looking forward to being in the first grade this year.
With the training (300+ miles of training in the next 5 months before the event) comes the commitment to raise a minimum of $3800. 75% of this commitment goes directly to patient support and research. For any amount I raise over my goal, 100% goes to patient support and research. ALL DONATIONS ARE 100% TAX DEDUCTIBLE!
Please help me not only reach my goal, but far exceed it!!!
Here is what your donation can buy!
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• A donation of $25 provides patients and their loved ones with FREE booklets that contain up to date information on their disease nd help them make informed decisions about their treatment options.
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• A donation of $50 makes possible a Family Support group with a trained facilitator where comfort can be found and expenses can be shared a month patients and family members.
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• A donation of $100 helps supply laboratory researchers with supplies and materials critical to carrying out their search for cures.
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• A donation of $500 could provide patient aid to a person with Leukemia or a related cancer for a year.
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• A donation of $1000 makes possible one-on-one conversations with health care specialists who provide patients with information about their disease, treatment options, and helps prepare them with questions for their health care Team!
If you would like to help by making a donation, please visit my Team in Training website by clicking the purple button below. This is a secure website that will accept your donation. Together, we can change lives!
Your donation is greatly needed and appreciated. Thank you for considering to support Michael and all the other kids affected by leukemia and lymphoma. With our efforts, we can help beat these cancers!
If you want to keep up to date on my training and progress, please visit my blog! I will be posting updates often on my training and progress! Feel free to leave a comment on my blog to help support me and my cause! I’d love to hear from you!
Dinner for a Cause!
December 2, 2009 from 5 pm to close
Champps at the Columbia Mall, will donate 15% of your meal (excluding alcohol) to help support my cause! So why not come on out for a night of good food, fun with your friends and family and help find a cure for blood cancer! What do you need to do? Please print out a copy of the flyer below, take it to the restaurant, Champps at the Columbia Mall, Columbia, Maryland. Hand the flyer to the waitress prior to your order. Then just order away, eat some great food and have some fun! Then when you walk away, know that you just helped a family in need of support! (No cover charge.)
