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In these gray winter days, grandson Connor brightens any day.  In the church nursery, he’s known as the President of the Chubby Cheeks Club.  Who knew that reaching age 60 would bring this incredible blessing to our lives?  Because of Connor, I want to stay in shape so I can introduce him to all the things I love – swimming, biking, running, hiking.  As I raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, I think of the photos I’ve seen of little ones dealing with blood cancers….and how much I want resources for research and treatment for toddlers, teens, mid-lifers, and the more mature…  I know you’d feel the same way.  As we prepare to celebrate Connor’s first birthday next month, I will thank God for his good health, his smiling eyes, his clapping, waving hands as he says “Cheers!”  Let’s work toward a giant celebration that marks the end of cancer as we know it.  Contribute now to this worthy cause.  Thanks, Jan

Had he lived, Dad would have been 88 yrs. old today. Dad was diagnosed at age 61 with acute multiple myeloma. Fortunately, he responded well to treatment, and lived another 12 years with good quality of life. While he was in remission, we made a trip to Great Britain to see where he was stationed during WWII. It was a great time together, and I’m so grateful we were able to go. He would be so proud of so many things! Proud of me, proud of his family, proud of our country and all the advances in technology intended for good in the world. He was always keen on supporting cancer research and would be so amazed at the advances made in blood cancer treatment and research in the years since his death. We all miss him…he would be saying “Cheers!” to toast another day on this earth, with a glass of milk! Help me celebrate Dad’s life with a contribution to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!

Sunrise on our town

The sun rises on Blacksburg as I leave Rambo training.  The day begins at 5:30 with an hour of strength/endurance training.  It’s fun and challenging, and by 7 AM, I’m greeted by this beautiful sky and God’s promise to be with me throughout the day.   There are days I want to ignore the alarm…and God’s call…but inevitably I get up and show up, knowing that I’m expected.  As we consider our goals for the New Year, may be begin with a commitment to get up and show up.  Before we end this year of 2009, please consider a contribution to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  Through Dec. 31 your gift will be matched by an anonymous donor.  Let’s double our dollars for the cause!!!

Stair repeats at Lane Stadium, VT

It’s 6 AM on a clear, breezy morning at Lane Stadium at VA Tech.  A dozen women (and one guy!) turn out for Rambo, which is a boot camp for strength, coordination, balance, and aerobic exercise.   It builds our endurance…and I believe, keeps us healthy.  It feels great to be out there once you’re up…especially if you’ve gotten to bed on time for a 5:30 AM wake-up call.   As I hustled and bustled, my team honoree for the last 8 yrs., J.D. Stahl was resting at our local hospital where he’s beginning a new treatment for his CLL (a chronic form of leukemia).  For J.D. and so many others, I get up and train.  For J.D., I raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  I make no bones about it – my hand is always out for a donation to this worthy cause.  Won’t you join me in this race for life?

Seagull Century 2009

We had a great day riding the Seagull Century ride on October 10.  There were so many poignant stories shared about Team Honorees, family members, and friends.  I count each of these folks as friend.

Hey everyone, the Seagull Century Century Ride on October 10 was one of a kind:  First, it was BIG!   8,000 riders showed up to ride on a warm, rainy, windy Saturday.  About 200 of them were Team in Training participants, who raised $500,000+ for this event.   Way to go TNT!!!  I loved rooming with Susie Q from Richmond, a good friend and great competitor.  As always, the Virginia team rocked.  This was my 19th Team in Training event…I guess that makes me a TNT Junkie.  My next goal is to get through the holidays without weight gain and to stick to a workout routine.  Then it’s down to serious training for St. Anthony’s Triathlon in April, with a new fundraising goal of $5000.     Help me to thank God for the many blessings of this amazing year…help me to make a difference in the lives of folks dealing with blood cancers.  Just hit the Donate button!  Thanks!

Meet my good friend (see photo below), Jane Thibault – a long-time friend and colleague who has devoted her career to the field of aging, spirituality, and the limiting effects of dementia among elders.  She knew of my passion for training and raising funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, but it wasn’t real for her until now.  Jane had trouble shaking a respiratory problem in the Spring…but further tests revealed Stage 4, Type B Lymphoma.  I was able to visit Jane in July, and she shared with me her journey with illness.  Her smile has not faded, her spirit is intact…but her new mantra is all about “staying alive.”  She will endure as many as 8 rounds of a chemo coctail designed to put her in remission.   I learned Jane’s story that day, and she heard with new interest, my story and passion for training and raising research funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.   As I train for the Seagull Century.  I need only $500 to reach my fundraising goal for this event.  Please click on “donate” and it’ll take you to my Team in Training page.  Thanks and blessings all around!

Jan and Jane at Jane's house