My hero!
Pictured here is J.D. Stahl, my long-time Team Honoree for Team in Training, and most definitely, my hero. When he was diagnosed with CLL, I could no longer ignore the call to action. He was entering into a fight for his life, and I was determined to fight along side him. His illness and our respective responses to it have taken us to places unknown and untried. He had never been in treatment for chronic leukemia…and I’d never trained for an endurance event or raised money for a cause. We were in for some surprises!!! J.D. and I both learned that others wanted to help us. His colleagues at VA Tech, his church family, neighbors, family, and friends practically ran over each other offering help, prayers, and support. I took a stab at writing my first fundraising letter and sent it out to folks I knew, and started training for my first marathon. There were many days of doubt and darkness….that gave way to life and a great outpouring of support for our efforts…J.D. to see the other side of treatment and improved quality of life, and I to see the finish line at Disney World after hoofing 26.2 miles for the first time, having raised $4,000 for the privilege.
Today, J.D. is in treatment once again, experiencing all that entails. And I will leave next week for St. Petersburg, FL to participate in my 20th Team in Training event, St. Anthony’s Triathlon. It’s one of the biggest olympic distance triathlons in the country. Thanks to you, I’m at $6500 and counting for this event. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society funds the research of some of our top specialists…and over these 21 years, Team in Training has provided $1 billion toward their efforts. Thank you for your faithfulness, your generous hearts, and your support of J.D., of me, and so many others working for effective treatments and cures. One mile at a time…I swim, bike, and run. Please go with me to the finish line by donating today!!!!
