LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA

Leukemia, lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and myeloma are blood cancers that originate in bone marrow or lymphatic tissues. They are considered to be related cancers because they involve the uncontrolled growth of cells with simialar funtions and origins. The diseases result from an acquired genetic injury to the DNA of a single cell, which becomes malignant and multiplies continuously. The accumulation of malignant cells interferes with the body's production of healthy blood cells and can leave the body unable to protect itself against infection. An estimated 640,000 Americans are currently living with blood related cancers

The LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. The Sociey was founded in 1949 by parents who had lost their only son to leukemia. 75.8% of every dollar spent goes to support education, patient services, and research. There are currently over 360 researchers around the world working to crush cancer with science.


TEAM IN TRAINING

On January 11, 2004 I will be competing in the Walt Disney World Marathon. I'll be running with 300 other marathoners as part of TEAM IN TRAINING, the largest sports endurance program in the world. This monstourous 26.2 mile race which covers four theme parks will be rigorous, but the rewards will also be great.
This event is the primary fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Cancer affects us all. Every 9 minutes, another child or adult is expected to die from Leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma. This statistic represents 160 people every day. Leukemia and lymphoma are the leading fatal cancers of men under the age of 39. The importance of research can not be over-stated. IT IS BELIEVED THAT BREAKTHROUGHS IN TREATING BLOOD RELATED CANCERS WILL PROVIDE A WINDOW TO POTENTIAL CURES IN OTHER FORMS OF CANCER. Your help is needed.


Ever wonder why a Marathon is 26.2 miles?

The encyclopedia definition of Marathon is: a long-distance foot race deriving its name from Marathon, Greece. According to legend, in 490 B.C., Pheidippides, a runner from Marathon, carried news of victory over the Persians to Athens. In the first modern Olympics of 1896, a commemorative event retraced his route. The race soon became an Olymphic event, its distance standardized in 1908 at 26 miles, 385 yards. (42.195 km for metric system people).

For more information, or to help support this noble cause, please contact me at: runtocrushcancer@aol.com

Be sure to check out the photos.