Mission Moment - Steve Brown (Team In Training Triathlon Coach)

A message from Amanda Goble, our Team In Training Campaign Coordinator:

This past weekend I was able to attend the Philadelphia Triathlon and most of TNT functions involved with it. (Note: this was not the triathlon that I'm training for – mine is in Chicago on August 26th – but nonetheless I appreciate all the good luck wishes I got from many of you). At the pre-race pasta party there is always a honored hero speaker and in this case it was one of our very own triathlon coaches – Steve Brown – who took the podium. For me, it was an extremely moving experience, as I think it was for everyone else in the room. Here is a little bit more about Steve and his battle against leukemia in his own words:

In early 2006, I was having some difficulty swallowing and my doctor finally said that a tonsillectomy was long over due for me. I wasn't overly joyous at the thought, but I moved forward with the plan anyway, until my pre-admission testing stopped me dead in my tracks. An extremely elevated white blood cell count drew everything to a halt. I was quickly referred to an oncologist and on February 24th, 2006, my life changed. On that date, I was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Yes, me, the endurance athlete, the 7-time Ironman. The one who is very careful to do all of the right things in taking care of his body. Yep, a routine blood test revealed an extremely elevated white blood count. A bone marrow biopsy, extensive blood testing, a CT scan, and a PET scan all unanimously confirmed the diagnosis.

After a very brief pity party, lasting about 12 hours, I knuckled down to the task at hand. Which in this situation was to saddle up for 4 week-long rounds of chemotherapy treatment. I handled the treatments fairly well. On many days, I was strong and energetic enough to run home from the treatment. This not only helped keep me sane, but it allowed me to maintain some sort of a baseline fitness level. And made feel feel a little in charge of a helpless situation. When I needed to rest, I rested. But when I was able to run, I ran. I had good days and and some bad but I knew that if I was able to maintain a positive outlook, that it would only help my cause. And I told my doc that if he tried to completely sideline me, then cancer would be the least of my problems and I would be going through chemo in a straight jacket. He conceded.

Very shortly after my diagnosis, I shared my situation with good friend and TNT Alum Susan Thornton (who is on this year's Nike team!) and within about 3 nano seconds I happily signed on as a TNT assistant coach. This proved to be an extremely rewarding experience on many levels. I was able to talk about triathlon (which I think I do in my sleep) to wide eyed and eager athletes, who are in turn raising funds and awareness for the very blood cancer that I now had. The formula doesn't get any simpler than that.

By the end of June, treatments were done and I had hit remission. In mid July, I raced my first post diagnosis sprint triathlon. The remainder of the summer consisted of a few shorter races, and longer training efforts. And on September 27th, 7 months after my initial diagnosis, I crossed the finish line of career ironman number 8. This time as a survivor. This time as REMISSIONMAN.

I will still need regular check ups and occasional boosters of my "favorite" chemo drug, Rituxin. BUT, I am one of the lucky ones. I had a great response to my meds, an incredible support system, and a top notch team of doctors. I more than anyone, understand the value and importance of this TEAM and what they represent.

Life is good. And I'm truly thankful for everyone that is in mine.

~ Steve Brown

If you want to find out more about Steve's story, check out his new book, "My New Race".

Proceeds from the sales benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Website: http://www.lulu.com/content/844077