Mission Moment - Amanda Goble (Team In Training Campaign Coordinator)

A personal message from Amanda Goble:

This past Christmas I had the opportunity to visit the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for an arts and crafts day that was set-up through our Patient Services department. It was one of the most rewarding, yet difficult days I have ever had. We were stationed in the oncology department and went room-to-room talking and playing with the children who were all battling some form of cancer. Their ages ranged from just months old to 19. I spent a significant amount of time in a little five-year-old boy's room who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. I brought in my art supplies but quickly realized that he had too much energy to simply sit with a crayon in his hand. He had just been given a racetrack for the holidays, which still sat unopened in the box, and he asked if I would help him assemble it. I gladly accepted his request.

While my construction skills were lacking, (who knew a kids toy could be so difficult to put together) we were both able to laugh at my inability to follow the instructions. Watching him smile and make fun of my struggles made me completely forget that I was wearing a hospital gown and gloves. He showed me that cancer cannot take away the spirit or youthfulness of a child, even with tubes coming out of his arm or with very little hair left on his head. With his mom's help we successfully completed the racetrack, and then he proceeded to take me on and thoroughly beat me in a game of Candyland.

I was forced back into a reality check when a nurse came in and asked him if he wanted to play Bingo. He eagerly nodded and we turned the on the TV to the event channel and waited for the start of the game. I looked at his board and instead of seeing B-9 or N-43 the spaces were filled with things such as IV bag, blood transfusion and stitches. I was quickly reminded that his days weren't all filled with racetracks and Candyland, but rather with the things that were starring at us from that sheet of paper. But it was my hope that, maybe if only for a few minutes, he also forgot about the reality of his fight against cancer.

I walked out of all of those rooms with a newfound perspective and it made me so proud of organizations such as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, specifically Team In Training since it is such a big part of my life, and now your lives as well. We will not stop until we find a cure for these terrible cancers, and none of it could be possible without your help. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

Fundraising Focus - Football Season!!!

Whether or not you are a football fan, the various leagues that are available this time of year are a great opportunity for you to raise a significant amount of money.

Please see your "TNT WEEKLY EMAIL" for further details.

Amanda - Team In Training Campaign Coordinator

The First Mile - Training this Sunday at 7:00 AM - Kelly Drive

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

I heard you guys battled through some humid conditions this past weekend. Great job in getting in your miles even in tough conditions. Congratulations to all of you who have met or are just about to reach that fundraising minimum. Your hard work is truly making a difference. Also, best of luck to Virginia Beach Participant Sara Tomlinson - her event is this weekend. She is the first person from this Fall Team to be sent-off and we wish you the best!!! Thank you Team and have a great holiday weekend.

Thank you as well for all the well wishes that you extended to me in regards to the Chicago Triathlon. Please see your "TNT WEEKLY EMAIL" for my race day story. I hope you enjoy it!


GROUP TRAINING

Walk Team: You are on a buddy walk, but you are always more than welcome to meet with the run team on these dates. Make sure you touch base with your coaches if you have any questions.

Run Team: Sunday, September 2nd at 7:00 AM - Kelly Drive


TEAM NEWS

PDR Team: Please note that the following weekend I will have a bunch of fundraising incentives including the prizes for those who won the online fundraising challenge as well as the PDR goodie bags.

Please do your best to make it training on Saturday, September 8th at Valley Forge (8:00 AM) to get this. If you can't make it to that training you need to come into the office to get it starting this Tuesday or to the Send-Off Party on the 5th. Let me know if you have questions.

Please see your "TNT WEEKLY EMAIL" for further details on your final money deadline, pictures for the pasta party, and the location of the Send-Off Party.

Nike Team: I am sending out another email to you guys regarding some specific event weekend information. Please look over that.


THE HOME STRETCH

Long mileage this weekend. My best advice is to remember the reason – that will get you through almost any training or fundraising lull. Thank you for EVERYTHING and I'll see you next weekend!

GO TEAM!!!

Amanda - Team In Training Campaign Coordinator

Mission Moment - Amanda Goble (Team In Training Campaign Coordinator)

A personal message from Amanda Goble:

I was one of the lucky ones when I first got involved with TNT that I did not personally know someone who had been diagnosed with a blood cancer. That quickly changed when I was introduced to our honored heroes, but it was just a short time after I signed on as a participant that the news hit a little bit closer to home. The father of one of my friends was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of lymphoma. He went from the most active of individuals to someone who barely had the energy to walk down the stairs. He responded well to his treatment and I got this update from my friend this past week after sending out an email regarding my triathlon.

"You're doing an amazing job and we can't thank you enough. ooooooo and GUESS WHAT??? BEN'S DAD WAS DECLARED CANCER FREE LAST WEEK!!!!! So you see, you're taking part in a difficult challenge that means a lot to our family."

During my time with TNT I have really realized that what we are doing is making a huge impact, and that the people who are aided by our efforts are extremely appreciative. So when your miles start to get really long, and you wonder how you are going to meet that fundraising goal, just remember that both through the hope we provide by running and walking all of these miles, and through the funds we raise that we are truly making difference. Let that be reason enough to lace up those shoes, or send out that reminder email. Remember you are living with a purpose and there is nothing greater than that.

Fundraising Focus - Fundraising Challenge Update

And the winner is...Team 5 led by mentor Madeleine!!!

Please see your "TNT WEEKLY EMAIL" for further details.

Amanda - Team In Training Campaign Coordinator

The First Mile - Training this Saturday at 7:00 AM - Valley Green and Peace Valley Park

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

So how are those legs feeling after the longest training so far this season? Congratulations on getting in all of those miles, and look at how far you’ve come. Do you remember looking ahead at that training schedule the first time you got it and thinking "there is no way I can do that?" Well guess what you can and you are.

I will be out of town from Friday through Tuesday for my own Team In Training event this weekend as I head to Chicago for my triathlon. Thank you so much for all of your good luck wishes and I will make sure to let you know how it goes. Keep training, keep fundraising, and as always remember the reason as to why we are doing this. Please contact Alyssa Haydt, while I'm out. GO TEAM!!!


GROUP TRAINING

TWO TRAININGS THIS WEEKEND!!! - Both are Saturday, August 25th at 7:00 AM.

All teams: One is at Valley Green and the other at Peace Valley Park in Bucks County. Feel free to attend either one. Enjoy the "short" mileage this week.


TEAM NEWS

PDR Team: Please see your "TNT WEEKLY EMAIL" for important information.


THE HOME STRETCH

Congratulations to honored hero Jen Polo! Check out her blog through the Trek Bikes website.

See you when I get back from Chicago!

GO TEAM!!!

Amanda - Team In Training Campaign Coordinator

Mission Moment - In Memory of Drew Spinelli (Team Hero for Courtney Legath)

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

At LLS we oftentimes hear the stories of individuals who overcome all odds and beat one of these terrible diseases, but in all reality, and as many of us know first-hand, too many others lose their lives. This email was sent to me last Thursday by Marine Corps participant Courtney Legath who wanted all of you to keep her personal hero in your memory as you are training and fundraising:

I'm actually writing with some bad news unfortunately. My cousin and hero, Drew Spinelli, unfortunately surrendered his eight month fight with leukemia this morning at 6:40am. His bone marrow transplant two weeks ago was a successful operation but he was unfortunately struck with a stomach and gull bladder infection that resulted in sepsus. The infection proved too strong due to his lack of white blood cells and his body slowly began to shut down over the past three days.

At the age of just 24, Drew was the kind of person that could make you laugh instantly and he brought joy even to the lives of the nurses and doctors whom he met in just his last living months. My heart is breaking for my best friend (his twin sister) who will celebrate her 25th birthday without her brother by her side on Sunday. Despite how sad the situation seems though, Drew's sickness brought so many people together and developed such an outpouring of love that it is hard not to see the positive, even in the midst of such a sad situation.

Drew's immediate family is in the middle of deciding when the services will be. However, ironically enough, as long as there is nothing from 7-10am on Saturday I will be sure to be at the run. Even in the dead heat the past three days, running has been VERY therapeutic for me. There were times when I felt helpless and didn't know what to do during the waiting period, and running (for a cause) helped pass the time. I am now more than ever motivated to continue training for the DC Marine Corps Marathon. It will not only be a physically grueling race, but now a very very emotionally charged one as well. I don't know if this is possible, but I wasn't sure if the TNT Chapters ever add TNT Heroes who have passed? Drew's story has been one of the most inspiring I've seen, even if it didn't end with a technical victory.

The link below is a website that has been tracking his progress all along and tells his story. I thought you might enjoy reading it as he is definitely my hero for this marathon and what I hope will be several to come. I would love if the Philly chapter could also keep his memory in mind as we train over the next few weeks.

In memory of Drew Spinelli... http://www.drewspinelli.com

Drew was not the only one we lost this past week. I know it has been a difficult week for some other participants as a father was lost, and then a mother is back to fighting her blood cancer. Please keep these individuals and families in your thoughts as well.

Fundraising Focus - Fundraising Challenge Update

And the fundraising challenge is underway! Right now Team 11, led by mentor Emily has the week one lead, but a lot of teams are close behind.

Please see your "TNT WEEKLY EMAIL" for further details.

Amanda - Team In Training Campaign Coordinator

The First Mile - Training this Sunday at 7:00 AM - Valley Forge

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

My thoughts this week are simple: thank you. As you will read above in the mission moment, it has been a tough week for a few of our Team members for this Fall season. I know we can get caught up in our personal experiences with TNT and making sure we are raising the money and putting the miles in on an individual level, but always remember that your personal effort is helping the lives of so many others. You are one very important part of our entire mission and we really do appreciate everything that each of you is doing. I know how much time and commitment this program takes, and I just want you to know that we are here to support you completely and we sincerely thank you.


GROUP TRAINING

ALL TEAMS: Valley Forge – Sunday, August 19th at 7:00 AM
(NOTE:***CHANGE OF TIME)

All teams (run, walk, run/walk) are starting at 7:00 AM in an attempt to beat the heat. I will be out there and look forward to training with you guys this weekend. See you then!


TEAM NEWS

Nike and Dublin Teams: I NEED YOUR RACE APPLICATIONS ASAP! There are still a few that are out there. The applications are attached to your "TNT WEEKLY EMAIL". Please mail the originals, but also fax or a scan copy so that I can at least have that record.

Dublin Team: Please see your "TNT WEEKLY EMAIL" for an attachment containing travel information for day trips while in Dublin that was provided by the local tourism department. As you are starting to plan your trip, feel free to look into any of these things.

Amanda - Team In Training Campaign Coordinator


THE HOME STRETCH

Following last week's Mission Moment from mentor and Dublin participant Stephanie Caceres, Team Hero David Wolovitz replied with the following:

I love getting this weekly update, but especially enjoyed reading the Mission Moment section.........this one, by Stephanie Caceres, is spectacular!!! I am so glad she understands how appreciative we Team Heroes and survivors are for people like Stephanie and her TNT teammates. She is certainly one of the reasons we yell, GO TEAM, so loud!!!

David

Mission Moment - Stephanie Caceres (Team In Training Walk Mentor)

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

This email was sent to me by Dublin Participant and walk mentor Stephanie Caceres. I was so moved by it that I asked if I could include it in the email and pass it along to all of you, and I think we can all, in our own ways, relate to what she talks about:

I had to sit here and write you something that I was talking about with a special friend today. We were giving each other the reasons for why we choice to be involved or overbook our lives with so many activities. My friend was not in agreement with me that on top of all of my 3 job responsibilities, being a mom of two wonderful children, trying to have an organized and well disciplined home and coping with the emotions of going thru a divorce, and dealing with people judging you on how you are dealing with situations or not dealing with them. That I agreed to be doing another marathon and fundraising. This was crazy - that I am overdoing it and I am getting myself sick. Now I agree that my plate is very full, and I usually wouldn't be this overwhelmed.

But I paused for a second, thinking about how deeply I feel about the choice I made in joining, volunteering, mentoring and participating in such a wonderful TEAM. But I also paused because it reminded me how THANKFUL and FORTUNATE we ALL are for having families, our health, loved ones, even the little things like even being thankful for having a home to come to or call a home. A job, so we can provide for our families, our health, and our strengths etc... I proceeded in telling my friend all this and also reminded my friend that - We don't really think about all this until we are in a crisis. We don't realize that we all make a choice each day to be happy or be miserable.

Now the patients that are our true heroes that we are fundraising for, wake up everyday thanking all of us who donate, and who have volunteered to run/walk 13.1 or 26.2 miles for them to get - one more day of life, one more day of loving and providing for their families, one more day to call their home a home, one more day to say I LOVE YOU to their children or their spouses, one more day to see the sunrise and the sunset, one more day to say I AM HAPPY to be here.

A lot of people do different things to cope with their stresses. Some people watch television, talk with friends, go fishing, work more hours, others workout, and I love to volunteer my time to fundraising and running in a marathon. Everyday that I wake up I choose to be happy and I choose to show my children how thankful we are to have a choice to say I can and I am able to help others. Knowing that I can do this for one of my heroes, inspires me and gives me more strength to cope with all I am going through right now in my life, and it also reminds me that my personal life issues can be changed. I can and have the choice to change what my personal struggles are. I can make changes in my life to make them better, but our heroes can't change their disease, they have no choice, all they can do is have hope that one day soon with OUR help we can find a cure.

I do want to take this opportunity in this letter to Thank those who have helped me get closer to my goal in helping my 4 heroes: Markie, David, Curtis, and Jen !!!!!!!!! Thanks again.

Fundraising Focus - Fundraising Challenge!!!

While we are all ONE big team with the same goal – TO FIND A CURE, yet it is always fun to have a little fundraising competition.

Please see your "TNT WEEKLY EMAIL" for further details.

Amanda - Team In Training Campaign Coordinator

The First Mile - Training this Saturday at 7:00 AM - Kelly Drive

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

This past weekend I participated in my first ever triathlon – SheRox here in Philadelphia. While this was just a practice race in order to get ready for my actual TNT event in Chicago coming up at the end of the month, it was still a wonderful experience. It was also a great reminder of how great TNT is as a program. It had been awhile since I'd been on the participant side of things and I had forgotten how much support there is out there for TNT'ers. I can't tell you how many times I heard GO TEAM or keep it up Team In Training. Come race day TNT participants, by far, have a bigger support system than anyone else out there. As you go through this experience remember that you are being cheered on by your coaches, mentors, staff, honored heroes, each other as teammates, and also by so many strangers who know about what you are doing and are so proud and appreciative of what you are doing. Thank you and GO TEAM!


GROUP TRAINING

ALL TEAMS: Kelly Drive – Saturday, August 11th at 7:00 AM
(NOTE:***CHANGE OF TIME)

All teams: run, walk, run/walk are starting at 7:00 AM in an attempt to beat the heat. Please note that the Bucks Training has been cancelled so the Kelly Drive training is the only site this weekend. I’ll see you there!


TEAM NEWS

Philly, Nike and Dublin Teams: Please return your race applications ASAP. Nike and Dublin teams I need the ORIGINAL of your race application so please mail that right away (Philly team you can fax yours). No payment is needed with the application as we take care of that for you.

Full Marathon Teams: If you are using PDR as a training run/walk please register yourself as soon as you have a chance.

Please see your "TNT WEEKLY EMAIL" for further details.


THE HOME STRETCH

There will be a new team joining us this weekend, as the winter team officially starts training Saturday. As you see them out there, a little (or a lot) nervous about what they are embarking on, give them a GO TEAM, and also remember how far you all have come since that first training.

Amanda - Team In Training Campaign Coordinator

Mission Moment - The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Aid Program

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

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society just received word that a very sizeable donation was made to specifically benefit patient aid. In the past all individuals who have been diagnosed with a blood cancer have been able to receive $500 through our aid program to help out with expenses. This new grant is now allowing for $1,000-$2,500 of aid for Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients!!! That is up to $2,500 for one individual which can make a tremendous impact for those patients and families who are forced to not only battle the actual cancer, but also have to figure out how they are going to pay for the very expensive treatments and medications. We also increased our aid to $1,000-$1,500 for AML, myeloma and MDS patients.

This considerable grant was made by a private donor, and while they specified which areas of blood cancers they wanted to direct the money to, we as a society are working very hard to make sure that the other blood cancer patient aid services, not covered by this grant, also see increased funding. All of these patients are still eligible for the $500 provided through the Society.

If you know of individuals who are fighting these diseases please have them get in touch with us so that we can get them on their way to receiving these funds. This is a TREMENDOUS growth in our patient aid, and we as a Society are so extremely proud of everything that we are able to provide. These are possible because of people like you who have decided to make a difference. Thank you!

Fundraising Focus - Bake Sales

BAKE SALES!!!

Many of you know that I am training and fundraising for the Chicago Triathlon through TNT so I find myself doing exactly what you guys are doing in terms of working on my fundraising plan and executing it. My fundraising was in need of a boost so I organized a bake sale at work. I heard of people doing these in the past, but I was never that excited about it because I didn't think that it would really be all that beneficial (plus I am not the most handy in the kitchen). I proved myself wrong in both regards, especially in terms of its potential. My sale was on Tuesday and I made $402. I would have made more but I ran out of items to sell – it was incredible! I made a TON of stuff and then people at work and friends also chipped in items. It was extremely easy to do and I highly recommend it to anyone. Here are some tips:

* Pick a location – work is a great first choice, but some people don't work in big office complexes. You can also talk to an area store (they may even match what you make at a sale outside their store) and sit out there.

* Put out flyers that it is a charity bake sale.

* Have raffle items. My prizes weren't anything great. A couple gift certificates but people who didn't want to eat brownies or muffins, still contributed to the raffle (flyer on getting raffle prizes is attached).

* Recruit friends and co-workers to help you bake items. Have a wide variety.

* Then let the money start pouring in. People will buy something even if they don't really want it just to donate.

* HAVE FUN. The more engaging you are with the people around, the more profitable you'll be.

Amanda - Team In Training Campaign Coordinator

The First Mile - Training this Sunday at 7:00 AM - Valley Green

August already. How fast time passes. Two months of training are in the books and for some of you your events are starting to approach quite quickly. Before you start getting into your longest mileages of the season, attempt to complete as much of that fundraising as possible right away. Training will start to take more time, and the more fundraising that you can do now, will only help you be able to concentrate on that training. Please let me know if you feel like you have hit a mid-season slump with your fundraising and I would be more than happy to help come up with some new ideas to get you going again. Reach out to your mentors as well – that is what they are there for. Remember to pass along the importance of our mission to your donors, and remember that every dollar counts and every donation matters. Thank you!


GROUP TRAINING

WALK TEAM: There is no official group training for you this week as you are on a buddy walk.

RUN TEAM: Valley Green - Sunday, August 5 at 7:00 AM
(NOTE:***CHANGE OF TIME)

Good luck in tackling the longest mileage that you've seen so far this season. You will do amazing and congratulations in advance in the accomplishment.


TEAM NEWS

Philadelphia Marathon Team: Your recommitment paperwork should be on its way back to me. NO PAYMENT IS NECESSARY WITH YOUR RACE APPLICATIONS.

Nike and Dublin Teams: You both received emails today regarding your race applications and hotel information. Please return those race applications ASAP. I need the ORIGINAL of your race application so please mail that right away. I won't be at training to take these from you this weekend. For Dublin people, no payment is needed with the application as we take care of that for you.


THE HOME STRETCH

Together Everyone Achieves More

GO TEAM!!!

Amanda - Team In Training Campaign Coordinator