A personal message from Amanda Goble:
The pasta party prior to the Nike Women's Marathon was truly incredible. It was the largest TNT pasta ever held with over 8,300 people in attendance. With the mission always being brought up to the forefront at the pasta party this particular one was no exception. Here is a little bit of the story of the speaker:
Amy was young and healthy, and for the most part felt invincible to the big challenges in life. That all changed in March of this year when she was diagnosed with lymphoma. A many time TNT alum she knew where to turn and immediately started to tap into the resources that she had previously fundraised for – a little bit of a cruel turn in fate. She began treatment, scared, yet courageous, and when it came time to losing her hair from the chemo she decided it was going to be on her own terms. Along with the help of friends and family Amy held a head shaving party that she said was truly the greatest night of her life. Supporters packed a small San Francisco bar and they celebrated life, rather than questioning the difficult path that had been laid. Then the head shaving began. One-by-one, 19 of her guy friends came to the stage and Amy shaved their heads. Then it was her turn. She took a seat, handed the shaver over to her little sister, tilted her head back, and took this very difficult step with a huge smile on her face. Amy responded well to treatment and was declared to be in remission over the summer, and trained with the team and walked the half marathon on Sunday as a TNT participant. The mantra that she has held onto since her diagnosis is "CHOOSE HOPE" and those are the words that she left everyone with.
Each of has chosen hope by participating in this program. You are doing tremendous things through your training and fundraising and please know how proud of you each and every single person involved with this program is of you. Thank you for everything!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Fundraising Focus - Clicking To Raise Money
CLICKING TO RAISE MONEY
Team in Training has teamed up with Project Giving Earth to help raise money for TNT. PGE provides buying trends and the best prices on hundreds of consumer products. As you click around the site donations are made to TNT. Using the site regularly increases the donation from Project Giving Earth.
Telling 10 or more friends or family about the site increases the donation by 10 times. Use the following URL start making your clicks and product deal searches work for TNT:
http://www.projectgivingearth.org/TNT
FINAL MONEY REMINDERS!
Please see your "TNT WEEKLY EMAIL" for information on the final money deadline for all teams.
Team in Training has teamed up with Project Giving Earth to help raise money for TNT. PGE provides buying trends and the best prices on hundreds of consumer products. As you click around the site donations are made to TNT. Using the site regularly increases the donation from Project Giving Earth.
Telling 10 or more friends or family about the site increases the donation by 10 times. Use the following URL start making your clicks and product deal searches work for TNT:
http://www.projectgivingearth.org/TNT
FINAL MONEY REMINDERS!
Please see your "TNT WEEKLY EMAIL" for information on the final money deadline for all teams.
The First Mile - Training this Saturday at 8:00 AM - Valley Green
A personal message from Amanda Goble, our Team In Training Campaign Coordinator:
This past weekend the Nike Women's Marathon was amazing! 43 of your teammates successfully scaled the hills of San Francisco and crossed the final TNT finish line. Being at an event is always so amazing as you watch individuals achieve heights they never thought were possible. With the Nike Team done and Marine Corps and Dublin this weekend that leaves just you Philadelphia Marathon guys who have a big task ahead of you this weekend with your longest training. Good luck as you put in your 20-miler and remember all stories that you have heard to help push you through those final miles. Coach Kevin will be out there with you guys this weekend so make sure to check in with him. I will see you guys next weekend with updates on how all of your fellow teammates did at their events.
GROUP TRAINING
ALL TEAMS - Saturday, October 27th at 8:00 AM – Valley Green
Coach Kevin will give you the 20-mile course that you are running on Saturday morning. The winter team is now responsible for the water stops and they are aware that you guys are doing your 20-miler. Good luck!
THE HOME STRETCH
Good luck with the 20-miler! Have fun. See you soon!
GO TEAM!!!
This past weekend the Nike Women's Marathon was amazing! 43 of your teammates successfully scaled the hills of San Francisco and crossed the final TNT finish line. Being at an event is always so amazing as you watch individuals achieve heights they never thought were possible. With the Nike Team done and Marine Corps and Dublin this weekend that leaves just you Philadelphia Marathon guys who have a big task ahead of you this weekend with your longest training. Good luck as you put in your 20-miler and remember all stories that you have heard to help push you through those final miles. Coach Kevin will be out there with you guys this weekend so make sure to check in with him. I will see you guys next weekend with updates on how all of your fellow teammates did at their events.
GROUP TRAINING
ALL TEAMS - Saturday, October 27th at 8:00 AM – Valley Green
Coach Kevin will give you the 20-mile course that you are running on Saturday morning. The winter team is now responsible for the water stops and they are aware that you guys are doing your 20-miler. Good luck!
THE HOME STRETCH
Good luck with the 20-miler! Have fun. See you soon!
GO TEAM!!!
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Mission Moment - Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Survivor
A personal message from Amanda Goble:
I have talked a lot throughout the season about the Pasta Party on event weekend and how moving that presentation is. You will walk away ready and motivated for your event the following day, having very much been reminded of the reason. The following story is the one that was told at the New Jersey Shore Pasta Party last April and I would like to share it with all of you:
She was 33 and had just moved to New York City to really begin her career and take this next big step in her life. She was excited and young and ready to take on the world, but instead she was going to have to take on the fight of her life. Just weeks after moving she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The doctors explained the situation and said that they already arranged for her to start chemo the following day. Her reaction, as I think would be the reaction of anyone, "No, I can't start chemo tomorrow. I'm not ready to start." The doctor said that no one is ever ready, but that the sooner she got going the sooner she would be done with treatment. She also had to take on the burden of selecting a hospital in a city where she had no familiarity, no friends and no support system. She decided then to go back home, put all of those things she was so excited about on hold, and go through the longest year of her life with friends and family at her side.
She responded well to treatment, but there were always those bad days that go along with it. While in the hospital she learned more about LLS and took advantage of some of the services that are provided as a result of the money you are raising. One of the first things she did once she completed chemo was to sign-up for a TNT event. Since then she has done eight TNT events, and has successfully finished two ironmans.
I think the most profound thing she said was that as she was training it was so wonderful to be sore because of a long run rather than sore from tests and other treatments. And when people asked her why she was doing it she said because she could. This past weekend she celebrated her five years in remission mark and continues to give back to TNT, while also passing along her thank yous to everyone involved in the program.
Remember these stories. This why you have done what you have with training and fundraising! Thank you so much.
I have talked a lot throughout the season about the Pasta Party on event weekend and how moving that presentation is. You will walk away ready and motivated for your event the following day, having very much been reminded of the reason. The following story is the one that was told at the New Jersey Shore Pasta Party last April and I would like to share it with all of you:
She was 33 and had just moved to New York City to really begin her career and take this next big step in her life. She was excited and young and ready to take on the world, but instead she was going to have to take on the fight of her life. Just weeks after moving she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The doctors explained the situation and said that they already arranged for her to start chemo the following day. Her reaction, as I think would be the reaction of anyone, "No, I can't start chemo tomorrow. I'm not ready to start." The doctor said that no one is ever ready, but that the sooner she got going the sooner she would be done with treatment. She also had to take on the burden of selecting a hospital in a city where she had no familiarity, no friends and no support system. She decided then to go back home, put all of those things she was so excited about on hold, and go through the longest year of her life with friends and family at her side.
She responded well to treatment, but there were always those bad days that go along with it. While in the hospital she learned more about LLS and took advantage of some of the services that are provided as a result of the money you are raising. One of the first things she did once she completed chemo was to sign-up for a TNT event. Since then she has done eight TNT events, and has successfully finished two ironmans.
I think the most profound thing she said was that as she was training it was so wonderful to be sore because of a long run rather than sore from tests and other treatments. And when people asked her why she was doing it she said because she could. This past weekend she celebrated her five years in remission mark and continues to give back to TNT, while also passing along her thank yous to everyone involved in the program.
Remember these stories. This why you have done what you have with training and fundraising! Thank you so much.
Fundraising Focus - Final Money Reminders!!!
FINAL MONEY REMINDERS!
Please see your "TNT WEEKLY EMAIL" for information on the final money deadline for all teams.
Please see your "TNT WEEKLY EMAIL" for information on the final money deadline for all teams.
The First Mile - Training this Sunday at 8:00 AM - Valley Green
A personal message from Amanda Goble, our Team In Training Campaign Coordinator:
Thank you so much to those of you who were able to send-off party on Monday! It was great to see many of you, and it was so much fun to see the excitement that you guys all have. Marine Corps and Dublin you guys are getting awfully close. Philly Marathon your event will get here I promise, and I already wished the Nike Team off. Thank you so much for everything that you guys have done for this program. Please note that I will be out of town Friday through Monday as I will be in San Francisco. Your goodie bags will be at training this weekend to grab. If you can't get it then you will have to come by the office sometime BEFORE you leave for your event in order to get that. Have a great weekend and I'll cheer on the Nike Team for all of you guys as well!
GROUP TRAINING
ALL TEAMS - Sunday, October 21st at 8:00 AM – Valley Green
Note the change in location. Training is at VALLEY GREEN!!! Training starts at 8:00 AM!
TEAM NEWS
DUBLIN AND MARINE CORPS TEAMS – THINGS TO KNOW PACKET: Please see your "TNT WEEKLY EMAIL" for further details.
MARINE CORPS TEAM - CAR POOL TO DC: Marine Corps participants are responsible for your own transportation to the DC for event weekend. With that said – carpooling is a GREAT idea. Please see your "TNT WEEKLY EMAIL" for further details.
THE HOME STRETCH
Have fun at training this weekend and remember to grab your goodie bag if you are Dublin or Marine Corps participant!
GO TEAM!!!
Thank you so much to those of you who were able to send-off party on Monday! It was great to see many of you, and it was so much fun to see the excitement that you guys all have. Marine Corps and Dublin you guys are getting awfully close. Philly Marathon your event will get here I promise, and I already wished the Nike Team off. Thank you so much for everything that you guys have done for this program. Please note that I will be out of town Friday through Monday as I will be in San Francisco. Your goodie bags will be at training this weekend to grab. If you can't get it then you will have to come by the office sometime BEFORE you leave for your event in order to get that. Have a great weekend and I'll cheer on the Nike Team for all of you guys as well!
GROUP TRAINING
ALL TEAMS - Sunday, October 21st at 8:00 AM – Valley Green
Note the change in location. Training is at VALLEY GREEN!!! Training starts at 8:00 AM!
TEAM NEWS
DUBLIN AND MARINE CORPS TEAMS – THINGS TO KNOW PACKET: Please see your "TNT WEEKLY EMAIL" for further details.
MARINE CORPS TEAM - CAR POOL TO DC: Marine Corps participants are responsible for your own transportation to the DC for event weekend. With that said – carpooling is a GREAT idea. Please see your "TNT WEEKLY EMAIL" for further details.
THE HOME STRETCH
Have fun at training this weekend and remember to grab your goodie bag if you are Dublin or Marine Corps participant!
GO TEAM!!!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Mission Moment - Message from Fiona Purcell
A personal message from Amanda Goble:
Fiona Purcell is the wife of one of our honored heroes from a season past. Her husband Frank is a Hodgkin's lymphoma survivor but unfortunately their battle extended beyond just Frank. The following story is written by Fiona and lets you guys know what their family has been through:
Frank and I met in high school on a Wednesday afternoon in the school cafeteria. I was 16 and he was 17 and we haven't looked back since. We were great friends throughout high school and college and visited each other frequently but even though we had great feelings for each other, we didn't act on them until I moved to Philadelphia in 1996. We dated for years and then we got engaged and married in 2001. We got married in the chapel of our old high school in Massachusetts on December 29th. We tried for a year to get pregnant and I was able to tell Frank that we would have a baby the day after Valentine's Day 2003. Frank was the cutest expectant father. He was so excited and came to 99% of my prenatal appointments. I used to wake up in the middle of the night with Frank whispering to my stomach. He endured endless freezing nights during that summer as I blasted us with the coldest setting on our AC because I was quite possibly the hottest pregnant woman on earth that summer.
At some point in July or August of 2003, Frank told me he had a bump on his neck and that he was going to get his general practitioner to check it out. I remember the conversation and remember dismissing it outright because I was so involved with the pregnancy. Then, two weeks before Liam was due he came home from work and ordered my favorite pizza, asked me how I was feeling and proceeded to let me babble on about my day for 2 hours before he told me what the lump on his neck meant. I remember he told me about it and kept talking for about five full minutes without actually saying the word cancer. I couldn't believe what he was saying. I made him drive over to his parents house so we could tell them and then we went home and I held him in my arms the whole night thinking that our lives would never be the same.
The next few weeks were spent shopping for an oncologist, getting biopsies done and storing sperm at a fertility clinic bank for the hope of having future children post-chemo. Frank refused to start chemo until after the baby was born so that he could be there for the delivery and keep his full attention on the baby. During this time, the lump on his neck grew bigger and bigger. Finally, 10 days after my due date my water broke and we went to the hospital.
We really thought that our lives could not get any worse than the diagnosis that Frank had gotten, but then Liam was born and immediately coded. He had transposition of the greater arteries and would need open heart surgery straight away. Frank rushed from Lankenau Hospital to CHOP with Liam in the ambulance and had the presence of mind to handle Liam's tenuous first day of life with a strength I haven't seen in any other person. On Liam's second day of life the three of us in our tiny family were all in separate hospitals. I was in Lankenau recovering from the emergency C-section, Liam was stabilized at CHOP and Frank's oncologist had insisted that he begin chemo at HUP as the lump on his neck was now the size of a softball and made it nearly impossible to turn his head. Frank went from chemo back across the street to be with Liam. He did this throughout Liam's short life.
Frank was amazing throughout this entire period of time. Frank underwent chemo, tended to a terminally ill child and continued to work full-time. After we lost Liam, Frank continued to get treated and work. He would be so tired at night that he would come home, eat and go right to bed, the whole while worrying about me and how I was coping. He finished chemo in April of 2004 and has been in remission since. We now have Dermot and he is our post-chemo IVF miracle.
I can't believe how lucky I am to have found this man and be able to say he is my husband and the father of my children. He is intelligent, kind, generous to a fault and full of such a remarkable spirit.
Thanks for hearing my hero story.
Frank and Fiona both extended their gratitude to all of you for what you are doing. They both completed the Alaska Marathon in June of 2006 through TNT and thanks to the Alaskian air they just had their third child this past March without the help of technology.
Fiona Purcell is the wife of one of our honored heroes from a season past. Her husband Frank is a Hodgkin's lymphoma survivor but unfortunately their battle extended beyond just Frank. The following story is written by Fiona and lets you guys know what their family has been through:
Frank and I met in high school on a Wednesday afternoon in the school cafeteria. I was 16 and he was 17 and we haven't looked back since. We were great friends throughout high school and college and visited each other frequently but even though we had great feelings for each other, we didn't act on them until I moved to Philadelphia in 1996. We dated for years and then we got engaged and married in 2001. We got married in the chapel of our old high school in Massachusetts on December 29th. We tried for a year to get pregnant and I was able to tell Frank that we would have a baby the day after Valentine's Day 2003. Frank was the cutest expectant father. He was so excited and came to 99% of my prenatal appointments. I used to wake up in the middle of the night with Frank whispering to my stomach. He endured endless freezing nights during that summer as I blasted us with the coldest setting on our AC because I was quite possibly the hottest pregnant woman on earth that summer.
At some point in July or August of 2003, Frank told me he had a bump on his neck and that he was going to get his general practitioner to check it out. I remember the conversation and remember dismissing it outright because I was so involved with the pregnancy. Then, two weeks before Liam was due he came home from work and ordered my favorite pizza, asked me how I was feeling and proceeded to let me babble on about my day for 2 hours before he told me what the lump on his neck meant. I remember he told me about it and kept talking for about five full minutes without actually saying the word cancer. I couldn't believe what he was saying. I made him drive over to his parents house so we could tell them and then we went home and I held him in my arms the whole night thinking that our lives would never be the same.
The next few weeks were spent shopping for an oncologist, getting biopsies done and storing sperm at a fertility clinic bank for the hope of having future children post-chemo. Frank refused to start chemo until after the baby was born so that he could be there for the delivery and keep his full attention on the baby. During this time, the lump on his neck grew bigger and bigger. Finally, 10 days after my due date my water broke and we went to the hospital.
We really thought that our lives could not get any worse than the diagnosis that Frank had gotten, but then Liam was born and immediately coded. He had transposition of the greater arteries and would need open heart surgery straight away. Frank rushed from Lankenau Hospital to CHOP with Liam in the ambulance and had the presence of mind to handle Liam's tenuous first day of life with a strength I haven't seen in any other person. On Liam's second day of life the three of us in our tiny family were all in separate hospitals. I was in Lankenau recovering from the emergency C-section, Liam was stabilized at CHOP and Frank's oncologist had insisted that he begin chemo at HUP as the lump on his neck was now the size of a softball and made it nearly impossible to turn his head. Frank went from chemo back across the street to be with Liam. He did this throughout Liam's short life.
Frank was amazing throughout this entire period of time. Frank underwent chemo, tended to a terminally ill child and continued to work full-time. After we lost Liam, Frank continued to get treated and work. He would be so tired at night that he would come home, eat and go right to bed, the whole while worrying about me and how I was coping. He finished chemo in April of 2004 and has been in remission since. We now have Dermot and he is our post-chemo IVF miracle.
I can't believe how lucky I am to have found this man and be able to say he is my husband and the father of my children. He is intelligent, kind, generous to a fault and full of such a remarkable spirit.
Thanks for hearing my hero story.
Frank and Fiona both extended their gratitude to all of you for what you are doing. They both completed the Alaska Marathon in June of 2006 through TNT and thanks to the Alaskian air they just had their third child this past March without the help of technology.
Fundraising Focus - Final Money Reminders!!!
FINAL MONEY REMINDERS!
Please see your "TNT WEEKLY EMAIL" for information on the final money deadline for all teams.
Please see your "TNT WEEKLY EMAIL" for information on the final money deadline for all teams.
The First Mile - Training this Sunday at 8:00 AM - Kelly Drive
A personal message from Amanda Goble, our Team In Training Campaign Coordinator:
It may have seemed like event weekend would never come but guess what – they are essentially here! You guys have worked SO very hard over the last five months and you have no idea what kind of experience is about to hit you in these coming weeks (unless you are an alum but then you know that every event is different from the previous one). I can't tell you how excited we are for all of you.
IMPORTANT THINGS YOU NEED:
GOODIE BAGS: They are ready for everyone minus Philadelphia Marathon participants. I will have them with me at training on Sunday and at the Send-Off party on Monday night. YOU NEED TO GET THIS FROM ME BEFORE YOU LEAVE!!! I cannot mail them so you must make arrangements to come to the office if you can't get them at training/send-off. Dublin/Marine Corps your bags will also be available 10/21 at training.
COME TO TRAINING THIS SUNDAY!!! Coaches, staff and participants from the rest of our division (Southern New Jersey, Delaware and Lehigh Valley) will be coming down and joining us at Kelly Drive. We will be traveling with them and we all become a big Team. TRAINING IS AT 8:00 AM. AGAIN TRAINING IS AT 8:00 AM!!! GET THERE EARLY. Parking is going to be difficult. This will be a great training to get you ready for your event. Hope to see then.
GROUP TRAINING
ALL TEAMS - Sunday, October 14th at 8:00 AM – Kelly Drive
Parking is going to be VERY difficult this weekend. There is another event going on down at Kelly Drive and it will be busy. Make sure to leave plenty of time in getting there. Be prepared that you might have to park on the street or up in Fairmount Park. This is a very important training so I hope to see all of you guys out there. TRAINING FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON IS NOW 8:00 AM!!!
TEAM NEWS
ALL TEAMS – SEND-OFF PARTY: Hope to see you on Monday at Walk Coach Kathy Thornton's house. Remember it is a Pot Luck so when you reply to the evite please include what you are bringing. I will have goodie bags for Marine Corps/Dublin/Nike.
ALL TEAMS - THINGS TO KNOW PACKET: Please see your "TNT WEEKLY EMAIL" for further details.
MARINE CORPS TEAM - CAR POOL TO DC: Marine Corps participants are responsible for your own transportation to the DC for event weekend. With that said – carpooling is a GREAT idea. Please see your "TNT WEEKLY EMAIL" for further details.
NIKE TEAM – RACE CONFIRMATIONS: Please see your "TNT WEEKLY EMAIL" for further details.
THE HOME STRETCH
Did I mention to come to training at Kelly Drive – get there early – it starts at 8:00 AM not 7:00 AM. See you there!!!
GO TEAM!!!
Amanda - Team In Training Campaign Coordinator
It may have seemed like event weekend would never come but guess what – they are essentially here! You guys have worked SO very hard over the last five months and you have no idea what kind of experience is about to hit you in these coming weeks (unless you are an alum but then you know that every event is different from the previous one). I can't tell you how excited we are for all of you.
IMPORTANT THINGS YOU NEED:
GOODIE BAGS: They are ready for everyone minus Philadelphia Marathon participants. I will have them with me at training on Sunday and at the Send-Off party on Monday night. YOU NEED TO GET THIS FROM ME BEFORE YOU LEAVE!!! I cannot mail them so you must make arrangements to come to the office if you can't get them at training/send-off. Dublin/Marine Corps your bags will also be available 10/21 at training.
COME TO TRAINING THIS SUNDAY!!! Coaches, staff and participants from the rest of our division (Southern New Jersey, Delaware and Lehigh Valley) will be coming down and joining us at Kelly Drive. We will be traveling with them and we all become a big Team. TRAINING IS AT 8:00 AM. AGAIN TRAINING IS AT 8:00 AM!!! GET THERE EARLY. Parking is going to be difficult. This will be a great training to get you ready for your event. Hope to see then.
GROUP TRAINING
ALL TEAMS - Sunday, October 14th at 8:00 AM – Kelly Drive
Parking is going to be VERY difficult this weekend. There is another event going on down at Kelly Drive and it will be busy. Make sure to leave plenty of time in getting there. Be prepared that you might have to park on the street or up in Fairmount Park. This is a very important training so I hope to see all of you guys out there. TRAINING FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON IS NOW 8:00 AM!!!
TEAM NEWS
ALL TEAMS – SEND-OFF PARTY: Hope to see you on Monday at Walk Coach Kathy Thornton's house. Remember it is a Pot Luck so when you reply to the evite please include what you are bringing. I will have goodie bags for Marine Corps/Dublin/Nike.
ALL TEAMS - THINGS TO KNOW PACKET: Please see your "TNT WEEKLY EMAIL" for further details.
MARINE CORPS TEAM - CAR POOL TO DC: Marine Corps participants are responsible for your own transportation to the DC for event weekend. With that said – carpooling is a GREAT idea. Please see your "TNT WEEKLY EMAIL" for further details.
NIKE TEAM – RACE CONFIRMATIONS: Please see your "TNT WEEKLY EMAIL" for further details.
THE HOME STRETCH
Did I mention to come to training at Kelly Drive – get there early – it starts at 8:00 AM not 7:00 AM. See you there!!!
GO TEAM!!!
Amanda - Team In Training Campaign Coordinator
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Mission Moment - Noelle Claire Naylor (April 1, 2004 - September 27, 2007)
A personal message from Amanda Goble:
This past weekend at training I read a letter from a father whose daughter just passed away from leukemia last Wednesday. It took everything I had to get through that letter without crying, and was so very moved when I looked up from reading it and I saw many others shedding those tears that I was trying so hard to hold back. I wanted to share that letter again in this email, for those people who weren't at training, and also to remind those who did hear of those words of why we are doing this. We have made incredible strides in the fight against blood cancer but we still have a very long way to go. Rejoice in the stories of survival that you hear, but always remember those who have lost their battles. This is in memory of Noelle Naylor:
My Dear, Sweet BIG Girl,
Tonight is the first night we are trying to sleep without you. We are home, but you are not with us. I am trying and trying to sleep, but I just can't. My heart is shattered without you next to it.
I just can't be without you. These words keep going through my head...."I'll have a blue, blue Christmas without you. I'll be so blue, blue thinking about you..." But really it should be "We'll have a blue, blue Life without out you...We'll be so blue, blue Always thinking about you..."
I can't breathe.
I just keep thinking that we could have done more. Maybe we waited too long to take you to the hospital. Would you still be here is we went a couple of hours sooner? I hope we did not fail you. I am so, so, so sorry.
When you came into this world, we were so overjoyed. You had the most incredible dark hair and unbelievable smile. Now, all I can do is think of that smile and hope that memory never fades.
I can't wait to see you again. I don't know if I can make it until I go to heaven. I feel as if the judge just sentenced me to life in prison. My heart is caged now and may never be free.
You were the most sweet BIG Girl. You tried so hard to always be Happy, even through all the pain this world brought to you. I know now that your pain is gone and that you are in heaven where you deserve to be.
You used to say to me "Daddy, I just want to run," and that you wished you had "long hair." Well, darling, I am sure you are running right now and jumping with your beautiful dark, long hair.
Please know Noelle that you meant and continue to mean so very much to us and that our hearts will never be full without you.
We were there, holding you, when you took your last earthly breath. And we know that when we take our last breath, you will be there with us.
With intense longing to see you again, I pray. I pray that God holds you tightly and allows you to have all that this world could not give you. I pray that you may run and jump and play with the angels completely pain free. I pray that you show off your long, long beautiful hair.
We miss you and will always love you so very much. We are so, so grateful for every moment we had and just feel so, so sad that we have you no longer.
Until we are together again,
Your loving Daddy Kitty
http://www.caringbridge.org/wi/noelle
This past weekend at training I read a letter from a father whose daughter just passed away from leukemia last Wednesday. It took everything I had to get through that letter without crying, and was so very moved when I looked up from reading it and I saw many others shedding those tears that I was trying so hard to hold back. I wanted to share that letter again in this email, for those people who weren't at training, and also to remind those who did hear of those words of why we are doing this. We have made incredible strides in the fight against blood cancer but we still have a very long way to go. Rejoice in the stories of survival that you hear, but always remember those who have lost their battles. This is in memory of Noelle Naylor:
My Dear, Sweet BIG Girl,
Tonight is the first night we are trying to sleep without you. We are home, but you are not with us. I am trying and trying to sleep, but I just can't. My heart is shattered without you next to it.
I just can't be without you. These words keep going through my head...."I'll have a blue, blue Christmas without you. I'll be so blue, blue thinking about you..." But really it should be "We'll have a blue, blue Life without out you...We'll be so blue, blue Always thinking about you..."
I can't breathe.
I just keep thinking that we could have done more. Maybe we waited too long to take you to the hospital. Would you still be here is we went a couple of hours sooner? I hope we did not fail you. I am so, so, so sorry.
When you came into this world, we were so overjoyed. You had the most incredible dark hair and unbelievable smile. Now, all I can do is think of that smile and hope that memory never fades.
I can't wait to see you again. I don't know if I can make it until I go to heaven. I feel as if the judge just sentenced me to life in prison. My heart is caged now and may never be free.
You were the most sweet BIG Girl. You tried so hard to always be Happy, even through all the pain this world brought to you. I know now that your pain is gone and that you are in heaven where you deserve to be.
You used to say to me "Daddy, I just want to run," and that you wished you had "long hair." Well, darling, I am sure you are running right now and jumping with your beautiful dark, long hair.
Please know Noelle that you meant and continue to mean so very much to us and that our hearts will never be full without you.
We were there, holding you, when you took your last earthly breath. And we know that when we take our last breath, you will be there with us.
With intense longing to see you again, I pray. I pray that God holds you tightly and allows you to have all that this world could not give you. I pray that you may run and jump and play with the angels completely pain free. I pray that you show off your long, long beautiful hair.
We miss you and will always love you so very much. We are so, so grateful for every moment we had and just feel so, so sad that we have you no longer.
Until we are together again,
Your loving Daddy Kitty
http://www.caringbridge.org/wi/noelle
Fundraising Focus - Final Money Deadline
FINAL MONEY DEADLINE!
Keep up the great work and thank you so much for all of your hard work! Please see your "TNT WEEKLY EMAIL" for information on the final money deadline for all teams.
RACE VOLUNTEERING – EARN $$$ FOR FUNDRAISING – THIS WEEKEND!!!
City Tri is seeking volunteers for their very successful Bassman Fall International & Half Distance Triathlon & Duathlon on October 7th at Bass River, New Jersey. Help is needed for all aspects of race. Please see your "TNT WEEKLY EMAIL" for further details.
Keep up the great work and thank you so much for all of your hard work! Please see your "TNT WEEKLY EMAIL" for information on the final money deadline for all teams.
RACE VOLUNTEERING – EARN $$$ FOR FUNDRAISING – THIS WEEKEND!!!
City Tri is seeking volunteers for their very successful Bassman Fall International & Half Distance Triathlon & Duathlon on October 7th at Bass River, New Jersey. Help is needed for all aspects of race. Please see your "TNT WEEKLY EMAIL" for further details.
The First Mile - Training this Saturday at 7:00 AM - Valley Forge
A personal message from Amanda Goble, our Team In Training Campaign Coordinator:
Congratulations to all of you who completed the longest mileage that you will do prior to your event this past weekend. Best of luck to those of who are you doing your longest this weekend. At this point you guys are more than ready. Take care of yourselves, make a last big push with that fundraising and start making plans for event weekend. I am so proud of this team and all of our accomplishments. This weekend also marks the official event for our few people who are participating in the Chicago Marathon. They have been wished well from me, but make sure you have them in your thoughts on Sunday!
GROUP TRAINING
ALL TEAMS - Saturday, October 6th at 7:00 AM – Valley Forge
Back-to-back weeks at Valley Forge and this time the longest training for the Dublin Run Team and Marine Corps! Good luck everyone!!!
TEAM NEWS
NIKE TEAM – THINGS TO KNOW PACKET: The Thinks To Know Packet and the itinerary for event weekend are attached to your "TNT WEEKLY EMAIL"! This will also be included in your goodie bag that you can get at training on the 14th, the Send-Off party on the 15th or by stopping by the office starting this Monday the 8th. Please let me know if you have questions.
ALL TEAMS – SEND-OFF PARTY: Last Friday I sent out the evite for the Send-Off Party on Monday, October 15th. It is at Walk Coach Kathy Thornton's house. Remember it is a Pot Luck so when you reply to the evite please include what you are bringing. Looks like we are going to have a great turnout. Please feel free to come last or leave early. Just come by whenever you can!
ALL TEAMS – PATIENT HERO PICTURES: LAST CALL!!! Please email a picture of your personal hero (heroes) that you would like to be included in the slideshow at the TNT Pasta Party. Please send in .jpg form and include the individual's name as well as if you are participating in honor or memory. Please send by October 5th for all teams (minus Philly – November 2nd for you guys).
THE HOME STRETCH
Event weekends are getting closer. Myself, your mentors, your coaches and our honored heroes are here for last minute tips, advice and motivation. You have all worked so incredibly hard and I cannot tell you how excited we all are for what you are about to do.
GO TEAM!!!
Amanda - Team In Training Campaign Coordinator
Congratulations to all of you who completed the longest mileage that you will do prior to your event this past weekend. Best of luck to those of who are you doing your longest this weekend. At this point you guys are more than ready. Take care of yourselves, make a last big push with that fundraising and start making plans for event weekend. I am so proud of this team and all of our accomplishments. This weekend also marks the official event for our few people who are participating in the Chicago Marathon. They have been wished well from me, but make sure you have them in your thoughts on Sunday!
GROUP TRAINING
ALL TEAMS - Saturday, October 6th at 7:00 AM – Valley Forge
Back-to-back weeks at Valley Forge and this time the longest training for the Dublin Run Team and Marine Corps! Good luck everyone!!!
TEAM NEWS
NIKE TEAM – THINGS TO KNOW PACKET: The Thinks To Know Packet and the itinerary for event weekend are attached to your "TNT WEEKLY EMAIL"! This will also be included in your goodie bag that you can get at training on the 14th, the Send-Off party on the 15th or by stopping by the office starting this Monday the 8th. Please let me know if you have questions.
ALL TEAMS – SEND-OFF PARTY: Last Friday I sent out the evite for the Send-Off Party on Monday, October 15th. It is at Walk Coach Kathy Thornton's house. Remember it is a Pot Luck so when you reply to the evite please include what you are bringing. Looks like we are going to have a great turnout. Please feel free to come last or leave early. Just come by whenever you can!
ALL TEAMS – PATIENT HERO PICTURES: LAST CALL!!! Please email a picture of your personal hero (heroes) that you would like to be included in the slideshow at the TNT Pasta Party. Please send in .jpg form and include the individual's name as well as if you are participating in honor or memory. Please send by October 5th for all teams (minus Philly – November 2nd for you guys).
THE HOME STRETCH
Event weekends are getting closer. Myself, your mentors, your coaches and our honored heroes are here for last minute tips, advice and motivation. You have all worked so incredibly hard and I cannot tell you how excited we all are for what you are about to do.
GO TEAM!!!
Amanda - Team In Training Campaign Coordinator
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