If you know me, you know that the fight against blood cancers is a cause that is near and dear to me and to my family. I've been raising funds ... or supporting others raising funds ... to fund blood cancer research and patient services for 20 years. In memory of my early childhood friend Nicole who we lost to leukemia in the early 1970s to the courageous fight of my sister's college friend Heather that sadly ended in 2016, and in honor of the many patients, survivors, and researchers whose paths have crossed mine along the many miles of marathon and half-marathon training and races -- they are why I am motivated and determined to do my part to help finally find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, and all blood cancers.
Did you know there are 137 specific types of blood cancer? So that's my challenge. Inspired by my friend, Rebecca, battling her own early stage diagnosis, I am joining a group of like-minded friends to raise awareness and money to support blood cancer research - and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. My challenge is to complete 137 weightlifting sessions by the end of September 2018 and along the way lift 500,000 pounds - little dumbbell by little dumbbell at home, or in some hotel fitness center around the world.
I'm humbled and thankful if you've read this far. And I'm even more thankful if you'll consider a small donation to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. (And to those who donated under my prior fundraising link - thanks for helping me reach nearly 30% of my original fundraising goal before my switch to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.)
