Seven years ago this week I was enduring some of the worst side effects of my first round of chemotherapy, and it was easily the most miserable week of my life. Those who have heard me talk about it or have read my book, God and Cancer, will know about some of the nasty consequences of chemo I went through. But what a difference seven years makes.

This is from my first round of chemotherapy. The bright orange fluid is a chemo drug called Idarubacin.

By God’s grace, I’ve come a long way since then. I’m so thankful for the doctors, nurses, and others who helped cure me. I’m also grateful for the researchers who spent countless hours developing the treatments that allowed me to enjoy these past seven years.

A large part of the funding spent on leukemia research has come from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Besides funding research for life-saving cures, the LLS also helped us by paying for supplies I needed once I was released from the hospital.

I want to do my part to help others who find themselves in situations similar to my own. That’s why I signed up with Team in Training. I have the opportunity to do something I enjoy (competing in a triathlon) while raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

As I post this, friends and family members have generously helped me reach 70% of the $1825 I need to raise to participate in the Nation’s Triathlon in Washington, D.C. on September 8. This unique event specifically raises money for the LLS. So while I’m training to swim 1.5k, bike 40k, and run/walk 10k, I will be trying to give back to a great cause.

Team in Training members also swim, bike, and run in memory or honor of a hero (a current leukemia or lymphoma patient, a survivor, or someone who has lost their life to one of these diseases). Obviously, I will be thinking of my own battle as I train and compete. But I have also chosen to run for the strongest little girl I’ve ever met, Peyton Sherrell. She is a Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor who has gone through so much in her young life. You can read more about her in my hero post. I also found out this week that the father of one of my best friends was just diagnosed with leukemia, so I plan to compete in his honor too.

Donations are easy to make on my Team in Training fundraising page. Any donation you can make is greatly appreciated. Even small amounts like $10 or $20 can add up quickly. All donations are tax deductible and at least 75% of all funds raised are guaranteed to go directly to the mission of LLS. Also, with any $50 or more donation, I will send you a signed copy of my book, God and Cancer. Check out the great reviews on Amazon for more information about this book.

Crossing the finish line in my “Relentless” Team in Training shirt at the Green Bay Triathlon last month.

If you aren’t able to donate any money, please pray for safety during my training (biking around here can be dangerous on the busy narrow roads), Peyton’s ongoing recovery, and that more cures will be found for these awful diseases. So much progress has been made already, but there is still more to do and we can play an important part in the effort to wipe out leukemia and lymphoma.