The Story: Part II:

Fast forward 4 months to October 2006:

My mom and dad go to a support group meeting for people with myeloma, a seminar type of thing where they talk about living with myeloma and things that you can do to help, and my parents came across the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and their Team In Training program.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. The society’s mission: CURE LEUKEMIA, LYMPHOMA, HODGKIN’S DISEASE & MYELOMA, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, the Society has invested $483 million in leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma research. Team in Training is a program within the LLS that trains ordinary people to do endurance events, whether it be marathons (or 1/2 marathons!), triathalons (and ironman challenges), and 100 mi bike rides. The mission is to bring together a team of people who want to make a difference and help raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society.

So on October 14, 2006, I get a call at around 730 in the morning and it's my dad on the other line... Check your email, we've got a meeting to go support myeloma research, be there at 9am, it's 5 mi from your place.

I get there to find out that my parents had signed up to do a 100 mi bike ride to raise money for myeloma. My first reaction was... WTF? my mom can't ride 100 miles on a bike... not to mention last time we rode was 6+ years ago! However, I find out that it's a comprehensive training program, and I could tell immediately that my dad was inspired, so there was no hesitation when they asked me if I was doing the ride too. It was really amazing to see all the people there that were in support of people who have these diseases, and even more inspiring to see people with these blood cancers who's lives were touched (not to mention all of those w/ blood cancers who were eager and participating as well). From there we saw what the help and support that we bring gives to people, whether it be money for research grants, improved living conditions, or most importantly, hope and knowing there are people out there who care and support them.

And so started my training with the Team in Training to complete the Solvang Century Bicycle Ride, March 10, 2007, and to raise awareness and funds to someday beat these blood cancers.

I hope you continue to read the updates that follow, as I promise they won't be as long as either of these last 2 posts =)