Why I Do What I Do?

Everyone always asks me why I coach, why I train, why I run, why I swim, why I bike, why I get up at 4am every day. Well here is why. This was passed on to me from a friend but it sums it all up very nicely!

WHY we TRI (Triathlon), RUN or WALK or CYCLE?
. . .The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. We have invested more than $600 million in research since 1949 - over $71 million in 2008 - specifically targeting Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma. Last year alone, LLS made 6.3 million contacts with patients, caregivers and health care professionals. We are running for Team in Training and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's. Our mission is to find a cure for Leukemia, Lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and Myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. We are raising money to help find a cure and help support patients and their families dealing with blood cancers.

Here are ten of the infinite reasons why we continue to put ourselves through hours of strenuous training every week...

We Run, We Walk, We Cycle, We Tri...because every four minutes someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer.

We Run, We Walk, We Cycle, We Tri...because every ten minutes someone dies from a blood cancer.

We Run, We Walk, We Cycle, We Tri...because hearing the stories of our honored teammates helps us realize that the pain we experience is nothing compared to what they endure for months or years.

We Run, We Walk, We Cycle, We Tri...because anyone battling a blood cancer would rather train and complete a half / full marathon / triathlon (or Ironman) than to go through another chemo treatment!

We Run, We Walk, We Cycle, We Tri...to honor those we know and don't know who are living with a blood cancer or have lost the battle.

We Run, We Walk, We Cycle, We Tri...because every mile we run, walk, swim or cycle and every dollar raised makes a difference in someone's life.

We Run, We Walk, We Cycle, We Tri...so that a child or an adult with cancer can have another birthday!

We Run, We Walk, We Cycle, We Tri...so that another parent or family does not have to hear the words: "I am sorry I have to tell you that ...."

We Run, We Walk, We Cycle, We Tri...because every day The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is making advances in blood cancer research, educating the world, and improving the quality of life for blood cancer patients.

We Run, We Walk, We Cycle, We Tri...because in some small way, we're helping to save a life!

All I can say is that I am SO THANKFUL that I CAN RUN, WALK, CYCLE and TRI!

I love you my friends!

XOXOX,
Elizabeth