Cancer affects millions of people each year. In 2012 alone, 14 million patients were newly diagnosed worldwide. By participating in the NY Marathon via Team in Training (TNT), I helped raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), doing my part to help those affected by this treacherous disease.

Team in Training

As the largest charity endurance training program in the world, TNT has been achieving incredible things for more than 3 decades. It is a revolution in endurance sports. By joining the team, I joined 650,000 athletes whose goal is to support LLS. By contributing, we are supporting research that will hopefully lead to a world without blood cancers.

TNT helps athletes of all backgrounds prepare for races through nutrition plans, routines, interactive training support, and more. It’s as simple as registering through Team in Training (as an individual or with a team of friends/family), raising funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and training to cross the finish line with a time you’re proud of.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

TNT helps the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society support cutting-edge research projects. LLS’s Therapy Acceleration Program helps with innovation of new cancer treatments by investing $10 million per year. In addition, LLS has donated $100 million in the past 5 years to develop new treatments for acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Since 1949, LLS has invested more than $1.2 billion into research. Their goal is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma, while also improving the quality of life for patients and their families. In fact, the society has helped more than 55,000 patients afford treatment.

While the statistics are impressive, I like to also focus on the individuals affected by these horrible diseases. A cancer diagnosis can turn your life upside down, and foundations like LLS are helping to ease the burden. The research they fund also hopes to eliminate these diseases for future generations.

My Experience

Team in Training has helped me turn my love of fitness into a way to help society. Running a marathon isn’t an easy task, and it requires training and dedication. However, knowing that your contributions are helping to fund 250+ active research projects gives you the push to keep going.

If you’re interested in both fitness and charity, I would strongly consider registering with Team in Training. It is a well-run program that supports a worthy cause. Even if you’re not interested in running a marathon, you could participate in a triathlon, shorter run/walk, cycling race, hike or climb.

There are also other ways to help The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s cause. Their website has a plethora of information for anyone interested. The society’s mission means a lot to me, and I would greatly appreciate anyone who contributes to the cause.