Today’s post comes to us courtesy of coach Chris Barber. Chris originally joined TNT after learning that his Uncle, who had recently gone into remission from lymphoma, had been treated with drugs developed by researchers funded by LLS. His first event was the San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in 2003. After that, he was hooked: he came back as a mentor, and then eventually a coach.
Coach Chris and teammates at the Ironman Louisville
Chris recently signed up for the spring season of Team In Training as a fundraising participant. His mission? To complete the Mayor’s Midnight Sun Marathon in Alaska, and to raise more money and awareness for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Why is he fundraising as a participant when he’s the coach? Read on for his fundraising letter to find out!
Many of you know my story with Team in Training, and the volunteer work I have done as well as coaching over the last 7 years. In that time I have seen the great advances in cancer treatments which were in large part made possible by researchers funded by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Patient services also play a huge role in what LLS is all about. When you hear about lower income parents of sick children from the central valley being flown to Stanford and put in hotels so these kids wouldn’t have to go through treatments alone, you can’t help but feel not only good, but proud, to be a part of such a great foundation.
Unfortunately, over time I have also seen our teams get smaller and retention rates have gone down, mainly due to the state of our economy. This, of course, means less money is coming in for this great cause, which means fewer researchers and less patient services. This season I thought I would take a different approach to encouraging our participants to stick with the program and continue fundraising.
This season I am going to practice what I preach and I will be training as well as fundraising along with the team while we train for and run the Mayors Marathon in Anchorage, AK. I hope that you would be so inclined to help me in my effort. If I can raise funds and show participants not only that it can be done, but I am going along with them in every aspect of the program, perhaps more of them will commit to completion. Your donation, large or small, would then become a part of something much, much greater.
Please use the link in this email to donate online quickly and securely plus learn more about my progress. You will receive a confirmation of your donation by email and I will be notified as soon as you make your donation.
http://pages.teamintraining.org/sj/anchor11/cbarber8gy
Each donation helps accelerate finding a cure for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. More than 823,000 Americans are battling these blood cancers. I am hoping that my participation in Team In Training will help bring them hope and support.
On behalf of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, thank you very much for your support. I greatly appreciate your generosity.
Thank you,
Chris Barber
Feeling inspired? Why not join Coach Chris at a free training, offered through February only! Or, if you’re really feeling motivated, there’s still time to sign up for the spring season of TNT and train for the Mayor’s Midnight Sun Marathon, or any one of our other exciting spring season events! Help us walk the talk and cure blood cancers!
