So…let’s jump right into it. I’ve decided to swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, and run a marathon (that’s 26.2 miles). All in the same day. No naps in between. Yikes. WHY WOULD I EVER WANT TO DO THAT, you ask? I want to eliminate cancer. I want to push myself because I can. I want to help improve the quality of life of cancer patients by improving my own health and fitness level. I want to NEVER AGAIN hear that another person has been diagnosed with cancer.
Another little detail? I’m aiming to raise $10,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through their program called Team in Training.
Don’t worry, I have a year to train for this oh-so-overwhelming and life-changing event. On Saturday, August 10th, 2013, I will be swim-bike-running through New York City and New Jersey for the Aquadraat Sports IRONMAN U.S. CHAMPIONSHIP. (You should probably put that on your calendar now…pretty sure I’m going to need some cheerleaders!)
Some of you may recall me bothering you for donations in the past when I ran my first half-marathon in Disney World, and my first marathon in San Diego; both with Team in Training. GUESS WHAT: not only am I now employed by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, I’m back to fundraising. Obviously. Are you excited? Ready to help cure cancer? Wanting to block me on all social media outlets? (Please don’t!)
Maybe you’re wondering, “umm what happened to the money I gave you the first two times you were fundraising?” Well, let me tell you about an exciting advance in cancer research:
A pill called “Gleevec® has become the standard first-line therapy for newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. LLS helped advance this groundbreaking targeted therapy and supported the researchers who helped develop the more recently approved drugs, Sprycel® and Tasigna®. These drugs make it possible for patients to survive many years with good quality of life. The 10-year survival rate has been remarkably improved, from approximately one in ten to nearly nine in ten for chronic phase CML patients (including children). Gleevec® is also approved for patients with rare skin and stomach tumors, and showing promise in many other cancers.”
More info: http://www.lls.org/#/aboutlls/researchsuccesses/
OH and I have to add, I’m so proud of my alma mater, the University of Kansas. They just so happen to be collaborating with my place of employment, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, in a clinical trial targeting adult leukemia.
ROCK. CHALK. JAYHAWK.
So, even though I absolutely love my job, I want my boss to someday say, “Hey Kara, we cured cancer so I guess you need to go find a new job.” (Or maybe they can just continue changing the world in a slightly different way. That would be fab.)
Someday, I want my grandchildren to look in an old textbook and wonder, “hey, what’s this leukemia thing?” They will never have heard of lymphoma because it will be LONG GONE by then. I want to tell them about the wonderful things LLS did back when there were still horrible blood cancers in the world. But not anymore.
Let’s make this happen in our lifetime, okay? Okay.
So here I am, asking you to please make a donation in support of my IRONMAN and help advance the research for cures. Here’s the link to make a tax-deductible donation from the comfortableness of your own home!
http://pages.teamintraining.org/nyc/ironman13/kbeussink
Guess I have to learn how to do more than just run now…
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.
Oh my gosh!! I am so excited for you, Kara!! I can’t wait to follow all of your training adventures
Completing an Ironman is definitely on my bucket list
Thank you! DO IT!!
Wow… I’m sitting here speechless and inspired. What a worthy cause and a great way to stay motivated during the hard times. The thought of changing the world is inspiring! I’ll definitely be following your journey!
Thank you for the support, that’s so nice of you! Happy to have you “following”
That. Is. Awesome.
Seriously… You’re not messing around! No sprint triathlon or HALF Ironman… You’re going full-throttle with a real, true Ironman. WOW.
Enjoy the training and appreciating what your body can do. While I was training for my first marathon (with Team in Training!) I used to cheer my friends on during our long runs by saying “Cancer sucks worse!” so maybe you can use that to get you through some tough miles.
Good luck!
Well, I do plan to do some sprint triathlons (I have one next weekend!) and there if a half-Ironman in my training plan. But yeah I guess I am pretty much jumping right in
Yikes!
That’s amazing you did TNT too!! It’s the best, right? I did my first marathon with them as well.
I agree – it’s way harder on the cancer patients. I always keep them in my thoughts when I’m running or going through a tough workout. It’s so true – thanks for the reminder!
Awesome!! So excited for you!! Can’t wait to cheer you on!!
Thanks friend!
Weige Weige Weige Weige … So pumped for you! Kick some cancer butt!
I plan to
cannot wait to hear your experiences with the Ironman! that’s awesome. My Bf’s uncle has done 5!!!! craziness
Wow, that’s amazing! I need him to send me tips haha
WHOA!!! That’s huge!!! Congratuations!!!!!
Thanks!!
How is the swimming going! I find it funny that so many people avoid the swim training and neglect it, when its really where most are weak so you can really get a good start if you are not so weak! Good luck!
Going better, thanks! I know so many people who are like that! I’m the opposite though…I’m scared of the swim so I try to practice it more because I don’t want to be totally unprepared on race day – I know I need to work on it!