Team-In-Training / Dublin Marathon

Okay, so most of the people reading this blog already know this, but I'm one of those crazy people that enjoys running absurdly long distances for fun. In fact I've run two marathons this year. What you may not know is that this time I've decided to be a little more structured with my training, and while doing that, make my run count for something.

I am training to run the 2009 Adidas Dublin Marathon in Dublin, Ireland on October 26, 2009 to raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).

An estimated 138,530 people in the United States were diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma in 2008 and they will kill an estimated 52,910 people in the United States this year. In other words, blood cancer will kill one child or adult every ten minutes, or 145 people every day.

LLS is a non-profit organization that has made great strides in understanding blood cancer and the lifesaving drugs and treatments to fight them. Since LLS was created in 1949, it has invested more than $600 million in leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma research. It currently underwrites the work of more than 379 active grantees and 116 institutions in the United States and abroad. Five year survival rates have drastically improved in the last 40 years (myeloma has increased 20%; Hodgkin Lymphoma increased 45%; Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma increased 29%; and Leukemia has increased 34%) in large part to efforts of LLS.

LLS offers the most comprehensive array of services to patients and families touched by blood cancers. With over 68 chapters throughout the United States, it conducts life-enhancing programs, including support groups, peer counseling, educational programs and patient financial aid. LLS also hosts numerous teleconferences and Web casts for medical professionals to share the latest research findings.

I have two goals: 1) to finish the marathon (26.2 miles) in under 3.5 hours and 2) to raise $6,500 for LLS. I have been training to run the marathon but I need your help in reaching my fundraising goal!

Please join me in supporting LLS in the fight against blood cancer and make a donation. All contributions are welcome and 75% goes directly to research, patient services, education, advocacy and community service. Plus your donation is 100% tax deductible! Also, if you could help spread the word to your friends and family, it would be greatly appreciated.

You can make a donation online at my webpage: http://pages.teamintraining.org/ms/dublin09/socrrulz02
or email me if you'd like to send a check and I'll give you instructions on how to do that.

Email: andrew.olsen@alumni.lsu.edu

If you would like more information on LLS, their website is www.lls.org

Businesses are also welcome to become a corporate sponsor with packages ranging from $1,000-10,000. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor and having your company name and logo displayed, please send me an email and I will give you the details.

P.S. If you or someone you know has fought a battle with a blood cancer and you would like for me to run "In Memory" or "In Honor" of them on Race Day please send me an email.