Amazing things are happening...

Let's take a look at the video “Fire with Fire” for a glimpse.  This interview and clip tells the miracle story of Emma, a leukemia survivor, and the exceptional work of Dr. June’s team.

Not only is the work being done helping leukemia and lymphoma cancers, but this research will benefit all cancers. I am overwhelmed with excitement about the possibilities of a cure to fight cancer. When you have a moment, please take some time to watch the HBO Special Report – VICE: Killing Cancer Special at the end of this blog entry for further details on the research being done.

A look at my week of training... slowly, but surely.

Tuesday, 3/17 - Shirlington Pacers Run Club, 3 miles.

Beautiful day, but the wind was still pretty icy… had a great time with my girls.

Thursday, 3/19 - Old Town, Alexandria Pacers Fun Run, 4 miles.

Thanks for going the additional unexpected mile with me Sara B.!

 

 

Saturday, 3/21 - Delaware, 3.5 miles.

Brandon and I loved running the flat country roads… so quiet and peaceful with very few vehicles passing through. Nice change from the hustle and bustle of NOVA/DC.  We had a great time with the McCanns and the Malloys.  Activities included auctions, the Amish market, family dinner, and the Vietnam Vets of America Fried Oyster & Dumpling Dinner.  

Other than the snow we had on the first day of Spring (meh), it was a beautiful week for running. 

Sunday, 3/23 - Rested on Sunday, but sharing some news.

Great end to the weekend with family and friends. I received the honor of being the godmother to a beautiful baby boy, Andrew Matthew Fitzgerald (miracle baby and blessing), son of John and Sara Fitzgerald. Sara Fitzgerald, is my brave bestie that was first diagnosed with colon cancer the summer of 2012 and finished her last round of chemo March 2013. I was incredibly proud of her as I witnessed/supported her through a round of chemo and watched her kick cancer's ass. :) Andrew was born on October 30, 2014 and is perfect.

  

Fundraising progress.

I have raised $100, wahoo! A start. :) After collaborating with my amazing friend Ellen, the School and Youth Campaign Manager for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s NCA chapter and experienced with fundraising efforts,  I have some ideas in the bag.  The idea of reaching my goal is now less intimidating (fundraising part, not the marathon part haha) and seems less out of reach.

First, I decided to do a fun goal of trying to find support in all fifty states. With that said, please share my blog link with anyone you know that can fill a state on my map... $1 or more per state. Thanks Nicole and Brandon for filling VA!

I will be filling each state on the map below and update on my blog as I receive support, so my blog followers can see my progress.

 

Fun upcoming events.

Finally, please stay tuned! I plan on having some events this spring/summer towards the cause. I was thinking a happy hour raffle at a restaurant/bar, fun hosted wine give away/dinner, and wine glass painting event. If you have any additional ideas please comment here. Thanks!

Click here to make a donation OR click the LLS Team in Training logo/donate now link in the right pane of this blog.

VICE Season 3 Special Report: Killing Cancer (HBO) - Sharing via my friend Ellen Shannon.

Ok, so I've decided to commit...

I never thought I would be doing a marathon, but want to achieve this goal once in my lifetime. Crazy?! Maybe haha. If you had asked me a few years ago I would have responded with such... "no that is crazy... I'm not a runner" or even just a year ago I would have responded with "no I run to be healthy, maintain fitness goals, and would not want to injure myself by doing a marathon." However, nothing is out of reach with proper training and I BELIEVE I CAN DO THIS.

I first started running when I moved to beautiful Old Town Alexandria and my dear friend Nicole introduced me to the idea of going on runs with her and trying a race. I joined in fun runs at the run club at Pacers with some of my girlfriends and friends from my building, ran for fun with my love... smiling, and continued to participate in races. Every time I would complete a new race, Nicole would respond with "haha now you'll be ready for a 4 miler... 10k... 10 miler... half marathon etc. and chuckle when I would respond "haha nope, no way." I've been back and forth about participating, but what better time  to train then after completing my Master's in Cybersecurity and before I start a family of my own. I would love to achieve my once in a lifetime goal coupled with a chance to support an amazing cause to save lives.

I am participating in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Team in Training for the Marine Corps Marathon and need your support. Several people I know have battled cancer/kicked cancer's ass and personally saw a best friend go through beating cancer, so the idea of helping to fight cancer hits close to home. I am not keen on pressuring or soliciting family or friends for funds, so just want to mention that your support can be shown in many forms such as sharing my website/blog and no donation amount is too small. $5 could go towards this amazing cause to help raise funds for treatments that save lives every day; like immunotherapies that use a person's own immune system to kill cancer.

I will be documenting my training and fundraising efforts through this blog, so please check back from time to time. :)

I want to thank Ellen Shannon for first making me aware of this amazing cause while
participating in the Marine Corps Marathon 10k last year.

My fundraising website:
http://pages.teamintraining.org/nca/corps15/KimberlyConway#My-Fundraising-Page

For more information about my Team in Training participation go to: http://www.teamintraining.org/

The breakdown of how much one donation of any size can help is listed below.

I will meet my $1500 fundraising goal if...
290 people donate $5 or
145 people donate $10 or
97 people donate $15 or
72 people donate $20 or
any variation of donations you feel comfortable with, every dollar helps!