Emily's Story

"Whether it was addressing thank you letters or helping to fill out grant applications, it always felt like I was making some sort of difference."  Emily, a junior at the University of Notre Dame, talks about her summer internship program with the North Texas Chapter.

We are currently seeking fall interns for both the Dallas and Fort Worth offices. Contact Alexis Meyer at Alexis.Meyer@lls.org to learn more about the available opportunities.

Read on for a little interview with Emily. 

I'm originally from Allen, TX and graduated from Ursuline Academy of Dallas in 2015. I'm currently a junior finance and economics major with an Italian minor at the University of Notre Dame. At school, I am involved with student government, serve as my dorm's service commissioner, and intern at the Ronald McDonald Family Center of South Bend. I have loved getting the chance to be a part of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Light The Night and Team In Training programs this summer and hope to be able to participate in a Team In Training running event sometime soon!

What made you decide to intern at LLS?

I first learned about LLS from my cousin Peggy Stephens who works with Light The Night in Houston. Her work for that campaign and with LLS in general completely blew me away so when I learned about this opportunity in Dallas, I could not wait to be a part of the work that LLS does and to learn more about the programs that we offer.

Which campaign were you involved with this summer?

I worked with the Light The Night and Team In Training campaigns which gave me the unique opportunity to learn about two different types programs. As a part of Light The Night, I had the chance to communicate with teams about fundraising goal setting and learn about the preparation involved for the Corporate Recruitment Event. As a part of Team In Training, I communicated regularly with coaches and volunteers, recruited volunteers for fundraising events, and had the chance to meet several TNT participants from when I attended our annual Too Hot To Handle event.

What would you consider the most valuable part of your internship?

While I learned a lot throughout this internship, the most valuable thing for me was that every time I came into the office, I was reminded that I was doing something to help someone who had been affected by blood cancer. Whether it was addressing thank you letters or helping to fill out grant applications, it always felt like I was making some sort of difference.

What skills will you take with you from this internship to utilize in your future endeavors?

Throughout this internship, I have had the chance to further develop my communication skills and to learn more about long-term event planning. With Light The Night, I was able to speak directly with team captains over the phone and help them with goal setting. I also sat in on a meeting about long-term planning for the LTN event and the kickoff events leading up to it. With Team In Training, I sent weekly updates to coaches and volunteers and had the opportunity to take the lead on recruiting volunteers for our Too Hot To Handle event. I loved being a part of these programs this summer and look forward to applying the skills as I continue in school next year.

* * * * * * *

We are currently seeking fall interns for both the Dallas and Fort Worth offices. Contact Alexis Meyer at Alexis.Meyer@lls.org to learn more about the available opportunities.  Find the job description and application info here. 

#TNT Because : Meet Thad Smith

We are continuing our series on the blog with interviewing current Team In Training (TNT) participants. Today we are chatting with Thad Smith of Dallas.  Thad just completed his first TNT event where he rode in America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride around Lake Tahoe. Thad and other members of Team Texas raised nearly $200,000 for LLS. Read on to hear more of why Thad joined up with the Team this season.  

1. What made you decide to participate in the Tahoe Century Ride? 

First, Blake and Rebecca Holmes are dear friends who I admire and respect.  Their son, Gage, was diagnosed with Leukemia 10 years ago and has been healed.  He’s a thriving 14 year old boy now.  So, I rode to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of his life.  Secondly, I’ve done other rides before which were about personal accomplishment, but not part of a group effort for a greater cause.  With TNT I was training with others focused on raising funds and awareness for Leukemia and Lymphoma research and treatment. 
  

Me (on left) and Ricardo Meade overlooking Emerald Bay

 2. What got you involved with Team In Training?

 I was asked by the Holmes’ to join their team and be part of the effort.

3. Finish this sentence, I do "TNTBecause..."

I do “TNT because I fight alongside all of the brave children and adults who are afflicted with Leukemia and Lymphoma.”

4. Tell us about the team you are cycling with. 

Team Gage is a dozen folks who are friends with Blake and Rebecca as well as a few family members.  Our “day jobs” range from wealth management to homemaker to plastic surgeon and even an adult oncologist.   Some of us were relative newcomers to cycling and needed to rent a bike while others had a good deal of experience and had done other century rides.

The team at the start of the ride @ 6AM.

Post Ride Brunch: (Left to right)- Ricardo Meade, Me, Blake Holmes, Rebecca Holmes, Houston Holmes, Sheila Holmes, Erin Schreyer, Ed Schreyer

  _____________________________________________________________________________

It's not too late to join the TEAM this season.  Register for an event today.
www.teamintraining.org

Meet Heather Evans - New LLS Staff

Heather Evans has been involved with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society since 2008 when she began as a volunteer for the Georgia chapter. She lost her grandfather to Multiple Myeloma so she says that she will fight until there is a cure. Heather will be managing the Team In Training program in North Texas.  Below she answered a couple questions about herself.

1. Tell us about your nonprofit background.

I have been involved with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society since 2008. I began as a volunteer and intern with Georgia Chapter of Light The Night. I worked on the Atlanta event in 2008 and after my internship finished, I transitioned into a coordinator position with Student Series. I worked with schools across Georgia to implement planning meetings and school assemblies. During the 2008- 2009 school year, Georgia schools raised nearly $509,000 to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. In January 2010, I transitioned back to Light The Night as a Campaign Manager. I worked with 15 corporate teams in Metro Atlanta and also oversaw the event in Albany, GA. In addition to working on Student Series and Light The Night, I also started training for my first Team In Training event as a teammate in 2009 and served as Team In Training Mentor in 2010.

2. What attracted you to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society?

The mission. I lost my grandfather to Multiple Myeloma . At the end of his battle he was in ICU; I was too young at the time to go up to the ICU floor. My grandfather passed away the day he was supposed to come home; I never got to say goodbye in person. I remember getting home from school that day, excited to go to visit him. My mom should have been waiting for me, but it was my dad’s car parked in the driveway; dad was always home for dinner, but not usually earlier during the work week. I knew as soon as I saw my dad’s car that my grandfather hadn’t made it home that day. I miss him every day and I am committed to finding a cure, so no one else has to lose their grandfather or grandmother, mother or father, son or daughter, brother or sister, or friend or any other member of their family. I will fight until there is a cure.

3. What do you think is so interesting about working with teams and individuals in a fundraising capacity?

The best part about helping others reach their fundraising goals is when they make it! People come to Team In Training for a variety of reasons; some of a connection to the mission, others have a fitness goal, but no matter what originally brought them to TNT, nothing beats the feeling of knowing you have reached your fundraising goal, and those dollars that you have raised will go towards making tremendous strides in the fight against blood cancers!

4. What are you most looking forward to with the Team In Training Campaign this year?

Having participated in TNT myself, I always look most forward to watching the teammates cross the finish line in their purple jersey. I hope that all teammates wear their purple with pride. Completing an endurance event isn’t easy, but these amazing teammates complete their events while also raising thousands of dollars for blood cancer. Whether it’s someone’s first or fiftieth TNT event, there is so much to celebrate as they cross the finish line; because of them we are one step closer to a cure.


5. What do you want people to know about you?

I live by the saying that “Life is a journey…not a destination.” It’s been written across my feet since I was eighteen years old; after all, our feet are the means by which we take our journey.  I have a passion for travel and have visited over twenty-five countries.  I am committed to making my own journey on this planet and everyone’s as meaningful as possible.

You can find Heather in and out of our Dallas office.  She can be reached via email at heather.evans@lls.org or phone at 972.996.5939. Welcome to LLS!  We are so excited to have you on board.

#TNTbecause - Meet Robert Mullins

We are continuing our series on the blog with interviewing current Team In Training (TNT) participants. Today we are chatting with Robert Mullins of Tyler.  Robert is a long time volunteer of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  He first got involved after his wife lost her battle to Lymphoma.  Over the years, he has served as the team captain of The Lymphoblasters fundraising team for Light The Night as well as completed several Team In Training fundraising events. He regularly serves as an all star volunteer and representative of TNT at local events around North Texas. 

1. What got you involved with Team In Training?

My late wife, Vanessa Rae Holland Mullins. I made a commitment to her to continue with her journey of finding a cure for blood cancers.  I heard about Team In Training and decided to not only help on her journey but to get myself healthy enough to run my first half marathon.  

2. Finish this sentence, I do "TNTBecause..."

I made a promise to my late wife that if she was to succumb to Lymphoma, then I will do all I can within my power to help find a cure.  TNT was another avenue within LLS that I could continue with her mission and the Society's mission that Someday is Today. 

3. Tell us why you continue to volunteer with TNT.

I continue to volunteer due to the relationships that have been formed with other members and staff.  We are all in this fight together. 

4. What's your favorite TNT memory so far? 

My favorite memory would be participating and finishing my first half marathon rightly named "Hero Thon".  It was held in San Antonio and was organized by LLS and TNT. 

  _____________________________________________________________________________

It's not too late to join the TEAM this season.  Register for an event today.
www.teamintraining.org

#TNTBECAUSE: Meet Sarah Chua

Meet Sarah Chua, one of the newest members of North Texas Mega Team Team Ecks Factor. As a team, they have already raised over $80,000 this year. Sarah runs in honor of her mom and many other family members affected by blood cancers. Sarah is currently training for her 3rd TNT event, the New York City Marathon. Read on to hear more of our interview with Sarah.

1. What made you decide to participate in the New York City Marathon?

I decided to participate in the New York City Marathon because I thought training, fundraising and running through NYC would be a fantastic way to celebrate my upcoming 30th birthday and celebrate my TNT Honored Heroes.  Since joining in 2016, the New York City Marathon will be my 3rd TNT event and second full marathon.


2. What got you involved with Team In Training?

I first found out about Team in Training from my cousin, Tracy. She started fundraising with Team in Training in Minneapolis after recovering from her stem cell transplant and treatment for Hogkins Lymphoma.

In 2013, my mother was diagnosed with a type of non-Hogkins Lymphoma. This diagnosis was received after 10 years of remission from a previous breast cancer diagnosis.  My mom underwent many rounds of chemotherapy that fall and on December 20th had an autologus stem cell transplant.    

I have many friends and family members affected by blood cancers. My mom, two cousins and friends have received stem cell transplants and are currently in good health. I have two close family friends living with blood cancer. My husband's grandfather was diagnosed with lymphosarcoma in 1979. The list goes on...

I have been a runner for most of my life and love the challenge of long distance running. My life has been touched by cancer and I felt called to join TNT and use my passion to make a difference for others. I enjoy running for the personal challenges and the adventures it provides. But, on those days I'd rather binge Netflix, I lace up my shoes to run or I work hard to fundraise because someone's life depends on it. I do it because running through my pain or ignoring my uneasiness asking people to part with a portion of their hard earned wage is inconsequential compared to the struggle of someone coping with the side effects of chemotherapy or someone regaining their strength after a stem cell transplant takes them to the edge and beyond.


3. Finish this sentence, I do “TNTBecause…”

I do TNTBecause the list of people I know affected by cancer is too long.

4. Tell us why you joined Team Ecks Factor.

Mascot Dave's story and attitude is so inspirational to me and I joined Team Ecks Factor to support Mascot Dave, his friends and family. I was a member of Team Five Alive last year and also love the additional camaraderie formed by TNT members joining fundraising forces to dedicate money towards a specific research grant or study.

5. What’s your favorite TNT memory so far?

My favorite TNT memory so far was the weekend of the 2016 Dallas Marathon since it was a weekend honoring blood cancer warriors. That Saturday, my family and I attended a luncheon celebrating a friend's 10 years after her stem cell transplant. My family also attended the Honored Hero dinner that evening.  After hearing me talk about it so much, I loved sharing the full TNT experience and mission moments with my parents and husband.

Race-day on Sunday was a flood of emotion as I checked an item off my bucket list and completed my first full marathon. With over 150 runners at the event, we raised over $160K for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  A few days later, we commemorated 3 years since my mom's stem cell transplant. It was a crazy few days, but so worth the blood, sweat and tears of the previous 6 months of training and fundraising to share those meaningful days with my friends and family.   

* * * * *

You can read more of Mascot Dave's story on his personal blog here. 

We know that Mascot Dave has touched so many people over the years. Anyone can join Team Ecks Factor and help them reach their goal of $250,000!  

Register for an event today.

www.teamintraining.org/ntx

#TNTBECAUSE: Meet Jim Hogan

We are continuing our series on the blog with interviewing current Team In Training (TNT) participants. Today we are chatting with Jim Hogan of Fort Worth.  He is an avid runner who has completed several marathons, ultra-marathons and triathlons. Jim has been involved with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) since 2009 where he currently serves on our North Texas Board of Directors, the Links for Leukemia Golf Tournament committee and is an active participant in the Light The Night Campaign.  Jim is currently training with Team In Training for the 2017 Boston Marathon and will be one of only two TNT participants representing Texas!

1. What made you decide to run Boston Marathon?

As an aging “injury prone” marathon runner, The Boston Marathon is the most prestigious marathon you can participate in.  I lost my mother to brain cancer last year and that inspired me to really start training again so that I could complete this final run, and what a marathon to end on! 

Jim's mom, Judy Hogan

2. What does it mean to you that you secured one of the coveted spots for this race?

As a runner it’s achieving Mt Everest! I am honored and blessed to be able to participate in one of the world’s greatest sporting events.  It’s very hard to be able to put into words how it feels knowing that in a few weeks I will be able to say that I am a Boston Marathon finisher.  I have come close to qualifying several times so knowing that it’s actually happening is quite surreal.  To top it all off I not only get to check off one from the bucket list, but get to do it representing a cause that I have been a part of for 8 years. I am so honored to get to run and represent LLS and TNT.

3. What got you involved with Team In Training?

I was introduced to TNT through work associates.  Being a runner for many years I really enjoyed the idea of being a part of a team and running for a cause.

Jim running the Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Marathon

4. Finish this sentence, I do “TNTBecause…”

I do TNT because others are not able to. And what I mean by that is as I got more involved with LLS we get the opportunity to visit hospitals and meet children and parents who are affected by blood cancers.  I run for them!

5. Anything else interesting that you would like to tell us?
 

I have 3 awesome boys who keep me insanely busy.  I am surrounded by family and a great group friends who support me in all of my endeavors and craziness.  I am a very lucky man!

Jim's sons

  _____________________________________________________________________________

It's not too late to join Jim and the TEAM this season.  Register for an event today.
www.teamintraining.org

#TNTBECAUSE - Meet Talya Sapienza

We are continuing our series on the blog with interviewing current Team In Training participants. Today we are chatting with Talya Sapienza. Talya has been involved with LLS since 2012.  She is currently training for the 2017 Boston Marathon and will be one of only 2 TNT participants representing Texas! So far she has raised over $11,056 for LLS. 

Talya Steeping across the finish line here in Dallas at Tuers de Fleurs

1. What made you decide to run Boston Marathon?

It's my home city. I grew up in Massachusetts. I pahk my cah and love a subway. I will never forget the day my mom called me to tell me the Marathon had been bombed. I lived here, and at the time, they were still living there. I was devastated. Even though I was 2,000 miles away I was angry that someone had messed with my city. My determination to go back and run those streets started on that day.

2. What does it mean to you that you secured one of the coveted spots for this race?

It is an honor beyond compare. I cannot even put it into words, and often when I think about it, I still tear up. It is like someone has just given you your dream!

3. What got you involved with Team In Training?

Originally my nana. She was diagnosed with adult chronic Leukemia and it eventually took her life when I was in college. She taught me to fight and never give up. She is a guardian angel that keeps me sane on those long miles. After I joined I met my honored hero, Grayson Hughes. He was this helpless little person with bandages and tubes. He could barely keep his eyes awake he was so exhausted most of the time during meetings. Soon after I became close with his mom, my best friend, and the entire family. I saw treatments and on an amazing day in Jan. I saw him ring the survivor bell. He is healthy and a total inspiration. I run for him and for my nana. 

Grayson ringing his survivor bell that he donated to Children's Plano.

4. Finish this sentence, I do “TNTBecause…” 

I can! I am a healthy person that has the ability to run and raise money for patients to get better treatment, as well as research to find a cure. I am honored and blessed on so many levels to be able to do this. To me it is a no-brainer.

5. Tell us about your involvement with Team Ecks Factor. 

I was approached not too long ago through a friend of a friend to maybe give my fundraising earnings to a local team. When they told me the story of Team Ecks Factor I thought, "Of course"! I love knowing that I was a part of something larger than myself. It is just a great team! There are 26.2 miles in a marathon, and I definitely have more than 26 reasons to run for team in training.

Pictured above is my Boston team before we went out on our 20 mile training run last weekend.

  ______________________________________________________________________________

 Anyone can join Team Ecks Factor and help them reach their goal of $250,000!

Register for an event today.

www.teamintraining.org/ntx

Team Ecks Factor Sets Goal at $250,000

Meet North Texas's Newest Mega Team! 

Team Ecks Factor

Dave Eckberg is a hero to so many people.  He’s a hero to his wife, children, and grandchildren.  He’s a hero to his siblings and nephews and nieces.  He’s a hero to his friends and neighbors.  And he’s a hero to the many patients that he cared for over his 20+ year career as an OB/GYN.  Finally, he’s a hero to so many people involved with Team in Training and The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  We consider him our Honored Hero, but he humbly declines the title and insists that we – the folks out running the miles and doing the fundraising for folks like him – are the real heroes.  He insists that we instead refer to him as our team mascot, Mascot Dave.

After 15 years of fighting his CLL, Dave has run out of chemotherapy treatment options.  He’s been treated and gone into remission many times over the years, but his disease has always come back.  So now he’s getting a bone marrow/stem cell transplant – a risky and challenging procedure.  

In honor of Mascot Dave’s journey, Team Ecks Factor has been formed.  They are a group of friends, family, and TNT teammates (who have become dear friends and family) working together to raise money for LLS - money that will be used to fund research into new treatments and, hopefully very soon, cures!   

Dave's family was first involved with LLS over 10 years ago when they participated in the Fort Worth Light The Night walk in 2007. It seems fitting that a decade later they use the same name for their greatly expanded team! 

Dave checked into M.D.Anderson Cancer Hospital back in February in preparation for his bone marrow transplant. During his hospital stay he had to walk every day. His TNT friend, Megan Rouse, came up with the idea of him actually completing a half marathon around the nurses station.  Dave said "I will be completing laps around the nurses pod and each is .2 miles.  The nurses hand out stickers for each lap so I can keep track."

Before he was discharged he completed his virtual half marathon! 

You can read more of Mascot Dave's story on his personal blog here. 

We know that Mascot Dave has touched so many people over the years. Anyone can join Team Ecks Factor and help them reach their goal of $250,000!  

Register for an event today.

www.teamintraining.org/ntx

#TNTBECAUSE: Meet Dana Howe

Here is our fifth in a series of posts leading up to the BMW Dallas Marathon. Today we are interviewing Dana Howe.  Dana has been involved with LLS since 2010 when she was diagnosed with Stage IV Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.  Read on to hear why she is doing the Dallas Marathon.

1. What made you decide to run the BMW Dallas Marathon?

I was training for the Big Dam 100 Century ride and a staff person (Mariel) came to our training and asked if anyone would be interested in the relay.  Several of us said yes – in fact, five of us said yes.   So we formed a marathon relay team from five cyclists.  This will be my third Triple Crown and my son’s (Donnie Constantine) first Triple Crown.  I crossed the finish line with the cycling team and began training with the marathon team the following Saturday.

2. What does it mean to you that the BMW Dallas Marathon has been named a national event for Team In Training?
 I am so proud to be part of Team in Training knowing the impact they have made on the lives of so many cancer patients and their families.  The LLS staff works tirelessly to provide the best event options, fantastic coaches, and an overall amazing experience for every participant.  I am very pleased that this marathon has been designated as a national event.

3. What got you involved with Team In Training?

I was diagnosed with Stage IV Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in October of 2009.  While I was undergoing treatment my brother-in-law registered and trained for America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride.  After he successfully completed the ride he challenged my husband and I to join him the following year.  Six months after I went into remission I began training and fell in love with the people and the mission.  I have since completed two marathon events, four century cycling events, and three triathlons.  TNT has become a family mission.

4. Finish this sentence, I do “TNTBecause…”
 I want to pay it forward.  LLS funded research for a drug called Rituxan.  Rituxan was one of the drugs that saved my life and has kept me in remission.  Someone was training and fundraising years ago before I had ever heard of TNT.  Those individuals were directly responsible for the drugs available to me that allowed my recovery.  I am grateful and want to help someone else who is diagnosed.   I am committed to participate in at least one event per year until we have a cure.

5. Tell us about the team you’ve formed to run the relay with.  
My relay team consists of my good friend, Teresa Keenan, my son, Donnie Constantine, his fiancé Ana Valdez Moeller and her sister Daniella Valdez Moeller.  We just couldn’t finish one event without having our sites on the next.  We are already looking to 2017 for a TNT event to follow the BMW Dallas Marathon.  We have named our relay team “Team Kristen” in memory of a friend’s daughter who passed away from a blood cancer.  While there is so much positive news about survival rates and improved treatments we have not won the battle.  We need to stay focused and encouraged until we have a cure.

 ______________________________________________________________________________

Did you know?

• BMW Dallas Marathon is the longest running race in the state of Texas
• More than 40 different bands are on the course for your entertainment
• Stay 2 nights at the TNT hotel and you can skip expo lines and have your packet waiting in your hotel room!
• Earn Awesome Fundraising Incentives

Join the Dallas Marathon TNT Team or join the 5 Person Relay!  150 people have already taken the challenge.  Contact Mariel Bongiovanni for more details. 

www.teamintraining.org/ntx

#TNTBECAUSE - Meet Chris & Cheryl

Here is our fourth in a series of posts leading up to the BMW Dallas Marathon. Today we are interviewing Chris & Cheryl Berg.  The Berg's have been involved with LLS since 2008 when their son was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). Read on to hear why they are doing the Dallas Marathon.

1. What made you decide to run the BMW Dallas Marathon?

North Texas is our home and we enjoy running and training in the fall in order to take part in the BMW Dallas Marathon.  This will be Cheryl's 8th marathon and it will be Chris' 7th with TNT.

2. What does it mean to you that the BMW Dallas Marathon has been named a national event for Team In Training?

We are Texas proud!  There is nothing better to see than the sea of Team In Training participants in purple running in Dallas and hearing "Go Team" echo through the downtown buildings. We look forward to seeing all the TNT participants from across the nation joining together for the same cause.

3. What got you involved with Team In Training?
Our son James was diagnosed with ALL in April of 2008, just prior to his 5th birthday.  After a year of intensive treatment and many hospital stays, his health stabilized.  At that point, we wanted to do more to make sure no child would ever have to go through what James had to endure. This year marks James 5th year from being done with the chemo treatment that lasted 3 1/2 years.  James is our hero and our motivation to come back year after year.

4. Finish this sentence, I do “TNTBecause…”
Because if we don't who will.

5. Tell us about the team you’ve formed to run the relay with.
We have not done the relay but the two of us are a team.  Together we have had sleepless nights worrying about James, stressed about how to make all of the right decisions about his treatment and struggled wondering if there will be another shoe that is waiting to drop with his health.  Together we plow through the 26.2 miles each year hoping and praying the efforts of Team in Training members and great researchers make more discoveries to help the next James Berg.

______________________________________________________________________________

Did you know?

• BMW Dallas Marathon is the longest running race in the state of Texas
• More than 40 different bands are on the course for your entertainment
• Stay 2 nights at the TNT hotel and you can skip expo lines and have your packet waiting in your hotel room!
• Earn Awesome Fundraising Incentives

Join the Dallas Marathon TNT Team or join the 5 Person Relay!  150 people have already taken the challenge.  Contact Mariel Bongiovanni for more details. 

www.teamintraining.org/ntx