Honored Hero Run

The Honored Hero Run is a labor of love of several North Texas Team In Training (TNT) alumni who are working to raise awareness and money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) outside of their individual events.  Since the first race in 2008, the popularity of this Fort Worth multi-distance race has exploded.  So has its contributions to LLS - $88,000!

Don Armstrong, the Honored Hero Race Director, has an incredible connection to LLS.  He is a leukemia survivor, North Texas Board of Trustees member, Team In Training alumni and coach and head of the North Texas Mission Committee.  Below he talks about why his team named their event the Honored Hero Run, how it got its start, and why their medals are so special.

How did the Honored Hero Run get its start?

The Honored Hero Run came together in 2008 as a grassroots efforts by a group of local leaders, TNT alumni and friends who wanted to create an event that would bring to the community together in a collective effort to raise awareness and funds for blood cancer research, while honoring those who have battled or are currently battling blood cancers.

Each year the Honored Hero Run Board of Directors visit local hospitals and offers young cancer patients the opportunity to enter a logo contest.  Three winners are chosen: official logo artist (used for all promotional materials), official t-shirt artist (used for participant and volunteer t-shirts), and official sponsor artist (used for race day sponsor board.)  We include local honored heroes because allows the community to be a part of the event and bring light to the  we honor at the race.

Why did you think it was important to create this race?

Founders and current board members are all alumni of Team In Training.  We were looking for another way to raise money to support the LLS mission.

Tell us about this year's race.

All participants will receive a tech shirt and and a finisher's medal.  We have a terrific finish line area with pancakes, hot dogs and more.  This year the In & Out Burger truck will be there to serve delicious burgers and fries.

How much has the Honored Hero Run given to LLS since its inception?

Proudly $88,000

What do you want people to know about this event?

We are all about the experience of a multiple race event with a tremendous amount of community support.  We have a distance for just about everyone (including a 1k fun run for the kids).  All race courses are flat with the 5k and half marathons course certified.  Great atmosphere before, during and after each event.  And here's the best part - participants had the opportunity to make a difference by helping to raise money to find a cure for blood cancer.  Pure awesomeness!

Want to participate?  Registration is still open.

The Honored Hero Run, its event organizers, participants, event sponsors and volunteers are all making a significant impact in LLS's goal of creating a world without blood cancers.  Thank you.

Why Team In Training is a Family

By Brandi Waits

My journey with Team in Training started long before I signed up for my first marathon.  I received a Team in Training pamphlet in the mail in 2005.  I placed it in my home office and looked at it often -- thinking, someday, I'll make my way to the starting line. It was on my bucket list - to run a marathon with Team in Training. 

I did not have a personal connection to anyone who was presently going through treatment. Alas, I loved the fact that people were running marathons (getting healthy) and with every step they took they were raising money to find a cure. 

Fast forward to 2007: I signed up and ran my first marathon with Team in Training.   I gained  so much from the entire experience. It was life/game changing experience for me. I met some of the most incredible people. A few of these people have become life long friends. All of this occurred during my first training season with Team in Training.  During my first training season,  I met families who were going through chemotherapy treatment. I met young children who were battling and going through chemotherapy. It made the miles that I had to cover seem like nothing compared to what they were enduring to gain a chance at life. The stories inspired me, moved me, and made me want to keep running for change! RUNNING  to find a CURE!  They were and continue to be the REAL HEROS in my story! 

I ran my first marathon in April. I immediately signed up to be a mentor during the next training season. I wanted to give back. I was inspired and wanted to inspire someone else to cross the finish line and keep raising money for a CURE. Again, these memories have changed me  forever.  At the end of this season, I signed up, raised money and ran another marathon with team in training in San Antonio. 

I moved away from Dallas and returned  to University after my third season with team in training. I continued running on my own with the goal of qualifying for the Boston marathon. During this period, I covered many miles, states, collected many medals and the ability to proudly claim 5 full marathons and 35 half marathons. Running on my own was a good venture for me - alas, there wasn't the feeling of connection or the feeling that I was running for CHANGE and a CURE during my solo marathons. 

The goal of running a marathon is not one to be taken lightly. In fact, it is like committing to a second job. You have to train and run many miles during each week. The rewards of running a marathon - both mentally and physically are hands down worthy of the second job! 

My personal journey of training for a marathon with team in training and training on my own were noticeably different.  Covering the long miles with my team in training team members and our common and shared goal of raising money to fund and continue to search for a cure for cancer made every mile (both long and short) mean something more than personal record (not that this isn't important -- it is!) or another medal.

In 2011, I crossed the finish line of the San Antonio marathon. This marathon has now become my MOST MEMORABLE MARATHON. 

I have long held the goal of qualifying for the Boston marathon on my list of things to do during this lifetime. I had the honor and privilege of guiding and encouraging two of the finest athletes to the start/finish line of a full marathon during this season while training for my own personal goal of qualifying for the Big Boston marathon. I was not connected with team in training during this training season (at least I didn't think I was - big smile!). 

Race Day 2011  - San Antonio marathon occurs in November of each year. It also happens to be a Boston qualifying race. The race starts and I am making great progress at the 13.1 mile mark. I feel strong, courageous, and confident that I can in fact reach my qualifying time.

I am now at mile 14. I still feel strong and confident in my own race. My goal is within reach ( I can smell it, I can taste it). I look to the right of the road and see the familiar purple jersey of a Team in Training team member. Remember,  I am not running as a team member this season.  Alas, one never forgets the feeling of wearing the purple jersey and the spirit of the TEAM. 

The man is laying on the ground. He is dehydrated and struggling with massive leg cramps (something any seasoned runner knows all too well!). I run past him and say a silent prayer and well wish that he makes it to the finish line. I cover a few more steps! I realize that I have a choice. I can keep running my own race or I can turn back and help my team member. 

I chose the latter. I ran back to him. Got him off the ground and walked him to the first aid station where we administered  salt packets and electrolytes to keep him going.

I proceeded to run/walk the remainder of the race with this man who was running his first marathon while raising funds for the TEAM (the TEAM that I had once been a part of and would always be a part of). 

At mile 24, I saw a group of TNT mentors on the side of the road.  They saw the purple jersey and gathered around this wonderful man. I made sure they would be with him until he reached the finish line.  They promised to take good care of him and get him to 26.2. 

I continued my own race to the finish. Boston was no longer within reach for me - Alas, it was no longer a goal! 

I crossed the finish line and found my friend who was waiting for me. He immediately approached me and asked me: "what happened to you out there?"  I had no words. I sat down on the ground and cried.  I had no words to describe what I had just been blessed to be a part of. It was the race of my life! To get to stand beside and watch the human spirit come alive in this man will forever be imprinted in my heart! 

I have no idea if I would have qualified for the Boston marathon on this day. Anything is possible in the remaining miles of the great race of a marathon (and life in general).

The great things about running with Team in Training is the team spirit! One never forgets being a part of a great team! 

I found my travel wings in 2011. I have spent the last few years traveling and volunteering in Southeast Asia.  At the present moment, I find myself back in Dallas for whatever time period this is. I have found my running feet again! I heard Team in Training was offering a FIRST TIME event in Toronto! It is the PERFECT pairing of my passions: running, raising money for a cure and traveling the world! I am super excited about the Toronto marathon! 

So, I am back! Going after it again! This time in Toronto, Canada! 

I share with you my favorite life quote: 

"Stay hungry. Stay foolish. " ~ Steve Jobs

 Join Me... Join TEAM IN TRAINING! Let it change your LIFE! 

I hope to meet you in Toronto! 

20 Years of Team In Training in North Texas: 2003

2014 is a special year for the North Texas Team In Training (TNT) campaign.  It is celebrating 20 years of running, biking, and hiking to raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and its mission to find a cure for blood cancers.  Saturday, February 8th TNT will kick off a year of celebrating.  To honor the thousands of North Texas TNT alumni and the millions of dollars they raised in the last 20 years, we are going to count down each year of the program leading up to the TNT Alumni "Celebrate You" event on February 8th.

2003

What is your favorite memory of TNT?
I love all the people I have met and the feeling I get every time I get a donation.  The email notification feels like a little bit of love in my inbox every time.  This past holiday season I wrapped gifts at Barnes and Noble as a fundraiser.  A kid who was about 12 gave us a $100 donation.  I am sure the money was from his dad, but it was so nice to see a kid of that age giving such a large and thoughtful gift.  I think every new memory becomes my favorite part of Team In Training.  I love everything about it!

What brought you to TNT originally?
I lost my stepdad to leukemia in 2000.  After that I was looking for a way to deal with my grief.  I found Light The Night and did that a few times with a group of students I was teaching.  I coordinated the Pennies for Patients drive in my school and one day ended up with a flyer in the mail about Team In Training.  I had a friend who had run a marathon with TNT the year before and I thought she was BONKERS for running 26 miles.  When I got the flyer, I really wanted to do it but it was the last semester of my masters degree and I was working full time, waiting tables and had no idea how I could add one more thing to my plate.  I looked for some guidance from above and the next day received another TNT flyer in the mail from TNT.  I decided that I had obviously been sent a message from above!  TNT loooked fun and is a great way to give back and learn something new.  I was a swimmer growing up and doing a thriathlon would be a great way to still be able to swim as an adult.  I went to a meeting in Southlake and signed up right away.

What about TNT makes you keep coming back?
I keep coming back because there isn't a cure yet.  I love the lifestyle, I love the camaraderie of the team and that we are all there for the same reason - to do something good for us and something even better for other people.

What do you want to see in the next 20 years for TNT in North Texas?
I would like to see TNT disappear because a cure will have been found.  If that doesn't happen, then I would like to see the program explode and have groups of people training all over the place.

What was the best part of your first event?
When I did the Capital of Texas Triathlon in Austin in 2003 the whole thing was awesome.  I had a grea time from start to finish.  That morning there had been a massive storm and were were abotu to head out from teh hotel and there were talks of canceling the swim portion. Thankfully that did not happen.  The skies cleared up and it was a beautiful day.  My favorite part was crossing that finish line.  I had raised several thousand dollars and had also completed an olympic distance triathlon.  I was really emotional at the end of the race.  My family and friends were there to watch me do the race.  I made so many great friends along the season - 11 years later and I still keep in touch with most of them.

How many events have you done with TNT?
20 events in total:
Capital of Texas Triathlon - 2003, 2004, 2005
Kings Trail Triathlon - 2008
Big Kahuna Half Ironman - 2006
Si[er Seal Triathlon - 2011
Ironman Texas 70.3 - 2011
America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride - 2006, 2007, 2013
El Tour de Tuscon - 2008
Nike Women's Half Marathon - 2006, 2008, 2013
Anchorage - 2012
Rock N Roll San Antonio - 2008
White Rock Marathon - 2003, 2004, 2008
Nike Women's Marathon DC - 2014
Dublin Marathon - 2007
Pacific Grove Triathlon - 2006
St. Anthony's Triathlon

20 Years of Team In Training in North Texas: 2002

2014 is a special year for the North Texas Team In Training (TNT) campaign.  It is celebrating 20 years of running, biking, and hiking to raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and it's mission to find a cure for blood cancers.  Saturday, Feburary 8th TNT will kick off a year of celebrating.  To honor the thousands of North Texas TNT alumni and the millions of dollars they raised in that time, we are going to count down each year of the program leading up to the TNT Alumni "Celebrate You" event on Feburary 8th. 

2002

Team In Training revolutionized the fundraising process in 2002 with the introduction of the online fundraising pages.  This streamlined approach to helping participants solicit donations has been instrumental in helping North Texas athletes raise millions of dollars since.  Sarah Sherman, the longest tenured North Texas TNT staff member, also laced up her shoes for TNT in 2002 for the first time.  After that, she was hooked.

What is your favorite memory of TNT?

My favorite memory of TNT is crossing the finish line at my very first event – the Country Music Marathon in Nashville back in 2002.  I was a college student at the time and once I completed my event I was hooked on the mission of LLS.  

What brought you to TNT originally?

One of my dear childhood friends, Anna, lost her battle with Leukemia in 1996.  I continue to work tirelessly for our mission to cure blood cancers in her memory.  

What about TNT makes you keep coming back?

After completing my first TNT event and graduating from college,  I came to work for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  Over the last 10 years,  I have come into contact with thousands of patients who have endured extensive treatment for their diseases.  These patients rely on the research and services that the Society offers to them.  I’ve met so many incredible people who are all working together to find a cure for blood cancers. 

What do you want to see in the next 20 years for TNT in North Texas?

I pray that I’m out of a job sooner than later because we have found a cure for these terrible blood cancers. 

What was the best part of working for Team In Training?

1.      I spent 6 years managing the Triathlon teams here in North Texas.  I had the privilege of supporting thousands of first time athletes as they completed their TNT events all over the globe.    I have so many fond memories of each of my teams and watching these nervous beginner athletes turn into confident triathletes!

How many events have you done with TNT?

I’ve participated in the Country Music Marathon in Nashville in 2002 and the Big Kahuna Half Ironman Triathlon in Santa Cruz, CA in 2005

20 Years of Team In Training: 2001

2014 is a special year for the North Texas Team In Training (TNT) campaign.  It is celebrating 20 years of running, biking, and hiking to raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and it's mission to find a cure for blood cancers.  Saturday, Feburary 8th TNT will kick off a year of celebrating.  To honor the thousands of North Texas TNT alumni and the millions of dollars they raised in that time, we are going to count down each year of the program leading up to the TNT Alumni "Celebrate You" event on Feburary 8th. 

2001

Karen Rankin did not intend to sign up for Team In Training when she attended an information meeting in 2001.  Once she heard about the mission of LLS and noticed that it tied directly into the volunteer work she had been doing at Children's Hospital, she couldn't help but sign up.  She started training in 2001 and ran her first event in 2002.  More than a decade later, she is still raising money for LLS through Team In Training.

What is your favorite memory of TNT?

My favorite memories continue to be the friendships I have made over many miles we have run together. Today my closets and best friends are those I have meet through team in training.  We have become like a small family of people who are there for each other.

What brought you to TNT originally?
A good friend asked that I come and support her at the Team in Training kickoff event.  She knew that I volunteered at Children’s medical center working mainly with kids who had cancer.  Nancy’s goal was to get me to sign up, my goal for the day was to be there to support her.  As the event was coming to a close the final presentation was done by non other than Elizabeth and her mom.  Here up on stage was the little girl, I worked with at Children’s, she stood in front of a thousand people, brave and strong fighting for her life.  As her mom finished her presentation Elizabeth looked over the crowd, flashing her adorable heartfelt smile and gave a little wave as she walked off stage to a roaring crowd in front of her. 

What about TNT makes you keep coming back?

The friendships that I have formed over the years, we’ve become a family.  It is also a great feeling to know that every Saturday morning, I have the privilege to get up and help others make a difference in the lives of those with blood cancer.

What do you want to see in the next 20 years for TNT in North Texas?

Besides a cure for blood cancers, an understanding of where the cancer comes from and how we can one day prevent it via a vaccine.

What was the best part of the 2002 Disney World Half Marathon?
The best part of the event was crossing the finish line with my one of my best friends (Valarie Pike) and seeing my family.  This was my first event and the first year team in training offered half marathon training program.  I was amazed and thrilled that I did it, I just ran 13.1 miles but more importantly I made a difference in the lives of so many through my fundraising.  

In 2009, I ran this event again in memory of my father, Bob Rankin.  I raised $12,000 that year for TNT and was the top fundraiser in North Texas.

How many Team In Training events have you done?
12 Walt Disney World Marathons
Anchorage Marathon
San Diego Marathon
Tahoe Century Ride
Lone Star Half Ironman Triathlon

20 Years of Team In Training in North Texas: 1999

2014 is a special year for the North Texas Team In Training (TNT) campaign.  It is celebrating 20 years of running, biking, and hiking to raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and it's mission to find a cure for blood cancers.  Saturday, Feburary 8th TNT will kick off a year of celebrating.  To honor the thousands of North Texas TNT alumni and the millions of dollars they raised in that time, we are going to count down each year of the program leading up to the TNT Alumni "Celebrate You" event on Feburary 8th. 

1999

The triathlon program started in North Texas in 1999 under the leadership of Coach Todd Codish.  He and the TNT staff took an outline of what the program should look like from the LLS National Office and laid the groundwork for the successful program that it has become today.  The first tri team went to Pacific Grove Triathlon in California.

What is your favorite memory of TNT?

I don't know about my favorite memory, I am going to tell you that no matter what I say, I have SO many! The teams I had all had their moments, as most of the folks were involved initially and then for some years after and then the next faction came in. I probably could not every forget the first tri, Pacific Grove 1999. Leah, our honored hero (who is not with us any longer, unfortunately) was great friends with one of the participants (a lot of us, really) and when she came in to finish, she motioned for Leah to come cross the finish line with her, but the poor dear had a leg amputated and was not able to run, so I scooper her up in my arms and carried her as we ran across the finish line. My best pal and assistant (at that time) coach, Dave Nash was there and took a photo.

I rode back on the plane with her next to me and remember telling her I was going to make her a triathlete, that she could do anything she wanted! I heard months later that she had gotten worse and remember drawing a picture of her coming out of the water and sent it to her. Her mom said she loved that. She later was taken from us. Both a wonderful and a tragic memory, I guess.

What brought you to TNT originally?

I was coaching a running club at The Ranch health club in Irving and one of the members had inquired to TNT about a program and asked about one in that (Irving/Las Colinas) area and Carrie or Tina one told her “No, but we’re looking for a coach, do you know of anyone?” She told them about me and they called and I joined Dick Reeder’s staff of 2 other coaches that summer.

What was it like starting a new sport for the North Texas Chapter?

Interestingly enough, I was in Cozumel at the marathon I had coached folks for and Dennis Allman, the national director at that time, had overheard me saying something about triathlon and he asked if I had any experience in triathlon. I told him that was my sport, I was just running a bunch (ran 20 marathons over a 3 year period) and had been asked to lead a run club at Signature Athletic Club and eventually The Ranch. He asked if I would be interested in helping to start the tri program (San Fran had done a couple as an experiment)  and of course I told him yes, I would be very interested.

So, we did not have internet and I knew all of the greats in the sport, and they told me that Dave Scott would be the national coach and we would get with him to form the program. So  North Texas and about 7 other chapters got together, first in Denver and then again in San Francisco to hammer out details. One of the funny things about it, was that none of the other people were coaches.  When Dave starts giving out these plans for serious physiological adaptation and work and I said, “Uh, Dave, have you ever seen a TNT team? I am not sure what you are throwing down here is applicable for our people!”

Truly great to start the thing. I remember our first Maui team, we signed up 170 people!! Took 82. 

20 Years of Team In Training in North Texas: 1997

2014 is a special year for the North Texas Team In Training (TNT) campaign.  It is celebrating 20 years of running, biking, and hiking to raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and it's mission to find a cure for blood cancers.  Saturday, Feburary 8th TNT will kick off a year of celebrating.  To honor the thousands of North Texas TNT alumni and the millions of dollars they raised in that time, we are going to count down each year of the program leading up to the TNT Alumni "Celebrate You" event on Feburary 8th. 

1997

1997 was a very important year for the North Texas Team In Training program.  Not only was this the first year the century program was added, but Coach Joe Bacon signed up for his first event - the Anchorage Marathon.  Two years later he became a TNT Coach.  Fifteen years later, Coach Joe is still pushing TNT athletes to the finish line and is the longest tenured coach in North Texas.  He has trained hundreds of athletes and played a crucial role in raising MILLIONS of dollars for blood cancer research.

  

What is your favorite memory of TNT?

Returning from my first event (Anchorage 1997) with a gift for Cooper, my honored hero, and his mom shaking my hand with tears in her eyes and said, "for all the moms with children battling leukemia - thank you."  That still gives me chills.

What brought you to TNT originally?

Just wanted to run a marathon in Anchorage so I went to a recruitment meeting and signed up.

What about TNT makes you keep coming back?

TNT has become part of my extended family and ministry

What do you want to see in the next 20 years for TNT in North Texas?

Not just a cure but a way to prevent blood cancers.

What was the best part of the 1997 Anchorage Marathon?

24 hours of sunlight to enjoy the beauty of Anchorage for five days and the fundraising.

How many events have you done with TNT?
20 San Diego Marathons
5 Anchorage Marathons
4 Disney Marathons
3 Honolulu Marathons
2 Dublin Marathons
Arizona Rock N Roll
And marathons in Bermuda, Rome, Paris and Madrid

20 Years of Team In Training in North Texas: 1996

2014 is a special year for the North Texas Team In Training (TNT) campaign.  It is celebrating 20 years of running, biking, and hiking to raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and its mission to find a cure for blood cancers.  Saturday, February 8th TNT will kick off a year of celebrating.  To honor the thousands of North Texas TNT alumni and the millions of dollars they raised in the last 20 years, we are going to count down each year of the program leading up to the TNT Alumni "Celebrate You" event on February 8th. 

1996

1996 was a big year for Team In Training, both nationally and in North Texas.  The signature purple TNT singlet was born and TNT went from a single season event to a year round program.  Below are just some of the messaging that we've seen over the years on the purple TNT singlet in North Texas:

Saving lives one mile at a time

Together we train to beat cancer

Relentless for a cure

The current North Texas TNT singlet stands out with a bright yellow outline of the state of Texas.  After February 8th, the jerseys will carry the 20th Anniversary logo.  

20 Years of Team In Training in North Texas: 1995

2014 is a special year for the North Texas Team In Training (TNT) campaign.  It is celebrating 20 years of running, biking, and hiking to raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and its mission to find a cure for blood cancers.  Saturday, February 8th TNT will kick off a year of celebrating.  To honor the thousands of North Texas TNT alumni and the millions of dollars they raised in the last 20 years, we are going to count down each year of the program leading up to the TNT Alumni "Celebrate You" event on February 8th. 

1995

Jim Newsome is a true Team In Training historian.  He came on as one of the first TNT coaches in Team In Training in 1994.  He coached for Team in Training for 12 years.

What is your favorite memory of TNT?
Being involved with the participants that I coached for so many years.  The stories from survivors and supporting those with cancer.

What brought you to TNT originally?
Wanting to move from being a competitive runner to a more supportive role in the community.  Coaching allowed me to change my focus from myself to others and it was the best decision I've ever made.

What about TNT makes you keep coming back?
It's one of the most effective research nonprofits that I know of and there have been a lot of breakthrough research done.  During my coaching stint Gleevec was discovered and become a wonderful new drug, saving many lives.  I got to meet with Dr. Druker, the lead researcher on Gleevec, and went to San Diego with the first virtual Team In Training group.

What do you want to see in the next 20 years for TNT in North Texas?
Sustained growth and support for cancer.

What was the best part of the 1995 Honolulu Marathon?
Coaching a great team.

How many events have you done with TNT?
6 Honolulu Marathons
7 Anchorage Marathons
3 San Diego Marathons
3 Walt Disney Marathons

20 Years of Team In Training in North Texas: 1994

2014 is a special year for the North Texas Team In Training (TNT) campaign.  It is celebrating 20 years of running, biking, and hiking to raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and its mission to find a cure for blood cancers.  Saturday, February 8th TNT will kick off a year of celebrating.  To honor the thousands of North Texas TNT alumni and the millions of dollars they raised in the last 20 years, we are going to count down each year of the program leading up to the TNT Alumni "Celebrate You" event on February 8th. 

1994

In 1994 the first North Texas TNT team ran in the Honolulu Marathon.  Among the first group of TNT athletes was Susan Allen, a blood cancer survivor.  She is now the new Patient Access Education Awareness Manager (formerly known as the Patient Services Manager) for the North Texas Chapter and training for the Nike Women's Half Marathon in April.

What is your favorite memory of TNT?

My favorite memories are the friendships I made and how they developed over the miles, the desire to give back and be of help to others.  I am still friends with the people on my team from 20 years ago.

What brought you to TNT originally?

I found TNT through a mailer two years after I finished treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma.  It was the perfect "next step" for me.

What about TNT makes you keep coming back?

I've come back to TNT for the overall experience of being a part of an amazing team and working together for a common purpose.  The training and commitment to exercise are secondary benefits.

What do you want to see in the next 20 years for TNT in North Texas?

I want TNT in North Texas to be an opportunity for patient's family members to feel proactive in "fighting" blood cancer, just like the patients do when taking treatment.

What was the best part of the 1994 Honolulu Marathon?

The best part of the event was being the top fundraiser and crossing the finish line with friends and family.

How many events have you done with TNT?
I have done two events - the Honolulu Marathon and Dallas Metro PCS 1/2 marathon.  

20 Years of Team In Training In North Texas: 1993

2014 is a special year for the North Texas Team In Training (TNT) campaign.  It is celebrating 20 years of running, biking, and hiking to raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and its mission to find a cure for blood cancers.  Saturday, February 8th TNT will kick off a year of celebrating.  To honor the thousands of North Texas TNT alumni and the millions of dollars they raised in the last 20 years, we are going to count down each year of the program leading up to the TNT Alumni "Celebrate You" event on February 8th. 

1993

Team In Training creator Bruce Cleland and a team of 38 people raised $320,000 in the New York City Marathon in 1988.  One year later, LLS' Westchester Chapter recruited 75 people to participate in the New York City Marathon again.  It was not until 1993 that the LLS CEO, Dwayne Howell, convened a task force to select a national campaign with the capacity to raise a lot of money quickly.  The group was forced to choose between TNT and another program.  TNT won and the program spread to 20 chapters, including North Texas.

Mission Monday: LLS Angels

This holiday season the Team In Training (TNT) North Texas Alumni Association is teaming up with local child life specialists to make the holidays better for children who are spending Christmas in the hospital.  We are thrilled to introduce the LLS Angels' holiday gift drive.  We are accepting only new toys, books and stuffed animals to bring to area hospitals.  A complete list of recommended gifts is located here.

If you are interested in participating, please bring your unwrapped gift to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Dallas Office (8111 LBJ Fwy., Ste 425. Dallas, TX 75251) on Saturday, December 14th from 9am - 12pm.  You are also welcome to drop off your gift before that date during regular business hours.

Please contact Donna Vander Grinten at 214-205-3665 if you have any questions.