National Volunteer Week: Team In Training

Volunteers don't get paid, not because they're worthless, but because they're priceless.  ~Sherry Anderson

Joe Bacon in action.

This week is National Volunteer Week and while The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is thankful for its volunteers year round, we are taking this opportunity to highlight seven outstanding volunteers that help make the North Texas chapter run so efficiently.

Joe Bacon never knew that when he registered for his first Team In Training (TNT) event in 1997 that he would go on to become North Texas' longest tenured coach.  Joe was not new to running when he signed up with the Team in Fort Worth.  In fact, he had run more marathons than his coach.  Quickly his dedication to LLS and its mission, passion for running and helping others, and fundraising expertise caught the attention of LLS staff in Dallas.  He was immediately asked to become a TNT coach for a team in Dallas.  He chose to mentor TNT coach Jim Newsom for a couple seasons before agreeing to make the move to Dallas and take on the added responsibility of coaching.

Years later, Joe has not lost his passion for running, the LLS mission or fundraising.  He has raised more than $76,000 for LLS through various races, coached hundreds of Team In Training athletes, and continues to ask what more he can do to improve TNT in North Texas.  When asked why he is still so involved he points to the teams and individuals he trained as his main motivation. 

We are thankful for Joe!