Jennifer Ackels's PledgePage
Dear Family and Friends,
I have registered with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s TEAM IN TRAINING to run the San Diego Rock ‘N’ Roll marathon on June 6, 2004! Yes, you read that correctly. The narcoleptic that can’t stay awake in the car for 26 miles is training to run a marathon. That’s 26.2 really long miles.
What is TEAM IN TRAINING (TNT)? This program exists in order to raise funds to find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood-related cancers. TNT participants physically train for 4-5 months under an experienced coach, all while raising money to put toward this great cause. Runner’s World magazine called Team In Training one of the most successful training programs in the country, and one of every 28 marathon runners has been a Team In Training member. Thanks to research funded by the Leukemia ad Lymphoma Society through programs like Team In Training, the survival rate for the most common form of childhood leukemia has improved from 4% in 1960 to 81% in the last decade.
And how am I really going to get through this?? In addition to the support of the coach, mentor (past TNT participant) staff, and team, the North Texas run team has received an “honored hero” to run in honor of. My honored hero is 7-year-old Elizabeth. She is currently in remission after undergoing treatment for leukemia. Elizabeth was diagnosed when she was 2 years old, and now has a cure date of March 26th! I have also personally dedicated my race to the memory of my husband’s grandmother, Isabel Ackels. I wear a wristband bearing their names to serve as a daily reminder that my struggle to finish the race will be nothing in comparison to the daily battles for health and survival that so many people deal with. The challenges I have yet to face are nothing compared to the challenges that Elizabeth, her family and so many others continue to face every day.
Just what have I gotten myself into, right? Unlike many people, running a marathon has not been a life-long aspiration of mine. A friend of mine did this same marathon with Team In Training a few years ago, and I just remember thinking how awesome the program was. I wanted to find out more about it, but I knew there was no way I could complete a marathon. Then, a few months ago, I received some information in the mail and decided to give TNT a try. I am so thankful I did!! Already, this has been a life-changing experience. In fact, I just completed my longest mileage of 6 miles this past weekend at the Cowtown 10K. Yes, I have a long way to go; however, three weeks ago, I couldn’t even run to the end of our block.
I am writing to each of you to ask for your support. Over 75% of my personal goal of $3,500 will go back to The Society for research, patient services, advocacy, & education! Please fill out the attached form and send in your TAX DEDUCTIBLE donation to me as soon as possible. Please know that NO DONATION IS TOO MUCH OR TOO LITTLE…..every bit helps! If you are writing a check, please make it payable to “Leukemia and Lymphoma Society” with the name Jennifer Ackels in the memo portion, and then attach it to the donation form. If you are unable to contribute financially at this time, I ask that you keep me & all involved in The Society in your prayers. That, too, will make a huge difference.
I thank you in advance for supporting me and my efforts, as well as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I cannot wait to keep you all updated on my progress and the advances being made in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. If you have any questions, call me at 972-208-1642 or email me at rjackels@gte.net . Take a few minutes to visit the websites www.teamintraining.org and www.rnrmarathon.com . They will give you a good feel for what I am doing! I will look forward to hearing from you soon!
Love,
Jennifer Ackels
7020 Goldenrod Drive
Plano, TX 75025
972-208-1642
rjackels@gte.net
I have registered with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s TEAM IN TRAINING to run the San Diego Rock ‘N’ Roll marathon on June 6, 2004! Yes, you read that correctly. The narcoleptic that can’t stay awake in the car for 26 miles is training to run a marathon. That’s 26.2 really long miles.
What is TEAM IN TRAINING (TNT)? This program exists in order to raise funds to find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood-related cancers. TNT participants physically train for 4-5 months under an experienced coach, all while raising money to put toward this great cause. Runner’s World magazine called Team In Training one of the most successful training programs in the country, and one of every 28 marathon runners has been a Team In Training member. Thanks to research funded by the Leukemia ad Lymphoma Society through programs like Team In Training, the survival rate for the most common form of childhood leukemia has improved from 4% in 1960 to 81% in the last decade.
And how am I really going to get through this?? In addition to the support of the coach, mentor (past TNT participant) staff, and team, the North Texas run team has received an “honored hero” to run in honor of. My honored hero is 7-year-old Elizabeth. She is currently in remission after undergoing treatment for leukemia. Elizabeth was diagnosed when she was 2 years old, and now has a cure date of March 26th! I have also personally dedicated my race to the memory of my husband’s grandmother, Isabel Ackels. I wear a wristband bearing their names to serve as a daily reminder that my struggle to finish the race will be nothing in comparison to the daily battles for health and survival that so many people deal with. The challenges I have yet to face are nothing compared to the challenges that Elizabeth, her family and so many others continue to face every day.
Just what have I gotten myself into, right? Unlike many people, running a marathon has not been a life-long aspiration of mine. A friend of mine did this same marathon with Team In Training a few years ago, and I just remember thinking how awesome the program was. I wanted to find out more about it, but I knew there was no way I could complete a marathon. Then, a few months ago, I received some information in the mail and decided to give TNT a try. I am so thankful I did!! Already, this has been a life-changing experience. In fact, I just completed my longest mileage of 6 miles this past weekend at the Cowtown 10K. Yes, I have a long way to go; however, three weeks ago, I couldn’t even run to the end of our block.
I am writing to each of you to ask for your support. Over 75% of my personal goal of $3,500 will go back to The Society for research, patient services, advocacy, & education! Please fill out the attached form and send in your TAX DEDUCTIBLE donation to me as soon as possible. Please know that NO DONATION IS TOO MUCH OR TOO LITTLE…..every bit helps! If you are writing a check, please make it payable to “Leukemia and Lymphoma Society” with the name Jennifer Ackels in the memo portion, and then attach it to the donation form. If you are unable to contribute financially at this time, I ask that you keep me & all involved in The Society in your prayers. That, too, will make a huge difference.
I thank you in advance for supporting me and my efforts, as well as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I cannot wait to keep you all updated on my progress and the advances being made in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. If you have any questions, call me at 972-208-1642 or email me at rjackels@gte.net . Take a few minutes to visit the websites www.teamintraining.org and www.rnrmarathon.com . They will give you a good feel for what I am doing! I will look forward to hearing from you soon!
Love,
Jennifer Ackels
7020 Goldenrod Drive
Plano, TX 75025
972-208-1642
rjackels@gte.net