2009 July 14 « Dirty Shoes

Our Cause

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society LandLS_WEB(1)

I’m going to use today’s entry to share a bit more about the organization that I’m partnering with and that you’re supporting. In 1944, another child died of leukemia. His parents believed they could do something to keep so many from dying, 100% of those diagnosed at that time, and set out to change the inevitable outcome. Out of their conviction, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) began. The mission of the LLS is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. They have set a timeline to end blood cancer by 2015 and are pursuing this goal aggressively. The organization supports research, patient financial aid, patient services, public and professional education, and community services. To date, over $600 million has been distributed by the LLS to fund research. This has led to advances in chemotherapies, bone marrow and stem cell transplantation, and oral therapies like Gleevec. Outside of funding research, the LLS helps those newly diagnosed through their First Connection program to pair new patients with a peer volunteer that has received a similar diagnosis. When families begin down this course, there are many questions and concerns to address and the LLS makes a big difference in helping families understand and cope. The Society distributes information to patients, their families and healthcare providers so the best care is available to those in need. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society also campaigns for greater support from law-makers through their office of Public Policy.

The Team In Training Program (TNT) is the largest sports training program in the world. The goal is not only to raise funds for LLS, but also to promote fitness and healthy lifestyles. TNT has raised over $950 million since it began 20 years ago. The Team-In-Training Program provides a four- to five-month training program for runners, walkers, cyclists, triathletes, and hikers. Participants work hard to prepare for their events and to raise money to support LLS. Each participant performs in honor or memory of a specific leukemia patient. As you know, I’m running in honor of my Dad who lost his life to leukemia last October. I’m convinced that both the Team In Training and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society are effective and professional programs that play a crucial part in curing blood cancers. Thank you for supporting their important mission.

July 14, 2009 Posted by David | Running | Leave a comment

About

My Blog

images Welcome to Dirty Shoes. You’ll find details here about my training for the Denver Marathon and my efforts to support the mission of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Expect to find regular updates about my progress as well as features like my “Run of the Week”, sharing some of my favorite runs around the country, and “The Stamina Soundtrack”, a playlist of songs to keep you moving. I’ll also drop in tips and information about running, racing, and the landscape and phenomena that serves as the backdrop and inspiration for my running ambitions. This blog is an effort to give back to those who support my cause. I hope it will allow you to come along with me on this journey. Let me know what you think. Please share your thoughts and comments.

If you’d like to help me raise funds to research a cure for blood cancers and to support other families who are facing the challenges that these diseases bring, this link will take you to my fundraising page: http://pages.teamintraining.org/rm/denver09/dbraun

My Dad

Paul David Braun (November 29, 1944-October 12, 2008)

I’m running the Denver Marathon in memory of my father. During a full life, my Dad modeled values that I make every effort to live up to each day. He exemplified integrity, character, honesty, and faith. When he was diagnosed with a rare leukemia in 2005, my family was badly shaken. But his strength, pragmatism, and demeanor throughout the course of his treatment comforted me in difficult times and his providence, love, and foresight help me move forward in his absence. I miss him everyday but his spirit persists in many tangible ways. He does not live in my mind with the illness he suffered but rather in the many long and happy years that preceded it. For visitors who knew my Dad, I hope this site recalls memories that make you smile.

Running has been a rare constant in a rambling life. I’ve spent much of my adulthood moving from one place to another seeking education, adventure, and experience. In each new place, running has provided an opportunity to refocus and to know that place well. I’ve run along dramatic mountain ridges snaking through vast wilderness, and along cracked asphalt alleys slinking through urban districts. I’ve run along palm-lined beaches and along graffiti-lined bridges. Whether bounding down desert canyons, or cranking miles out on pavement I’ve found great satisfaction. Running helps me stay centered in a life that has been, geographically at least, anything but. It has helped me find peace during times of upheaval and clarity during times of confusion. It has given me gladness in times of hardship and novelty in times of dullness. I’ve had friendships built solely around running. It has been a big part of my life. I’m grateful that something I have a passion for can be used to purpose. I hope that my commitment to run in memory of my father will inspire you to turn your own passions to something greater. Or at least to go for a run.