Yes it is true…I am officially hosting my first giveaway. Inspired by a few other blogs I’ve been reading, I decided this would be a great way to get the word out about Team In Training and have a little fun too. So here’s the deal…last Saturday during our team run, one of our mentors, Lindsey shared a “Mission Moment” with us. She told us a story about a women who was diagnosed with blood cancer a few years ago and was officially giving up. She had been through just about every treatment out there and doctors basically told her to go home and be comfortable for her last few weeks. Exhausted and on the verge of giving up, she decided to try just one more new treatment. She has been in remission ever since. And she found out that the treatment she received was developed through research COMPLETELY funded by Team In Training! To all of you who have donated, I can’t thank you enough. Your money is saving and changing lives! And to all of you who haven’t donated yet, please consider donating! Please remember EVERY SINGLE DOLLAR counts. It’s is not a shameful thing to donate $10, $5, $1…anything you feel compelled and able to give. During Saturday’s 9 miles, Lindsay had set up different inspirational posters throughout the trail complete with pictures and names of all the people who are running for as well as quotes of inspiration. Despite the 29 degree weather…it was a great run.
I will share just one more story with you before I get to the giveaway (hang with me!). I was flipping through channels the other day and came across a headline that honestly brought me to tears. The story was about Dax Locke, age two, who is a St. Jude patient. He is terminally ill with a very rare form of Leukemia (AML M7) and has bravely undergone two bone marrow transplants yet the cancer remains. As of Saturday, doctors give him 4-8 weeks meaning he probably won’t make it to see Christmas. His neighborhood decided not to let little Dax miss out on Christmas and thus started “Decorate for Dax” (http://www.decoratefordax.com/). The neighborhood has elaborately decorated their houses and streets with Christmas lights, blow up Santas, light up reindeer, you name it they got it. They’ve even been caroling, tree decorating, gift exchanging, and cookie making all for little Dax.
2 year old Dax. Absolute angel!
Dax's house all decked out
Check out the site listed above to read more about Dax and about his neighbors. What an amazing and heartbreaking reminder that we need to cherish every day of our health and that cancer does not discriminate. Cancer can hit any of us and it is so important for us to do everything we can. I know personally God has blessed my life in so many ways, and the least I can do is give and do what I can to make the lives of people like Dax meaningful and wonderful.
So now for the giveaway…Sorry guys but this one is pretty female centered (but not completely) but hey I’m sure there’s a wonderful girl in your life that would love you to win for her. The prize includes a few different items for any running, athletics, or accessory fanatic. All the items included are things I have tried and love and hopefully you will feel the same.
1st on the prize list is your choice of ANY headband from http://www.bondiband.com/. Let me tell you these are one of the best inventions of all time. Keeps your hair (and sweat, ew) out of ur eyes and also works great to cover up ears when its cold out (as I learned this Saturday…my Bondi Band saved my ears!); they would also be awesome for the beach or pool!
They come is TONS of great colors and patterns. If you’re the winner, all you’ll have to do is let me know which one you want and its yours =)
2) A Team In Training gym/duffle bag. It’s really great quality with tons of space and pockets for everything. It was a zippered shoe pockets (so muddy shoes don’t get on everything else…on your sweaty clothes if you’re anything like my dad). It was both handles and shoulder strap and the front zip compartment has cell phone, ipod, and keys pockets.
Sorry the picture quality isn't great but I promise its a great and durable bag.
3) Travel sized shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, body wash, and lotion (to stash in your gym bag).
4) $15 ITunes giftcard!
Okay so there’s your prize pack…now for the rules. It’s really simple. All you have to do is leave a comment to this post saying how cancers has touched your life. This can be a story about an experience with cancer, a memory of a loved one lost, a statistic that has shocked you, how you feel you can help the fight, or anything else you think of! Does not have to be long or detailed, just share something thoughtful with everyone! Be sure to leave your name in your post! After you’ve done that…you can DONATE! This is not a requirement by any means but the goal of all this is to raise funds and awareness for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society so you’re donation would be GREATLY appreciated. Like I said…even a dollar counts! To donate, go to http://pages.teamintraining.org/vtnt/dipihalf10/kmcnulty. But again the only requirement to enter is your thought about cancers effect on your life. I’ll continue excepting entries through Thanksgiving! On November 26th, I’ll write out everyone’s name in a hat (or bowl) and let one of my cousins pick out a name. I’ll contact the winner by that night! (Be sure to include some way for me to contact you). So there ya go! My first giveaway! Please start sharing! and send this on to all your friend! They don’t have to know me personally to enter…oh and that reminds me…I will SHIP the prize package to the winner so you don’t need to worry about collecting it =). Any questions? Just let me know =)
Hey there, stumbled upon your blog through my dear friend Beth over at Shut up and run. I like it and will enter your giveaway. You have a unique voice and style. I will come back to your site. I found it curious that your are a dancer (former dancer?) That’s my gig too. I danced for 18 years, have taught a few and always love it. I have been distance running for about a year and a half with 4 halfs and almost 2 fulls under my belt. My second full is this upcoming Sat. 11/14 in Richmond, Va. Prayers requested! Check out my blog at http://www.ownyourbackbone.blogspot.com. Would love your input too. My best to you.
Thank you for your comment. I will link in your Giveaway on High Five Friday tomorrow.
My journey to Fitness began with an email from my employer. They offered to donate $100 on my behalf to Susan G. Komen if I registered and ran a 5K local Komen race. At the time I was out of shape and carrying 50lbs of extra baby weight. I had been running but running for 3 miles without stopping was tough.
There was no way that I could pass on the $100, lord knows we did not have the extra money to donate. So I registered and ran the race. I was amazed and floored by the women in Survivor t-shirts, zooming past me. They were strong and had faught cancer. I was weak for no reason than pure laziness… This realization started my adiction to running and helped me find my fitness.
Now I plan to give back by running my next Marathon to raise funds for The Komen organization.
Cancer sucks!! My GRandma died from jaw cancer and I will do what I can to help with the cause.
Thank you for the stories and for this giveaway!
heyy….so happy that you have made a blog- it looks really really great!!! those two stories are so great and this give away looks so awesome! I will share it with my readers!
I guess I will participate as well…. My grandmom had bladder cancer. She battled it since I was a junior in high school (I am a junior in college now). She just passed away about three weeks ago and I am honestly heart broken. Not a day goes by that I do not think about her. Sometimes I just cry thinking about how much I miss her. i know she is up in heaven now happily looking down upon my family and I but sometimes its hard to grasp the reality of life. its the first death I have ever had to deal with and its definitely not an easy thing to do.
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just wanted to let you know that I linked back to this post on my blog!
yeah I know this is my 4th comment on here haah but I just wanted to let oyu know that I have added you to my blogroll— did you want to be added as “runninaround” or “live, love, run, pray”?
Thanks for everything Tina…you can add it as Live, Love…thanks for the add!
I feel me and my family has been lucky when its come to cancer, hasnt effected us directly. But In order to particpate here goes. Earlier this year due to layoffs I took a job at a call center making calls for non profit organizations, mostly charitiys. One of the main ones was St. Jude Childrens research hospital. They would make monthly visits and movies about the work being done there. Including meeting a couple of the former patients including one that had been on tv with Marlo Thomas years ago. I guess it did effect me I did end up starting to make small donations to them, and being more giving then I was before. Even started to donate blood.
So while, thankfully, it hasnt hit me directly I feel in some way it has changed me and hopefully we never need the research or cancer hostpitals but glad its there
As a nursing student I realized how much of my life I take for granted. I see so many people who are fighting cancer and it makes me want to share my knowledge with others even more. I think it’s so wonderful what you are doing and I really enjoy your blog!
Hey katye! I thought I would just add the story of Amanda Post from my personal experience, and another story also.
I knew Amanda ever since I was 9, and we played soccer together on our SAC team called “The Lady Dips.” When we were 12, she was diagnosed with Leukemia. Fortunately she overcame it, and bounced right back to playing soccer with us.(she was our leading scorer in her first tournament back!) As we grew up together we became closer friends and eventually became best friends. We were similar in so many ways, and we were inseparable. Later on, her cancer relapsed. She went through chemo for a second time, and recieved a bone marrow transplant. Unfortunately, she developed a disease called GVHD. She passed away on May 17, 2009. I think about her every day, and she changed me in so many ways.
One month after her death, my mom developed breast cancer. After just going through grief from Amanda’s death, this news both shocked and scared me. Now, in the beginning of November, she is finally done her last round of chemo, and is beginning to recover. Both of these battles with cancer put my life into perspective. It showed me that life is short, and you should enjoy it while you can!
The happiest day of my life was ruined by cancer. The day my (now) husband proposed to me, my grandmother was given 6 months to live. She lasted four.
Now I do quite a bit of volunteering and fundraising for ACS and other organizations. Good luck with your marathon!!! What you are doing is great!
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Kayte – love the blog! It’s awesome all that you are doing. Cancer has touched my life in several avenues. My husband’s family has been hit with cancer on all sides. Some have succombed to the disease, and others have risen victorious against it. A close friend’s mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, and is happily in remission! As you said, cancer does not discriminate, but we can do all we can to support, encourage and fund research that will save lives.
Keep running for the cause!
oh gosh Shut up and run linked to you and then I saw the story about DAX…wow that was so touching. Cancer has been in my family in many ways…it’s scary and yet oddly empowering. For those who choose to fight and for those whose family rally around them. In may case, my grandfather, two uncles and 1 aunt have had different forms of cancer.
Hey Kayte, thanks so much for stopping by my blog and letting me know about your giveaway.
I have only had one relative with cancer – my grandfather passed away after a long fight with cancer of the throat.
Sadly, I have been learning that more and more people who I know through a friend or through work seem to be fighting cancer – some winning, some losing. It seems to touch everyone and it breaks my heart.
Good luck in your journey!
Katye,
What you are doing is an amazing thing and God is definitely working through you and shining through you. Cancer has definitely effected my life in many ways. Although, I personally have never had to fight the battle, I had to watch my Grandfather suffer from Cancer. Cancer was never really an issue with my family before, but since my Grandfather worked on the Railroads and smoked a lot it definitely crept up on him and took over his life. He meant the world to me and is a very big role model in my life to this day. Although he lost the battle to lung cancer in 1996, I still never forget what Cancer did to our family. I miss my Grandfather very much, but I know God is in control and His plan is much bigger than our own.
So keep up the wonderful job you are doing by supporting the fight against cancer and remember you are definitely a role model to many, including me.
-Brooke
Thanks for stopping by my blog!
I don’t have a personal story with cancer, my immediate friends and family have been extremely blessed not to have anyone who’s had it. However, I have had several work acquaintances that have either lived through or died from various forms of cancer, and I’ve seen how it can strike anyone, at any time–healthy mothers, active men, and even a vibrant 20-something gal.
I’ve long been a runner, but I remember vividly my first Komen Race for the Cure about 10 years ago, in Omaha, NE. This was back before I ever knew anyone with any kind of cancer, but I felt compelled to do the race and raise money. I remember watching the wave of survivors parade by and tears just running down my face. I was so in awe that 1)there were SO many and 2)they were so strong and fighting and 3)the network of loved ones and friends that had come out to support them. It is still one of the most touching races I have ever done and I recall that feeling like it was just yesterday!
I have since donated and run a couple more Race for the Cures and supported friends doing TNT. Whether I wint the giveaway or not, here’s to your cause and knocking cancer OUT!!
Your blog is quickly becoming one of my favorites. And i am so inspired by your fundraising! I am fundraising for Big Brothers/Big Sisters for my half marathon.
Unfortunately, I can not say cancer has not touched me in one way or another (can anyone anymore??). My grandfather was a smoker and died of lung cancer, two of my friend’s moms have breast cancer and a good friend in college died from cancer 3 years ago.
It’s sad how common it is now, but i hope i live to see a cure!
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My aunt died from cancer almost 3 years ago. She was only 46 years old and it devasted my whole family. You never think it will happen to you or someone you love but then it does, because of this I also joined Team in Training. It is a great organization and I can’t wait to meet everyone on the team. I love the blog! Go TEAM!
oooohhhh… love the items you’re giving away. i came over here from Tall Mom on the Run.
cancer seems to be all around me, my grandfather died form lung cancer, grandmother from skin cancer. my best friend’s (for the past 21 years!) battled cancer as a toddler (and won!).
My mother in law died of cancer almost 8 years ago. She found out too late; and was unable to do anything to stop it. She died three months to the day of her diagnosis. Very sad.
I found your site via Skinny Runner’s blog.
My Dad was diagnosed with colon cancer in the Fall of 2002. I had been living on the other side of the country from him and will never forget the phone call when he told me. He went through both chemo and radiation, as well as surgery to remove part of his colon. It was a tough battle for him but luckily it’s one that he won. It was ultimately the reason for me to move back home and I now live 4 miles from my parents. I visit them often and cherish every moment with them.
Keep up your hard work of fundraising for an important cause!
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Hi there! Found your blog link from Tall Mom on the Run.
We lost my husband’s grandfather 7 years ago to lung cancer. By the time they discovered it, it had spread to other organs. The hardest part was that towards the end – he knew none of us – even my husband who loved that man for taking him under his wing and keeping him out of trouble, for teaching him the things that a husband/dad/father should do long before he would need it, and most of all for the advice and wisdom he shared. It hurts the most that he never met our son whom he would have loved meeting…
Fortunately we have the memories to pass along. Another good friend is recovering from having her colon removed on Monday after discovering colon cancer for the 2nd time – she is the holiest person I know – so yes, it does not discriminate.
The Decorate for Dax is an amazing story!
Thanks for passing along the message! Take care and God Bless!
I have been surrounded by cancer since I can remember. My brother was diagnosed with a brain tumor when he was 2 1/2. He died when he was 7, I was 9. My mother battled (and won!) ovarian cancer about 5 years after my brother had passed. My Grandfather died of lung cancer, his wife, my grandmother, of colon cancer. I have 2 aunts dealing with breast cancer right now. The one just finished treatment; the other just started.
I have never had cancer, but unfortunately I am very acquainted with it.
Thanks for the awesome giveaway. I’m fortunate that my family and close friends have not had to deal with cancer. There have been plenty of people that I know who have. Tall Mom sent me over and I admire your dedication to a great cause.
Thank you so much to everyone for sharing your amazing stories! I will continue to share them with my team to help encourage their fundraising and training. Keep them coming!
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I just found your blog. I hope it’s not too late to enter. Cancer has touched my life a few times, but the biggest impact came when cancer took my grandma’s life. She was vibrant and full of spunck before her diagnosis, but was gone just months later.
Thank you for hosting this giveaway, not just because of the great prizes, but also because it emphasizes an incredibly important cause.