Training in Honor of My Father

[Dems2002]

Dear Dem Friends,

I have been a member of Democratic Underground since 2000, but like most people, I typically post here on political topics and rarely discuss the personal. But today, I wanted to share an adventure and a story with anyone who might be interested.

Over 25-years ago my father died at the age of 35 from non-hodgkins lymphoma. His illness came on suddenly in the fall, and by June of 1982 he was gone. I was just shy of 7, and my mother was a 35-year-old widow. We were sad, but fortunate because my father was a union man. He had excellent healthcare, and after his death, in addition to social security, my mother received his pension. This was enough to keep us in our house, and make life as normal as it could be.

Unfortunately, with today's horrible healthcare, all too many people face a similar diagnosis, but with no financial support. That's where LLS comes in. For those who don't know, LLS is the Leukemia and lymphoma society. It raises money both for families faced with a similar diagnosis, and to support research into potential cures. One of the main ways that LLS raises money is through Team in Training.

Team in Training helps people train to compete in an endurance sport, and these individuals then raise money on behalf of LLS. 75% of all money raised goes right back to LLS, which is much better than the 50% or less average of some charities.

Next year, I am reaching a personal milestone. I will be turning 35, which means that shortly, God willing, I will have outlived my father. In honor of his memory, and in thanks for the healthy body that I have been graced with, I have begun training for my first ever triathlon with Team in Training. It's an Olympic distance, which means 1 mile swim, 25 mile bike ride and 6 mile run. It seems doable, although right now, my body is still adjusting to working out seriously for the first time in years, and isn't terribly happy with me.

My commitment to Team in Training and LLS is that I will raise $4900, which is a lot of money. So far, I have been able to raise a bit over $700 on my way to my goal.

This Christmas, I know many of us are very short of cash, myself included. BUT, if anyone has a spare $5, $10 or $100 dollars :) I would greatly, greatly appreciate it. Donations are tax deductible, and for the holidays, you can make a donation in someone else's name, and a certificate can be sent out in commemoration.

If you do want to donate, here is the link to my fundraising page that's on the team in training website. http://pages.teamintraining.org/sf/lavatri10/jrindahl

Regardless of whether you donate or not, I thank you for reading my post in honor of my father -- Happy Holidays!

Jennifer