All I Can Say is WOW!!!

SO, first off - sorry for the long gap in time since the last post... As everyone knows, fundraising has gone very well, and I'm thankful for all who have helped cure blood cancer! I really want to thank my friend Samantha McCaully-Green and the Crawl for Cancer for their VERY generous donation to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. If there is a Crawl for Cancer in your town, be sure to put together a team and participate! This is proof of the amazing work they are doing!!!!!

Well, the big marathon... Last Friday it was off to San Francisco for the Nike Woman's Marathon. I was amazed to see all of the other Team in Training participants from all over the US and Canada. Unknown to me at the time NWM (Nike Women's Marathon) is the 10 largest marathon and the LARGEST Women's marathon in the WORLD! WOW right??

So the event started with a large dinner called the Inspiration Dinner LLS and TNT (Team in Training) does for us. As soon as we (the participants) all walked into the hall, hundreds of LLS staff members were there cheering VERY loudly for us. FOR ME! It was so loud, so overwhelming, so emotional. It made me realize what a big thing I was a part of. As I made my way though the procession, I noticed a man holding a sign that said, "I'm a survivor because of you"; I began to tear up. That is when the "ugly cry" started. The millions TNT and marathons raise for LLS does help find cures and treatments for blood cancer! For this event alone, we with TNT raised 13 MILLION DOLLARS for LLS and NWM raised 105 Million! Can you believe it?? I couldn't. I was overwhelmed... This money could be helping Michelle and so many like her.

Throughout the dinner, we were able to see so many faces and names of those this program helps. We heard from people touched by LLS and who are dealing with blood cancer. Needless to say, many of us were left in tears. We were so touched and honored to be a part of such an amazing cause.

Well, race day... The event was to start at 7 am. Unfortunately, the day was gray, cold, and WET. Yup, it rained most of the day! UGH! BUT despite the cold rain, my spirit was high and I was on a mission to FINISH the event. The scenery was amazing, with a lot to look at along the way. There were performances by a wonderful gospel choir, cheerleaders, bands, and DJ's spinning the best tunes to run to! The hills were TOUGH and MUCH harder than I had anticipated, but I managed to make it up each one. I will admit though, somewhere around mile eight I was getting pretty tired and stiff. BUT I just kept thinking about Michelle and something my Honor Patient Matthew said... "If you think this is hard, you should try chemo" and that kept me going. It's crazy to see what you can do when you are determined to do it!

I was able to cross the finish line quicker than I had ever thought! In just over three hours I did 13.1 miles. My first 1/2 marathon. I had to do this, not for me, but for my BFF laying in ICU back home, for my new friend Matthew Mellor who just went into remission, a fellow racer Toney Russell, my friend Kelle's step-mom, and the millions of others effected by blood cancer. I crossed the finish line, received my Tiffany necklace, and reflected. When I signed up for this almost six months ago, I had three goals. To help make a difference, to raise as much money as possible for LLS and to finish my event. I'm proud but humble to say I accomplished all I set out to do. After all donations and corporate matching is accounted for, with YOUR help, I raised over $7,000 for LLS.

Overall this experience has made me stronger, thankful, grateful, and hopefully and better person. I've made new friends, got in better shape and had a lot of fun. For me, this has been a life line while I've worried about Michelle and in my own way, I've felt I've been able to do something for her.

I plan on keeping this blog up and my facebook page up, because I WILL be doing another event! I'll keep you updated on what I'm doing!

Thank you again for your support and help during all of this!!!

Racing for a Cure

SUNDAY! SUNDAY! Hahaha!!! Seriously, if any of you know me, you know drag racing is a passion of mine. SO naturally, I've brought together my two loves... Raising money for LLS and drag racing! Hence, Racing for a Cure!

I am still lucky enough to work for a Pro Modified team that runs in a national circuit called the ADRL, or the American Drag Racing League. This allows our car to be seen all over the USA! Well, of course me being the opportunist I am, quickly jumped on the chance to help raise money for LLS, raise awareness of blood cancer, and just remind people of the Society. Needless to say it was a big hit! My friend Kellie and I were able to raise a substantial amount of money for LLS. Remember, it only takes $1000 to give 10 children cancer medicine for a month, so lets say a lot of kids could get the medicine they need, or a medical researcher could make a breakthrough in a cure, or a family might receive help with their insurance co-pays... Regardless, we know we helped make a difference, and moreover - drag race fans all over the WORLD have helped make a difference.

I must admit most of my fundraising accomplishments have come via racing... The racing community is amazing for lending their support for worthy causes. Not only have fans came out in full force to donate, but so have teams and drivers. Many of my Pro Mod adversaries have gave big... Good folks like Gaylen Smith and his LenMar Motorsports Team, Frankie "Mad Man" Taylor, Mike Castallana, Danny Rowe, Toney Russell, Josh Hernandez and Keith Goolsby of Superlifts who all gave large donations, and my new friend "Fast" Jack Beckman who is lending his star power... Mr Beckman, who is an inspiration himself, is a major contender in Top Fuel Funny Car in the NHRA Full Throttle Series and is also a lymphoma survivor. Commanding such major attention in the world of motorsports, having Mr. Beckman help lend his name to the cause is proving to be priceless.

Regardless if you are a drag race fan or not, you cannot dispute what big hearts the fans, drivers, and crew's have for helping those who need it. Without the generosity of those within the industry I love so much, I wouldn't be anywhere near where I am now in my overall fundraising efforts. Besides, racing has helped me keep the "fun" in fundraising. Hahaha! Okay, that was a bit dorky even for me!

There is No "I" in TEAM!

A major part of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training Program is the TEAM aspect. I know I've referenced this a few times, but I'm not sure if I've really explained the whole deal. Really, at the end of the day, it's part of what makes this whole experience so fun and addicting!

Here in Kansas City, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) has a local chapter, which is the Mid America Chapter. We cover a large part of Missouri and a large portion of Kansas. The Team in Training (TNT) team I'm on is under the Mid America LLS. Under our Mid America LLS TNT team, there are several teams training all at once. Each separate "sub" team is training for a different marathon, and one very tough team training for a triathlon. There are also seasons. We are training with the 2010 Fall season, as our events are all in the fall.... (DUH! LOL). Anyway, the team I'm a part of is the Nike Women's Marathon, which will be in San Francisco, CA. There is also a team training for the Waddell and Reed KC Marathon, and the team training for The Nation's Triathlon in DC.

Each team has a fantastic support system, which includes team Mentor's. The Mentor's are experienced in this program and help with training, fundraising, moral, etc... Our Mentor's for Nike is Aimee and Amy. Not kidding! I know very few Amy's (or Aimee's), and now, I know two fantastic ones!!! Tonight Aimee and Amy hosted a BBQ for our team. We all got a chance to bond a little more and to learn more about each other. We gathered with good food, and really had time to share some amazing stories on why we are embarking on this experience. Needless to say, when it was my turn to share - I did the Oprah "ugly cry" thing when I spoke of my dear Michelle and how much I miss her everyday. Regardless, with every mile I log with my TNT Team, I feel I could be making a difference for others who could be in Michelle's position in the future.

SO, as the evening went on the the sharing went on, I sat back and realized this experience is not about myself, or even Michelle. I've now really become a part of something much bigger! Marathon running is an individual sport, but somehow The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has turned this into a very cool team sport. The camaraderie and encouragement is amazing and I've been blown away by the ease of instant "friendship" and acceptance I've found with my new teammates. I suppose this adds to the addiction of the program. I left the evening feeling like I'm EXACTLY where I'm supposed to be, doing EXACTLY what I'm supposed to be doing!

You can still be a part of OUR Team! You can find out about your local TNT Chapter or you can help us find a cure by visiting http://pages.teamintraining.org/mid/nikesf10/ajohnsotl9 and donating what you can...

Blessings to you!
~AJ

The Honor is All Mine

Part of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Team in Training program is to learn more about blood cancer, and to become more involved in their mission. In order to do so, each team is given an Honor Patient. When I first joined Team in Training, I thought the idea of an Honor Patient was cool for those needing to put a face with the disease, but I already had my face and personal drive. I had Michelle pushing me to make a difference. Regardless, I was interested in how the Honor Patient deal worked but was somewhat skeptical at the all the while.


I'm sure you are all sitting there thinking I've now hit the height of hypocrisy. Skeptical?? I've been personally touched by leukemia with someone I love very much, and now I'm skeptical about being put in touch with someone else who is fighting for their life. What kind of a jerk am I?? Well, it wasn't that simple. Blood cancer is nasty. Well, any cancer is nasty. For any of you who really know me, knows I'm a much more tender hearted person then I let on. In my mind, I was expecting to see a small, frail child, or someone who, like Michelle, looked and acted very ill and could possibly be dying. For me, the thought of becoming "attached" to someone else who has blood cancer was an almost unbearable thought.


Fast forward to our kick-off party. Back at the first part of June, we had a big kick-off party, where everyone with the Mid-America Chapter of Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team in Training program got together to finally meet face-to-face. We all broke-up into our actual team, which is based on which marathon (or for a few elite few, a triathlon) you are participating in. For me, it will be the Women's Nike Marathon in San Francisco, CA. Anyway, each team is assigned their Honor Patient. Our team, was the only team who's patient was at the party. To my surprise, the gentleman who addressed us seemed to be near my age... He is a father of two young boys and oddly, prior to his leukemia diagnosis, he was an avid marathon and triathlon participant.


Matthew Mellor addressed the entire room and gave us insight into his diagnosis with a rare form of leukemia, CML, his treatments, and his life, both before and during cancer. Needless to say, by the end of his talk, I was in tears. Suddenly my new "hobby" had become even more real. I suddenly had another "Michelle" right in my face and this one could talk back to me. It made me miss her so much more, but it made me more determined to help find a cure. Not just for her, but for Matthew and his wife and boys.


Well, to my excitement - Matthew is now in remission!! The oh, so sweet word has finally came for him and his loved ones! During his time of trials and hardship he never lost his faith or his determination that he would triumph over leukemia. He kept up his physical strength as much as possible and to everyone's delight, last Sunday, Matthew just participated in his first triathlon since leukemia.


A fellow TNT member, Kay, and I went to Shawnee Mission park to support Matthew in his triathlon. He amazed us both with how well he tackled the swimming and biking part of in his race. We were so excited for him. Not so much for the race, but more for what the day the race signified for him. Just as Matthew was rounding the final part of the bike portion, the race was cancelled because of a bad storm. Regardless, he was a serious winner!!!


SO, now I'm thinking the term "Honor Patient" is completely wrong... I've learned so much from my Honor Patient. BOTH of them. Michelle and Matthew have taught me more than I could ever imagine. It's funny but I somehow wonder if they were cut from the same mold, so to speak. They both have shown more grace and dignity than most people would in their situation. They both have a tremendous amount of heart and have been determined to triumph over anything. For me, I am the one who is honored. The honor has been mine to not only know them, but to compete for them. To say I'm a part of THEIR team has made me feel more honor than I have felt in a long time...

Please honor them and their fight by joining our team and by helping us all find a cure!!! We still need your help and your donations!

Thanks!!

~AJ

Walking, and Running, and Fundraising, OH MY!

Oh my, what a month! Well, so much has been going on... First let me start by saying THANK YOU to everyone who made it out to Sweet Tomatoes to help me celebrate my Birthday and most importantly, to help support The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I'm not sure how much money we raised, but we did have a good time!

Well, the past month or so has been INSANE to say the least. Training has taken off full force... I will admit, I've been most nervous about the training; not the fundraising. I'm delighted to report however, the training has actually been fun! The hardest part is during the week. I have to maintain a strict training regimen our coaches have planned all week, but this is independent. The exciting part is our Saturday team training sessions. I've made some new friends, and honestly, as crazy as it sounds, I enjoy getting up at 4:30 AM to make a 6 AM run! Okay, I'll be 100% honest - I'm not exactly running yet, but I am getting into a little jogging. Regardless, we are working up to some serious mileage!

At the top of the page, the picture I put up is of a rainbow Kellie took while we were driving back home. It was after our first team training session. After the session, we had a fitness and nutrition workshop. There was so much information to digest, but when we got back in the car, we both felt we were EXACTLY where we are supposed to be! The entire experience has been amazing. I'm getting so much from this experience. Far more than I feel I'm putting into the deal.

So, fundraising... Well, I am past what the program calls our "recommit" amount. This is good! I had until the end of August to make this mark, but I'm early, so hopefully the momentum will continue! Kellie and I have teamed up on our efforts. The most recent was during the ADRL Hardee's Independence Drags IV at Heartland Park Topeka. The race team I still do PR for has been a tremendous help and supporter of the cause, so they offered their services to help us and LLS out! I'm so happy to report, we were able to raise over $1500 in just over a day! Unfortunately, the race rained out - so needless to say, we didn't do as well as we had hoped, but every dime matters. We never could have hit that amount if it wasn't for some dear friends of mine in the racing business! I want to give a big thank you to Gaylen Smith and Lenmar Motorsports, Frankie "Madman" Taylor, Mike Castalana and his team, and Keith Goolsby of Superlifts. Those teams all gave over $100!! The support of the racing community has been such an inspiration! You can read all about our efforts here - http://www.competitionplus.com/index.php/drag-racing/news/14646-barklage-brothers-racing-for-a-cause-

SO, Emotions?? Well, I miss my dear friend Michelle. She is after all the reason I've gotten involved. She is still holding her own but still in a coma. It's come to the point I can barely drag myself to the hospital. I just miss her so much. During my fundraising efforts, I've had the honor of meeting so many who have had loved ones fight blood cancer. I never knew how many people are effected. During my journey, I've discovered every four minutes, someone new in the USA is diagnosed with blood cancer and only $1000 will give 10 children cancer med's for an entire month. Kinda puts things in prospective uha??

Well, if you are so blessed to have healthy family and friends, thank the Lord for your blessings. If you are one of those who are sick or have a loved one who is sick, remember - this journey we are doing is for YOU!

Remember, if you haven't donated and you can - please visit http://pages.teamintraining.org/mid/nikesf10/ajohnsotl9

Every dime helps!

Thanks!

~AJ

Blood Cancer Awareness Month - YES, YOU CAN HELP!

Blood Cancer Awareness Month Resolution

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is urging supporters to contact their U.S. Representative to co-sponsor a Congressional resolution (H.RES. 1433) to designate September 2010 as Blood Cancer Awareness Month.

This resolution was recently introduced in the House by Representatives Walter Jones (Republican from North Carolina) and Betsy Markey (Democrat from Colorado). The resolution will highlight the impact of blood cancers in the United States each year and encourages greater support for blood cancer research and education.

Do your part by contacting your representative today: http://www.capitolconnect.com/lls/alertdetail.aspx?AlertID=107 This link will take you to the LLS Advocacy page where you can register and automatically send a letter to your representative.

Training...

So, the torture has begun! LOL!! Seriously, the first big team training was this past Saturday and I have to admit it was fab! Kellie and I was up VERY early, as in before 6 am, and off we were. The first day was a light and easy 2 miles but it felt great to get my blood going nice and early. The camaraderie we found is extremely contagious! We both really feel this experience is going to be a very fulfilling one!

After our quick jog, we were fed a breakfast of fruit and bagels... We had a two hour seminar on fitness and nutrition, which was a very informative deal. It was nice to know we are embarking on our fitness routine on the right foot. Needless to say, after the early work-out and educational experience, we spent a good part of the weekend learning more about things like appropriate running shoes, gear, clothes, etc... I guess, we now have a new hobby right??

So, fundraising... Well, I guess it's going well but I had hoped for a bit more consistancy. The amount of money that has come in thus far has been fantastic, but I need it to continue! The cause is so great and I'm still seeing it first hand.

Michelle isn't doing well at all. She is still in a coma and unfortunately, with each day, she seems to slip further away. Her last MRI has shown more negative damage, and her physical status seems to change for the worse. Mike, her fiance, and I had a series of discussions this weekend, and we both are torn up from seeing her suffer. The damage this horrible disease has done to her poor body has been unimaginable.

I guess between the endless encouragement I've found with the Team in Training program mixed with the images of the suffering of my best friend, I've realized now, more than ever the need for a cure for blood cancers! I know I've sounded like a broken record these days, but I haven't felt so passionate about something in such a long time. I know together there will be a cure and I know together this all will help other suffer less than what Michelle has had to suffer. I know this is what she would want! To make sure to help others!!!

Well, I guess this weekend has been a strange emotional journey... Please, please, please send everyone you know to the website!!! A cure cannot be possible without your help!!!

http://pages.teamintraining.org/mid/nikesf10/ajohnsotl9

~AJ

Team in Training in Full Force!

Well, tonight was the big LLS Team in Training kick-off party! This is when we all got together and for the first time met each other, all of the coaches, and mentors. I even met the Honor Patient assigned to our team. To simplify, even though I'm participating for my BFF Michelle, I'm a part of a MUCH larger team. First off, I am a member of the Mid-West LLS Team in Training team. Then, I'm a part of the Nike Women's Marathon team. Our Honor Patient, Matthew, gave a very inspiring speech at our party. He seems to be close to my age and is married with two young boys. He was recently diagnosed with CML, a form of leukemia. Regardless to say, there were some tears during the evening, but what can I say?? I fully expect this experience to change my life!

One of my other BFF's and a very close friend of Michelle's, Kellie, has joined me in the LLS TNT. We are now doing this mission together! She and I sat quietly during the speeches given at the party, but I really think deep inside we both were thinking the same thing... We both miss our friend... We both wish she could be here with us right now, instead of laying in a coma still. Despite how sad we feel sometimes, it seems to give us both more determination to raise money and to train harder! WE NEED A CURE!! We hope and pray everyday for Michelle and now, we have seen another face affected by blood cancer...

Well, the picture you see is one Coach Keith took for me of the Mid-West TNT team! I'm sure there are some people missing, but this is us!!! Wish us all luck on the mission we have embarked on!!!

Thanks and keep the donations coming!!!
~AJ
http://pages.teamintraining.org/mid/nikesf10/ajohnsotl9

The Start of it All and Why??

You know those surreal moments in our life... We all have them. The ones that seem to play out like a movie drama and we watch them unfold in a strange slow-motion deal. The times, we seem to switch to auto-pilot mode and when people ask us how we're doing we respond with, "I'm fine." This is one of those moments for me.

You sometimes hear about people in coma's. The first thing I always think about is, what in the world is going on inside of their mind. Can they hear?? Can they feel?? And above all, what would they think or want if they could see themself laying there on life support. This is the situation I now see played out.

So how did we get here?? Well, my best friend of almost 20 years has endured leukemia three times now. When I used to think of leukemia I thought of those sad little, bald headed children you would see on those children's hospital commercials. I know those parent's and children are going through hell, but they really didn't affect me. They seemed to be a world away from my life. All of a sudden leukemia was in my face. Up front and real! The first thing I realized is how little I really knew about leukemia. What in the world is leukemia exactly?? Well, I found out quickly, it is CANCER. BLOOD CANCER! The word cancer was enough to make me weep for my dear friend. How does one discover blood cancer?? There wouldn't be a lump to feel for... There woudn't be any self test you could do at home would there?? This was the start of my journey into blood cancers....

Michelle, my BFF who was diagnosed with leukemia was 19. Far from being one of those small children like we see on TV. She found out during a normal annual physical. Since she was young and in otherwise decent health, we all were optimistic of a quick remission. After some minor bumps, and several months of treatment, the sweet words of remission were spoken. Victory as far as I was concerned... Although everyone sat on pins and needles each time she needed to have a check-up and bonemarrow asperation to make sure the cancer was gone, the anxiety would lessen over the years.

Fast forward 9 years... The horrible word, relapse came up. The leukemia monster was back. The horrible part of the deal was - after 5 years, Michelle was sure she was "cured" and this was just not the case for her... Since her last fight, the doctors knew they would have to become much more aggressive. Now, they were talking bonemarrow transplant. This posed a whole new set of rules, and risks. Terms like host versus graft disease and a lot of issues with immune suppression came into play Suddenly this became so much more scary.

After what seemed like a lifetime of fighting and much more serious illness, she licked it all again. Remission was achieved again and with the new DNA given with the new bonemarrow it seemed a "cure" was now finally achieved.

Just when life returned back to normal once again, Michelle began to not feel well again. It was only two years after the transplant. Much to everyones heartache, the leukemia had once again returned. Unfortunately, with the failed bonemarrow transplant there were few options left. This opened the door for her to participate in a study where she most recently received a double cord blood transplant.

While the cord blood seems to have done it's job and the leukemia seems to be resolved so far, this has all come at an insurmountable expense. Michelle's poor body has been put through a hell those of us who are healthy can only imagine. She has had more toxic poisions pumped through her, the doctors have damaged her liver, heart, and now her brain.

At present time, my beloved friend rests in a coma. Time has all but stopped since she has fallen into her deep sleep, but I believe it's now been six weeks. I go and sit next to a woman who just six months ago was vibrant. I sit next to a woman who resembles my best friend, and I talk to her thinking she might just answer back someday.

SO, now I am left wanting to help. With no medical degree of my own, and little resources, I've done the only thing I can. I've signed on to help raise money to find a cure and to increase awareness. I 've signed on to help an organization that helps improve the lives of those affected by blood cancers...

Now I train for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training program. But I cannot do any of this without your help! Please, please, please join my team and help us find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, hodgkin's, and meyloma... I have a goal of $5000. Every dime goes directly to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Every contribution is 100% tax deductable. Please find it in your heart to help.

http://pages.teamintraining.org/mid/nikesf10/ajohnsotl9

As cliche as it may be, my hope and prayer is, someday someone else will not have to sit by and watch their best friend suffer the way I have had to watch mine suffer....

Stay tuned! I will be updating on a regular basis on Michelle's condition, how the fundraising is going and of course how the training is going!! I'll have pictures, etc...

Thanks!
~AJ