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Friday, June 13, 2014

TEAM v3.0 Tour de Bass

Well, YES! It's that time again! I'm excited to say I'm back with team!!! I'm currently serving as team mentor for the LLS-Mid America Chapter Tour de Bass team. I'm beyond excited and honored LLS TNT has asked me once again to mentor a team.

This team is going to be very different than any previous experience I've had with team. This is a century cycling team. If you aren't familiar with century cycling, it's a 100 mile ride which takes place all in one single day. Due to my continued health issues, I'm unable to 1/2 marathon anymore. SO, I'm giving this bike thing a try on the urging of my doctors. I'll be honest though, it scares the stuffing out of me! LOL!!! We'll see how this goes.

Despite being scared and still dealing with my own health issues, there are MUCH bigger things at hand here. Thousands of people are fighting everyday just to survive!!! Thousands are hearing the words: leukemia, lymphoma, non-hodgkins, or meyloma for the first time.

Just like last time, I hope to honor my best friend, Michelle Royal. My beautiful Michelle went home to be with the Lord in July of 2012 after her relentless fight with leukemia. She is now at rest but the fight is hardly over. While she is at peace, there are others who need us!!!

So, I've decided throughout this training season to highlight someone who I've personally known with blood cancer. I'll quickly share their story and give them an opportunity to share what life is like with cancer through their eyes. You'll be AMAZED how many people you may know that have battled blood cancer!

Today I want to honor my friend Leesa Gabel. Leesa lives here in my hometown area and I'm honored to know here through the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

According to Leesa's own FB page, "On May 28, 2008 I was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Having a treatable, but not curable form of cancer sucks. So I've dedicated myself to doing all I can to find a cure for my leukemia and any other form of cancer out there. I do a great deal of volunteer work with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and as a Leader for the LIVESTRONG Foundation. My husband and I have raised over $30,000 thru LLS's Team in Training...and have developed a healthier lifestyle along the way by doing endurance events (marathons, century bike rides, triathlons). Cancer won't stop me!! You can read all about my journey at www.TeamWOBO.org"

Additionally, TODAY is Leesa's "CANCERVERSARY" as she is currently a SIX year survivor!!! WHOOHOOO!!! Leesa is an AMAZING mother, wife, friend, advocate and member of our community!!! She is only one of the MANY reasons I have pledged to raise money to help find a cure for blood cancer!

Help honor my friend Leesa today on her SIX year Cancerversary by making a donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at http://pages.teamintraining.org/mid/tourbass14/alj62477
Every dollar helps! YOU can make a real difference to people just like Leesa!