I hope that research will come up with a cure so I or anyone else won’t have to go through this “normal” routine again.

Irene is one of the primary reasons I came back to Team In Training.  As an honored teammate for the WA/AK Fall 11 season, she shared with us her enthusiasm and optimism. She is a two-time cancer survivor that inspired me to continue with this cause even when my fundraising was looking gray.

Irene is not only a survivor, she’s also a revolutionary. She believes wholeheartedly in the mission of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and she leads by example. Not once did I hear her complain. Training to walk the full marathon, she was always at practice bright and early. Always with a positive attitude and a smile on her face.

She was in it, to beat it.  And she did.  She conquered the Golden Gate Park hills and completed the Nike Women’s Half Marathon in San Francisco.  Her optimism was contagious.  Every time I walked by her, she would say “almost there”.

And she’s right, we are almost there.

The generous donations to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society put us that much closer to finding a cure.

Irene’s story:

I am a two time cancer survivor. In 2008 I was diagnosed with uterine cancer. 1 year after a full hysterectomy and radiation treatment I celebrated being cancer free. Two months later in 2009 was when I became acquainted with Lymphoma. I was feeling great. I had no signs that there could be anything wrong. My husband and I had just acquired a couple of new fast food restaurants. While at work July 7, 2009 I collapsed to the floor with a grand mal seizure and rushed to the hospital. I don’t remember much of the next few days but when I was aware enough they informed me that I had Central Nervous System (CSN) lymphoma. Two tumors located in my brain with one of them being inoperable. We felt that our only choice was to have chemotherapy.

Every other week I had an appointment for my chemotherapy which would took about 6 – 8 hour and then into the hospital for a 3 or 4 day stay. This continued for the next 4 months. This is not a schedule I would wish for anyone but we called it “our new normal”. The tumors were shrinking. To this day do not know if they are gone or only in remission. I continue to have MRI’s every other month to see if there is any growth. With this form of cancer (lymphoma) there is a huge chance that the cancer will return one day. I hope that research will come up with a cure so I or anyone else won’t have to go through this “normal” routine again.

I was introduced to the Team in Training by my son Jeff who has run for and believed in this organization for 4 years. He joined before I was diagnosed with Lymphoma. How ironic.

I walked the Seattle Rock and Roll Half Marathon (wanted to complete a Full Marathon) but I made it only 16 miles. My friends say “you made it 16 miles!” It is more than I thought I would ever be able to do. I am going to train with the San Francisco team this year and hope to increase my pace so that I make it across the finish line with a decent time! I hope that with the funds Team and Training collects will lead to a cure for blood cancers so many others can reach their finish lines.