Having had a family member afflicted, and countless patients who have suffered or died from one of these related diseases, I became involved with this organization back in 1997. Team In Training offers individuals a way to contribute to research funds to help rid society of a terrible group of illnesses, as well as to improve one's fitness via well-supervised training.  It is also a great way to cultivate new friendships which help nurture a more healthful lifestyle.    

                                               About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
      

     The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, headquartered in White Plains, NY, is the world's largest voluntary health organization, dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services.  The Society's mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families.  Since its founding in 1949, the Society has provided more than $360 million for research, specifically targeting leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.  Last year alone, the Society made more than 441,000 patient contacts through services provided at its Home Office and by its 63 chapters nationwide.
 
     The comprehensive Team In Training program includes weekly training sessions, team training events, past participant mentors and training clinics on nutrition, shoes and equipment, injury prevention and safety.  In four to five months of training under the guidance of a certified coach, team members will be prepared to run or walk a marathon (26.2 miles) or half marathon (13.1 miles), cycle a century (100 miles), participate in a road in-line skate (38, 52 or 87 miles) or compete in an Olympic distance triathlon.  Teams train in the following Maryland areas: Baltimore, Annapolis, Frederick, Cecil County, Howard County, Harford County, Southern Maryland & the Eastern Shore.

     In addition to training for their endurance events, participants are also given expert counsel and innovative ideas to meet their fundraising goals.  Upon completing these goals, the Society arranges airfare and lodging to send participants and their teammates to join other Society chapter teams nationwide at the event.  Since TNT's inception in 1988, more than 200,000 participants have raised over $470 million for ongoing research.