Jay Duke's Story: A Passion for the Mission

todd.whitley@lls.org — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 22:00:25 GMT

We approached Team In Training alumni and President of Karhu North America, Jay Duke, to feature his story on this blog. Jay's passion for our mission is an inspiration, just as Karhu's product partnership is a welcome alliance. Here's Jay's story:

One of my wife's best friends - her sister and Godmother to our firstborn - was diagnosed with Leukemia in September 2001. A devoted oncology nurse and impassioned advocate for her patients, Mary June knew the climb and was a natural fighter. She waged a fierce battle and one year later, as we all expected, the doctors diagnosed her as cancer-free. The entire family celebrated the victory of her one-year remission with a festive dinner party.

The celebration was short lived as the cancer reappeared 18 months later. Knowing full well the difficulty of the second time around, she did not waver in her fight for life. My last moments with Mary June were at my daughter's birthday party just days before she passed away the third of September 2005. Even in her weakened state, Mary June was there with us and for us - her family. Mary June asked us never to forget her, an impossible thought to those who knew her, including those in oncology community who unimaginably lost one of their own to the very illness.

In Mary June's memory I joined my first LLS fundraising event, a sprint triathlon, in 2006. I have participated in a minimum of one LLS event every year since, including this past 2009 Boston Marathon. Last year I joined the venture to build KARHU and CRAFT and fortunately can now elevate a personal passion with a corporate partnership to support the mission of LLS and a cause I am committed to for life. I can only hope this partnership will be one way to spare others from similar heartache.

Thank you, Jay, for allowing us to post your story and for all you do to help fund life-saving cancer research!

You can help LLS fund life-saving research by clicking here to begin shopping. 20% of your total order will directly benefit LLS.

Don't Miss Your Chance to Train for the Marine Corps Marathon

christine.lazzari@lls.org — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 18:11:03 GMT

The Marine Corps Marathon is SOLD OUT! But, Team In Training has several spots reserved. Sign up today to get top of the line training with Team In Training! For more information, visit teamintraining.org.

Join us in Washington, DC on October 25 for this 26.2 mi. run, walk or run/walk. Held every year since 1976, the Marine Corps Marathon has aptly been nicknamed "The People's Marathon". The USATF certified course starts in Arlington, VA and winds its way through the city passing numerous historic monuments, memorials and landmarks along the way.

This is your opportunity to experience for yourself the TNT difference: he charity sports training program that's saving lives, one mile at a time.

Find out more today - and learn how you can cross the finish line at the Marine Corps Marathon in October!

@LLS

Jay Duke's Story: A Passion for the Mission

Don't Miss Your Chance to Train for the Marine Corps Marathon