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Shavertown, PA Totally Baldacious Event Cancelled

lazzaric — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:19:37 GMT

2/24 UPDATE:

The Shavertown Totally Baldacious Event has been cancelled in consideration of the bad weather for forecast.

Next Saturday, February 27th, we'll be holding a Totally Baldacious rally, shaving or coloring hair for everyone who's interested in showing their love and solidarity for cancer patients.

The event is planned for 12 to 4 p.m. at Kingston Township Municipal Building, 180 East Center Street, Shavertown, PA 18708. We plan to have participants from local schools, colleges, and busnesses and just people from the community attend. We will have several hair stylists on hand to assist with the shaving and temporary hair color. Our Honored hero is Shavertown resident, Hunter Wesolowski, 6, a CML survivor.

Be a part of the fight against cancer and brave This Totally Baldacious event in Shavertown. Email baldacious@lls.org to confirm your participation so we can plan accordingly. There's no better way to show cancer patients you care next Saturday.

Donate and See Our CEO Show His Baldacious Support

lazzaric — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:10:21 GMT

Earlier this month we let you know about the launch of a new fundraising campaign, Totally Baldacious, which was designed specifically to show love and solidarity for cancer patients while raising money for life-saving research. The response to this campaign has been terrific, thanks in great part to many of you who've posted comments on the Totally Baldacious Fan Page on Facebook, like this one:

"My son and daughter both shaved their heads in support of their sister after her diagnosis of AML in 2003 which scared their three-year-old niece (worried she'd have to do it too!). We all laugh about it now and the sense of support was so strong! She is 6 years past transplant now and has a huge head of hair! Love this campaign. Love in action!" --Lori Robin Wilson

Showing our love is what it's all about and our President and CEO, John Walter, is leading the charge! Last week our John announced his participation in the campaign -- with a bold fundraising goal of $50,000! (Note: As of 2/25 John is 33% of the way there.)

You can help John reach his goal by donating to his campaign today! Donate to show your solidarity with those currently undergoing treatment.

Your contribution will promote advances in treatment that will allow cancer patients to live better, longer lives. Then visit the @LLS Blog on the 24th to see pics and a video of John 'shaving one for the team.'

Show your baldacious support by making a contribution today

Run. Bike. Swim. Cure.

lazzaric — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 14:35:20 GMT

Completing a triathlon is a great feat. A triathlon is a multi-sport endurance event consisting of swimming, cycling, and running. Team In Training's triathlon program offers the opportunity to take on the exciting challenge of training of and completing an Olympic-distance triathlon.

The Team In Training program is a one-of-a-kind, one-to-one training program that will teach you all you need to know about getting your body and mind in peak performance to take on an endurance event. Along with a customized-training program and expert coaching, participants will train with a local group of like-minded individuals for motivation and inspiration.

Right now, Team In Training is recruiting participants for the following amazing events:

Capital of Texas Triathlon - May 31, 2010
Visit downtown Austin for this inspiring event which attracts not only first timers, relay-ers and age groupers, but also Professional triathletes from around the globe. It's one of the most exciting and spectator- friendly races in the country!
South Maui Triathlon - June 13, 2010
The Inaugural South Maui Triathlon at Wailea will take place on the island of Maui in beautiful Wailea. This very safe and beautiful Olympic Distance triathlon course is great for spectator viewing. The transition area will be housed on the beautiful Wailea Beach Marriott Resort and Spa Luau grounds. Whether this is your first triathlon or your 5th, this amazing event is one you don't want to miss.
Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon - June 27, 2010
This course will travel through some of the most historic and picturesque sections of the city. The start/finish and transition areas are located just off of West River Drive, near the base of Black Road. It's a beautiful part of Fairmount Park, complete with statues, trees and grassy fields.

In addition to these national events, many local Team In Training groups are training for triathlons in their hometowns. Fill out our online Tell Me More form to find out the triathlons offered by your local chapter.

Jadrian: In CML Treatment and Totally Baldacious

lazzaric — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 14:11:03 GMT

Jadrian, you're currently undergoing treatment, but you didn't lose your hair. Why did you decide to go Totally Baldacious?

When I was diagnosed with CML, I didn't know what to think. The whole process was pretty scary, but as I learned more about my treatment and prognosis, I knew I was one of the lucky ones. There are so many other people who are dealing with cancers or treatments and not responding nearly as well. If shaving my hair helps to raise awareness and money for cancer research and treatment, it's a small price to pay. I hope my story and experience inspire others to help as well.

Are you shaving your head for anyone in particular?

A friend of mine, who was diagnosed with CML shortly after I was, has not responded to the same treatment that works for me, and is facing a bone marrow transplant very soon. This is one small way that I can walk beside him and lend him strength on his own journey forward. My dad fought and won his battle with colon cancer a few years ago, and his strength and character throughout my life are also of unending inspiration to me.

How important has the support and solidarity you've received meant to you during your treatment?

It is invaluable. Knowing my friends and family are there with me every step of the way means the world to me. The community of fellow survivors online welcomed me warmly, and the forums provided me with a platform for educating myself about leukemia, its treatment, and new advances.

We have a number of support resources available online -- from the Blood Cancer Discussion Boards to online chats. Have you taken advantage of any of these resources?

I delved deep into the community knowledgebase in the online discussion boards immediately following my diagnosis, and am grateful for the outpouring of news and support from its members.

What LLS resource have you found the most helpful?

For me, the discussion boards have been the most helpful.

You've filmed your hair being shaved! (View Jadrian's video here above). What a great video! How else are you promoting your participation in Totally Baldacious online?

Via Facebook and Twitter, of course, as well as on the community pages for the LLS and the Totally Baldacious campaign itself! I'm excited to see response videos on YouTube of other people around the world going Totally Baldacious as well, so if you've got 'em, post 'em!

It's clear this year's Valentine's Day is one you won't soon forget. Thanks for going Totally Baldacious, Jadrian, and helping emphasize how important it is to show solidarity and support for all cancer patients!

Follow Us Online for Iowa's Mission Day

lazzaric — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:45:27 GMT

2/23 UPDATE:

Victory in Iowa! Thirty-one states and the District of Columbia now require insurance companies to cover routine care costs for patients enrolled in a cancer clinical trial! Today, Tuesday, February 23, blood cancer volunteers from The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Iowa Chapter witnessed Iowa Governor Chet Culver sign House File 2075 into law, officially requiring this coverage for cancer patients in Iowa. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society would like to thank the bill’s champions, Reps. Janet Peterson, Tyler Olson and Doug Struyk and Sen. Joe Bolkcom, and Gov. Culver for their support of this vital issue!

Today, Wednesday, February 17, blood cancer volunteers from The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Iowa chapter will travel to Des Moines and thank their elected officials for passing legislation that will require insurers in Iowa to cover routine care costs for patients enrolled in a clinical trial. Volunteers will also be presenting our champions – Reps. Janet Peterson, Tyler Olson and Doug Struyk and Sen. Joe Bolkcom – with awards thanking them for their support of this bill. But just because you were not able to make the trip to the Capitol building doesn’t mean you can’t still join in the excitement of Iowa’s State Mission Day!

For Iowans, there are two ways that you can still participate in the day: 1) Please visit LLS’s Legislative Action Center and send a pre-drafted email to your representatives thanking them for passing House File 2075 unanimously in both the Iowa House and Senate, and 2) you can follow the day online. We will be posting updates, volunteer feedback, photos and video right here on the @LLS Blog and through LLS pages on Facebook, Twitter and Flickr.

So check in from time-to-time and be a part of Iowa’s 2010 State Mission Day!

You Don't Have to Actually Go Bald To Be Baldacious!

lazzaric — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:37:09 GMT

Show your love and solidarity for cancer patients by promoting Totally Baldacious through your social networks. Whether you fundraise with a Totally Baldacious challenge, donate to support life-saving cancer research or just choose to Totally Baldacious your profile picture --- you'll be making a difference in the lives of cancer patients.

Update your profile image with the Be Baldacious widget or Facebook Application and spread the word about the importance of funding life-saving cancer research.

Be Baldacious, pictured below, lets you go bald - virtually. Just upload your photo, size and position it under the bald cap, match your skin tone, and then share it with your friends. Dare them to go Totally Baldacious, too!

There's no better way to show you care.

Catch This: NFLers go Totally Baldacious @ John Allan's in NYC

lazzaric — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:01:27 GMT

ttp://www.totallybaldacious.org

Today at John Allan's in Midtown Manhattan, 12 year NFL veteran Terry Cousin and his pro football colleagues Sheldon Brown and Jyles Tucker will be going Totally Baldacious to show their solidarity for cancer patients and to raise awareness about the importance of funding life-saving cancer research.

Each have registered on www.totallybaldacious.org, where you can donate or use the Be Baldacious widget to share with your friends. Whether you decide to fundraise for Totally Baldacious, donate, or promote the campaign, you'll be making a difference in the lives of cancer patients.

Updated:

The before picture: Check out Cousin, Brown and Tucker in front of John Allan's Salon in NYC!

And here's the 'after' shot:

For a complete series of pics -- see the Totally Baldacious Fan Page on Facebook!

Be inspired by Terry and his Team, sign up to fundraise at www.totallybaldacious.org, donate to fund life-saving cancer research or just use the Be Baldacious widget/Facebook App to help raise awareness about this important campaign. Do something Totally Baldacious today - you'll be glad you did!

Head Into The Great Outdoors With Team In Training

lazzaric — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:27:16 GMT

Image the wind in your hair and the mud on your boots as you admire the breath-taking views of the Grand Canyon, Havasupai Falls, or Yosemite National Park. Add that to the accomplishment and pride you'll feel after hiking your way to that view all while helping give cancer patients a fighting chance. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or someone who just enjoys a good walk, Team In Training hike adventures offers a hike program for your ability and level of fitness.

Hike Grand Canyon May 15-17, 2010

The Grand Canyon is more than a great chasm carved over millennia through the rocks of the Colorado Plateau. It is more than an awe-inspiring view. It is more than a pleasuring ground for those who explore the roads, seek great views or venture into the canyon. Starting at 7,000 feet above sea level, the Grand Canyon offers hikes for everyone - from rolling rim hikes to challenging hikes into the canyon, there truly is something for everyone at the Grand Canyon.

Grand Adventure, Havasupai Falls June 3-6, 2010

On this challenge you descend into one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, into the heart of the Grand Canyon at Havasu Canyon, where we will hike and explore this incredible landscape, crossing travertine pools of turquoise blue water, spending evenings at a permanent camp searching for stars, having hearty meals and conversation about the day's challenge. Some say you haven't lived until you've taken a journey through Grand Canyon. This 3 day/2 night camping adventure takes you through the heart of the canyon and will leave you with a sense of accomplishment, awe and a true appreciation and love of the grandest place on earth.

Hike Yosemite June 19, 2010

Yosemite is not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra. Yosemite National Park, one of the first wilderness parks in the United States, is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.

Our coaches, certified in partnership with the American Hiking Association (AHS), provide exceptional training and clinics on fitness, nutrition, gear and injury prevention and hiking principles like Leave No Trace.

In addition to receiving a one-year membership to AHS, TNT Hikers' travel, lodging, guide fees and pre-and post-event activities are all complementary.

Fill out our online Tell Me More form to find out the hike adventures offered by your local chapter.

Q & A with Totally Baldacious Honored Hero, Amy Bartlett

lazzaric — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:17:31 GMT

Do you know someone with cancer? Have you wondered how you can show your support? This Valentine’s Day, we're launching an exciting new fundraising campaign - Totally Baldacious. When you shave or color your hair, you are showing your solidarity with cancer patients, raise awareness about cancer, and help raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Amy Barlett is the Totally Baldacious Honored Hero. Amy holds a special place in our heart as a non-Hodgkin lymphoma survivor who’s also a multi-event Team In Training alumna! When Amy lost her hair during treatment, she found the silver lining...noting that, “When you’re bald you don’t have to worry about a bad hair day.”

Read this Q&A with Amy:

LLS: In May you celebrate 3 years in remission. Congratulations! When you began treatment and lost your hair did anyone shave their head to show their solidarity with you?

Amy: Twenty of my male friends all let me shave their heads before my sister shaved mine in front of about 100 of my family and friends. I shaved mullets, mohawks, tails...you name it.

LLS: How did you feel when you realized that they were doing that?

Amy: The day I found out I was going to lose my hair I decided I wanted to throw a party and lose it on my own terms. Over 100 people showed up to the party. I was amazed and honored. When the boys lined up, it was so unexpected yet made the evening more fun. For us, it was about turning a sad part of cancer in to a happy memory. When I think of losing my hair, I go back and look at the pictures of the party. It was seriously one of the best nights of my whole life.

LLS: Part of the reason we've launched Totally Baldacious just before Valentine's Day is to spread love to our patients and raise awareness for the importance of showing support for patients. When you were undergoing treatment, how important was your support system to you?

Amy: Having a support system is extremely important. I am fiercely independent and had a hard time accepting help at first. Asking for help actually makes you stronger. It is not a sign of weakness. Knowing my friends shaved their heads to be "on my team" meant everything to me.

LLS: What LLS resources did you take advantage of at the time?

Amy: The night of my party we also accepted donations and had a silent auction with all money raised going to LLS. We raised over $20,000 that evening. I joined Team In Training during my treatment to give me a good fitness goal for the end of the chemo and radiation road. It motivated me to go for walks and stay active even in the darkest days. Saturdays I knew I would see the team and we inspired each other. I was so grateful to the other participants for raising money for people like me - with cancer. And they thanked me for providing them motivation to get up, log the miles, and raise the money.

LLS: You have a blog, www.ichoosehope.com and a twitter profile (@amyebartlett) - how will you be promoting Totally Baldacious online through February?

Amy: While I won't be shaving my head again for the Totally Baldacious month, I would love to connect with patients and hear other inspiring stories of the best parts of being bald. Like - how fun accessorizing your head can be...big sunglasses, scarves, hoop earrings. Just decorate it! Tattoos are super fun, or henna art could also be beautiful. I wish I would have thought of the artistic things when I was bald. Turn it in to an opportunity to be creative and put a smile on your face. And remember, you can't have a bad hair day if you are bald. That is a bonus.

LLS: Will you be using the Be Baldacious widget to bald yourself and tell your friends?

Amy: Yes, I will share this with my friends and family.

LLS: Amy, one of the most remarkable things about you and your story is your connection to Team In Training. How many times have you participated in Team In Training?

Amy: I had been a participant in TNT four times before I was every diagnosed. In a strange way, I believe my early involvement could have played a role in my successful treatment. Perhaps some of the money I raised over the years helped advance research that has given me a second chance at life... I have participated two times after being a patient, and I am signing up this year, again, for the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco.

LLS: And how much have you raised to date to fight cancer?

Amy: Somewhere in the $60,000 range which truly boggles my mind. The dark times in our lives can truly reveal the best qualities in people. I receive donations when I am not even officially training. People write a check and say "this is for your next one" which is so amazing.

LLS: I understand you are considering participating again, is that true?

Amy: Yes, I sure am.. I want to eventually do an Olympic distance triathlon, but I haven't worked up the courage for that yet. For now I am sticking with 1/2 and full marathons.

LLS: What would you say to others who are contemplating Team In Training but have never trained before?

Amy: It will be one of the best experiences of your life.

LLS: What's the best thing about your Team In Training experience?

Amy: Knowing that I am making a difference in someone's life. My dream one day is for us to be able to say "Remember when people used to get cancer?"

Learn more about:

America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride

lazzaric — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:31:43 GMT

In it's 19th year, America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride is a 100-mile journey around Lake Tahoe in Nevada and California. The event features breathtaking views. With challenging climbs and short rolling ascents and descents, this ride is a must-do for all cyclists. Picturesque rest stops and ample support will greet riders as they navigate around Lake Tahoe. The event includes a challenging 800 foot climb to an Emerald Bay overlook, and a 1,000 foot climb to Spooner Junction.

Sound too good to be true? It's not. Whether you're a seasoned and avid rider, or you've just purchased your first real bike, Team In Training will get you across the finish line. Our expert coaches and enthusiastic teams will help you train near your home town and get you prepared for the big weekend.

America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride has raised over $8.5 million to help blood cancer patients live longer, better lives. Team In Training participants from across the US and Canada will gather for an incredible, inspiring and challenging weekend in early June.

Team In Training is currently recruiting participants for this event. Sign up for more information about America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride and TNT.

Give & Get for the Holidays - Save BIG at Gap, Inc. Stores and Help Kids like Matthew

lazzaric — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:39:27 GMT

UPDATE: Thank you to everyone who participated in this campaign! The results are in and because of you, more than $650,000 was raised for life-saving cancer resarch. Thanks for shopping!

Jennifer Donnelly is the mother of Matthew, an acute lymphocytic leukemia patient who's story is featured in the Gap Give & Get Campaign. Gap Give & Get gives you a 30% off coupon to shop at all Gap, Inc. store, with 5% of the proceeds going to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Jennifer shared her story with LLS:

How did you find out that Matthew had leukemia?

Matthew was diagnosed on December 11th, 2007, when he was two and a half years old. He hadn't been feeling well and our regular doctor thought he had a double ear infection. In fact he did have a double ear infection, but thankfully our doctor also had blood work done on Matthew, which ultimately determined that he had acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). It was devastating at the time, but in hindsight we were glad he was diagnosed early on.

Before Matthew's diagnosis, had you ever heard of leukemia?

To be honest, no -- but I learned very quickly. I also found a huge support group of people out there who are willing to help.

How has LLS been helpful to you and Matthew?

We participate in LLS's finanicial aid program and have also participated in The Light The Night Walk twice. Matthew was also recently named the 'Boy of the Year' for the local LLS chapter here on Long Island.

Your son has an amazing smile. He looks like he has a very positive outlook.

He does! When he was first diagnosed, going to see the doctors so often was difficult and I would try a number of things to make it a positive experience - like dressing up in costumes. Well now, Matthew actually looks forward to going! Once when we were on vacation in Disneyland, he surprised me with "Lets go to the clinic, Mom!" There we were, in the "happiest place on earth" and he wants to go to the clinic!

How is Matthew doing now?

Matthew's doing very well. He's in the second year of his treatment, which will continue through 2011. We are participating in a trial.

A clinical trial?

Yes, again, before Matthew had been diagnosed, I didn't realize how important clinical trials could be to treatment options. I found out as much as I could in advance, especially about the protocol that was suggested for Matthew. Now, I think of all of the people who participated in trials before us and I'm grateful. If they hadn't, I wonder where we'd be now. Thanks to previous trials and the people who participated in them, treatments have improved.

Have you participated in any previous Give & Get campaign?

We participated in both the spring and summer campaigns. A coupon was forwarded to me via email. The 30% discount is terrific and knowing 5% of the sale goes back to LLS - even better!

Now, when I know of a business, like Gap, that gives back to LLS -- I think, "They're doing this for research, they're doing this for cures, and they're doing this for my son." It makes me want to cry because I know the true benefit of this kind of support.

Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing your story with us and allowing us to feature Matthew in this campaign.

Team In Training Coaches @ The Nike Women's Marathon

lazzaric — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:42:22 GMT

Team In Training coaches from all over the country and in Canada converged on San Francisco for the Nike Women's Marathon.

Watch this short clip of our dynamic coaches. If you're up for Coach Nina's challenge, visit www.teamintraining.org.

This is the sixth year of The Nike Women's Marathon, a one-of-a-kind event, sponsored by Nike, that has brought together more than 100,000 women to celebrate running and raise funds for the fight against blood cancers.

Thanksgiving Day Star-Studded Show - Ice Skating, Song, and Cancer Survivorship

lazzaric — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:23:42 GMT

This Thanksgiving, tune into FOX for a new holiday variety show, Kaleidoscope. The show rounds up Olympic skating champions and GRAMMY Award-winning music artists, like Scott Hamilton, Dorothy Hamill, Olivia Newton-John and David Foster. Also performing are Kristi Yamaguchi, Nancy Kerrigan and Olympic figure skating hopefuls Johnny Weir and Rachael Flatt.

But the event isn't only about the entertainment. Kaleidoscope was designed to recognize women and the key role they play in the battle against cancer - as patients, caregivers, and advocates.

In addition to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Kaleidoscope has teamed up with nine other cancer-related advocacy partners. Together, this team of Cancer Advocacy Partners hopes to shed some light on how we're all touched by cancer and can all make a difference.

You can help! Tune in to FOX on Thanksgiving (November 26th) at 4:00pm (EST), immediately following the Thanksgiving Day football telecast. The event will be pre-recorded on Monday, November 16th at 7:00pm at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. If you're in the area, tickets for taped performance are on sale now.

Find out more at www.womenandcancer.com, or read the press release.

Interview with Team In Training Coach Ramon Bermo

lazzaric — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:08:22 GMT

The charming and successful New York City Team In Training Coach, Ramon Bermo, was kind enough to let us in on what it's like to have trained more than 5,000 Team In Training participants. At the end, there'a video snippet of Coach Ramon in action!

Coach Ramon, you're a popular and successful Team In Training coach. What's your secret?

I believe my secret is the passion I have for the program and the sport...but if you ask people, they will say my secret is my energy! I believe in the mission and the people. Whatever I can do to help those who give their time and efforts for this worthy cause, I will. It's the people who participate in this program that make me want to get up early - be a little crazy - and share my knowledge as a coach and athlete.

I believe I'm successful because people know I care for their success.

How did you get involved with Team In Training?
About 12/13 years ago I would run a mountain or join a race and fundraise for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Then 8 1/2 years ago I was contacted to become a Team In Training Coach. On my first day I remember a young girl, 21, Joanne -- she came up to me and told me that she would be running with me, but wanted me to know that she had been in remission for a year...That's when it really kicked me -- Team In Training is not just about coaching, it's about much more.

Do you have any idea how many people you may have trained through Team In Training? Give us an estimate.

A few thousand, for sure...5,000 plus.

Coach Ramon, that's impressive! Thank you for helping so many people get across the finish line safely.
It is my pleasure.

I understand that you've coined a number of phrases that you use to keep Team In Training participants inspired. What are they?

I have a lot of phrases that are unique, but I say 'behave' a lot to get people to train correctly. Throughout the season I tell people to 'behave'...to run regularly, to pace themselves, to eat right, then after - I tell them they can ''misbehave'! You know, everybody likes to misbehave!

Do you know any of the National Advisory Coaches?

I know Tom Dooley very well. (Tom Dooley is the National Advisory Walk Coach for Team In Training and a two-time Olympian). We get along very well... the passion that he has for Team In Training has inspired me. He is someone who truly cares.

Coach Ramon, you've also been a coach for other training programs. How does Team In Training compare?
With Team In Training, the coaching is second to none...I don't see any other organization being able to top it.

What do you tell people who express interest in Team In Training?
As a coach, I tell them that if they can give me the time, I will make sure they will cross the finish line - and that they should come to a training session and they'll see people just like themselves.

It's all about the will to do it --- if you have the will, you have run! Team In Training will get you there.

Pittsburgh Steelers Light The Night For Elijah

lazzaric — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:44:37 GMT

Steelers Defensive End, #91, Aaron Smith, was joined by the entire defensive line, more than a dozen players and their families, to make up Team Elijah in this year's Light The Night Walk. The team was formed in honor of Smith's six-year-old son, Elijah, who was diagnosed with leukemia last year.

“It was an amazing night,” said Tina Massari, Executive Director of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Western Pennsylvania & West Virginia chapter, who said the walk raised $600,000, with Team Elijah as one of the top fundraising teams. “Whenever you have someone like Aaron Smith saying this can happen to anyone and our family is involved and we want to be a part of it and join us it’s always a huge call to action. People think he is a Steeler, he is involved and it can happen to him it can happen to anyone and we want to help out.”

Read the entire story on Steelers.com, the Official Web Site of The Pittsburgh Steelers. And view the photo gallery in the "Off The Field" section.