The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Community: Message List

Re: Why did you join Team in Training?

communityreply@lls.org — Wed, 21 May 2008 22:35:42 GMT

Well, I wanted to share with all of you guys/gals.... I have heard from a company regarding my idea for production, still very premature, but a start! But the big reason is .....(musical note, dah, dah) I am going to be a LIVESTRONG DELEGATE for the 2008 Summit. I am so honored and happy to be able to help! I hope this reminds you all WE are doing GREAT things!!!!

!http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_11_61.gif! , one , at a time!!!!

Keisha !http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/16/16_14_7.gif!

http://smiley.smileycentral.com/download/index.jhtml?partner=ZSzeb098_ZCxdm885YYUS&utm_id=7926

Re: Why did you join Team in Training?

communityreply@lls.org — Sun, 04 May 2008 22:13:24 GMT

I just wanted you all to know.... I am blessed to have met such a great group of people. Thank you!

Re: Why did you join Team in Training?

communityreply@lls.org — Fri, 02 May 2008 17:40:23 GMT

You have inspired me!

Question, I am having the same issue with ChemoBrain. This is my first semester back. It has very much effected my performance. Are you taking Provigil? I would like to know....I am due to see an endocrinologist on the 8th of May.

What an oxymoron, but I am so glad to be apart of a this great team.

Re: Why did you join Team in Training?

communityreply@lls.org — Thu, 01 May 2008 03:59:53 GMT

Typhoon good for you!

Easy does it though, lot of fluids rest, etc...... Sorry, I don't know the treatment program for Lymphoma. I can only guess it is the same as my treatment for Leukemia.....Induction round, then 5 consecutive rounds. I understand the wanting to fight it back. This stupid cancer has taken it's shots below the belt, it would be nice to get a shot back above or below the belt. KICK IT'S BUTT!!!!

Don't get discouraged, you will get remission soon Big hug from me, Keisha D:x

Re: Why did you join Team in Training?

communityreply@lls.org — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 07:57:21 GMT

Well, I did it! I sent the proposed shoe idea to Nike and Lance Armstrong's LIVESTRONG President, Doug. Who know's maybe we might have the opportunity to see this come to fruition. Thanks for the picture Ken! If, anything the issue of cancer awarness was pushed forward. I read Lance Armstrong is getting ready for his big summit, pushing the issue. Yeah, Lance!!

Anyway, sharing the shoe thing with you all gave me the inspiration to move.... So, below is a copy of my conversation with Kim, at Nike, and Doug, at LIVESTRONG. (FYI...I sent an email to ASIC, as well, but not sure who it ended up with, or if it was in the correct language for that matter.) The note starts at the bottom, with you guys, then moves up with Nike, until the top message, marked 4:55 PM with LIVESTRONG. Sorry, in advance if it takes up to much room, but I wanted to share it you, my new friends.

h6. *Keisha D. *
April 24th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
     As you will read from my note below I had a brain storm the other night. Unfortunately, Chemo Brain kicked in, and I did not mention Livestrong Foundation, until my second note. Again, sorry, I am with you to help further the cause of Livestrong.

-

h6.
     Thank you for contacting Nike. Below is a summary of your message and our response. We appreciate the portunity to be of service to you.
h6.

     + Please pass this the to marketing and product development, etc.......+
     Discussion Thread
     + -
+
     + Response (Kim) - 04/24/2008 03:25 PM+
     + Hi Keisha,+
     It's no problem It really sounds like a great idea!
     I have added the additional information, such as having Lance Armstrong promote the shoes because of his recent participation in marathon running, and also the assistance of the Leukemia Society. I cannot promise anything, but hopefully these shoes will be available soon! Again, thanks so much for sharing this with us!
     Take Care,
     Kim
     + Nike+
h6. -

h6.
     Customer (Keisha Dennie) - 04/24/2008 03:15 PM
     + Thank you so much for the quick response! Another thought on this idea... As a promoter, if he doesn't already have sponsor ship, is Lance Armstrong. He now has his sites on Cancer. In addition, he is big on running marathons, as of late. Again thank you for passing this along!+ -

     Response (Kim) - 04/24/2008 11:22 AM
     + Hello Keisha,+
     It's great that you have chosen Nike to share your idea with concerning a running shoe with an outsole that names specific cancer!
     This is a great idea and would be very motivational for those who are running for the cause. I am not in the footwear design department, but I have already submitted this idea to that group. While they are unable to contact consumers directly, they are able to view consumer product ideas through a report that is generated on a monthly basis. This way, they will know that you would like for Nike to create this style of shoe.
     If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me at your convenience.
     Sincerely,
     Kim
     + Nike+
h6. -

h6.
     Customer (Keisha Dennie) - 04/24/2008 12:31 AM
     + To Whom It May Concern:+
     As a runner, Nike is my shoe of choice. It cradles my foot, but is very lightweight and breathable. In 2006 I was diagnosed with Leukemia AML. As you know this is a terrible cancer.
     Fortunately, many great organizations lead the cause to finding a cure. Many fundraisers held for these organizations are 3days, marathons, 10ks, 5ks, and walk-a-thons. I am sure you are very aware of these events.
     My point in writing you is simple. I have had this thought for a while, which I plan on sharing with others. The idea has been with me for a while, and I use it frequently. What if you could make your great quality shoe, but with a different outer-sole? Many times a year an event is held for Leukemia. Traditionally, the color for Leukemia is purple; just as for breast cancer is pink. So what if you made your great shoe, but with the name of the cancer on the bottom of the sole?
     You ask why? The reason is simple. People buy your shoe because they like it. Many of these people run in many of the sponsored events for very personal reasons. So, while running in your shoe, they also have the opportunity to literally "stomp it out". On every cycle, the runner is literally, beating down on the one malady that took his sister, mother, dad, brother, wife, husband, or friend out. So it is also very personal. Can you image just when you start to feel fatigued at the 10 mile mark, you think of what's on the bottom of your shoe? I can't imagine something more motivating than running for the honor of someone you love.
     In selling your shoes, you of course would make your normal profit, but on these special shoes, a portion would go to donation of... The Leukemia Society, The Susan G. Coleman, respectively.
     Below, I will paste a conversation that I had with people across the country on the Internet. I had many responses of people sending me their pictures, of their running shoes marked on the bottom , with a marker. They thought it was a great idea. Please read whenever you have an opportunity, and let me know of your thougths. Thank you so much for your time, the honor has been mine.
     Respectfully,
     Keisha Dennie
     + +mailto:keishapc@yahoo.com
     469-441-3187 USA
     Pasted Info: When you guys meet up for you run, in beautiful Florida, write the name Leukemia, in my case, ....or Lymphoma or whatever cancer has made you the maddest, on the bottom of your shoe. Just when you almost let the fatigue get you, remember, why you are there. Then, just stomp it out! Every cycle you take then has added purpose. I promise you it will give you that reserved energy you need. Then before you even realize, your back in that state of "oneness", my favorite part of the run where you feel so at peace with the universe. (I think they call that technically, the release of endorphins.) Humm, what a great promotional product that could be partnered with a donation. Anyone know the top people at Asic, Brooks, or Nike?? I would definetly buy a pair

Re: Why did you join Team in Training?

communityreply@lls.org — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 17:59:50 GMT

I replied to a post earlier, but not sure where it went. I guess out into the great abiss. Anyway, I dont't want to make you guys cry....but remember if you do, it is a good thing. Crying just shows you are a person of feeling. Always, an admirable trait.

What an awesome gift! You have already made the first step in knocking this thing on it's rear. You turned the tables. Take this cancer, and let it make you stronger, better runner, better person. Whose got control, now? YOU GUYS ARE AWSOME!

Here's another tool that I like very much, some might find it weird, but it helped me. When I was first diagnosed, a very dear friend of mine, an elderly lady, Marie, lived next door to me. Despite the hugh age gap, we became such good, real, friends. At any rate, Marie gave me a piece of advice that has carried me though some of my darkest moments. For what it's worth I will share it with you all. Marie told me, "Keisha the Bible says Jesus is above every name." I dwelt on what my friend told me for a day or two. I realized what Marie was trying to tell me, Leukemia is a name. Ergo, it too must bow down before Him. So when I started to allow my self to get down in the blues or freightend, I would simply say, "Bow Down!" I then incorporated this trick into, my run activities. Trust me I think you might find this as invigoratingly as I did.....

When you guys meet up for you run, in beautiful Florida, (Lucky Dogs!), write the name Leukemia, in my case, or Lymphoma or whatever cancer has made you the maddest, on the bottom of your shoe. Just when you almost let the fatigue get you, remember, why you are there. Then, just stomp it out! Every cycle you take then has added purpose. I promise you it will give you that reserved energy you need. Then before you even realize, your back in that state of "oneness", my favorite part of the run where you feel so at peace with the universe. (I think they call that technically, the release of endorphins.) Humm, what a great promotional product that could be partnered with a donation. Anyone know the top people at Asic, Brooks, or Nike?? I would definetly buy a pair!

Another thing I did, and this was personal for me, pre cancer, I took my beloved, late, dog's collar and hid it under a rock on our old route. Just when I needed that extra lift, I would pass by the boulder and think of Jackson, and it just pushed me right along. Please keep me posted of your run, Sat, and/or some of your running inspirations. I will keep you guys posted, too.

Happy Birthday, Ken, another year wiser!

Re: Why did you join Team in Training?

communityreply@lls.org — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 05:34:00 GMT

You guys are great! Thank you for your kind words. I promise you I can't wait to get back out and run. Not for myself, but for the two 19 yr olds that lost their battle to Leukemia, that were my friends in the hospital, and the so many others. I could go on about the stories that just don't make sense. I am sure many of you can too. I am sorry for your personal loses.

Heck, I wish we could just find a cure for a bone marrow biopsy.

Being positive is the main thing, I truly believe that with all that I am. In fact, the doctors were kinda taken aback. I looked at them and said, okay, what's Plan A? If Plan A doesn't work, then what's Plan B? Lets fight! Don't get me wrong, after I left I must have stayed in a hot shower for hours crying and letting my self just be.

I tried to keep running in the begining, you know, wanting things remain as normal as possible. Until, I got up in the middle of the night and just fell. Chemo does something to the muscles. Then, as time progressed, it was obvious, that just walking to the bathroom became a chore.

I have come along way from those days, and I will keep you guys abreast of my progress. I am from Dallas, Texas. I don't know how many of you are familiar with Dallas, but for the most part, its true, their seems to be kind of a true John Wayne grit to natives. Pardon my explicative here, it was my way to have humor with the situation, but I think you can summize what I mean. So, my grit was....Hey, if Lance Armstrong can beat brain, lung, and testicular cancer...I got balls, I can beat this.

Like I said, I can't wait to be running along side you guys! In fact, let me rephrase that statement, I will be running along side you guys soon! What you guys (guys means girls too) do is admirable, my hats off to you! Believe me what you do helps, The Leukemia Society contacted my within days asking me what I needed. You just don't know how important something like that is, until it happens to you. Things you don't even think about, like letters to utility companies, or parking accommodations, help with prescriptions if you need it. Remember, disability doesn't automatically kick-in. Night caps so you head doesn't freeze off at night when you have lost your hair. A knowledgeable person to call regarding questions about treatment, options, or resource information. Believe me it helps.

Again, my hats off to you! What you do matters!

Re: Why did you join Team in Training?

communityreply@lls.org — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 06:34:47 GMT

I was runner, with a tri coach, until November 14, 2006; I was diagnosed with AML. I kept telling the doctors something was wrong. I just felt like I wasn't getting enough air in my lungs. It felt like the first mile never ended. All of you runners, I am sure you can relate to what I am talking about...my coach who was in outstanding shape, he even was chosen to be a torch bearer during the Salt Lake Olympics, as conditioned as we both were, we used to joke and say, "it doesn't matter how good of a runner you are, the first mile sucks!" But then, you find your rythm and it feels sooo good.

I feel confident that when most of you run, you have felt someone like me, running with you, at every event. So, while you are running with someone dear to your heart, you help so many other people in the process. It's beautful <smile>. Thank you.

My last hospital stay was in June 07. I came off the pain meds (early, yeah!) around Oct 07. So while I am very fortunate, the AML and chemo really did a number on my body. My Doctor told me it is taking me a little longer than most to get back, because of my body's reaction to the trauma and chemo. I am just starting to feel better, April 08. I can't wait to get back the beautiful tone I once had in my muscles. (I really think the chemo eats all of the protein or something from the muscles. I don't know).

In addition, to saying thank you..... My point to telling you all about my love of running and how my prognosis is progressing, is to let each of you know, that you inspire me too! I can't wait to see you all one day on a TEAM run.