Team In Training
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Click to view BarryB's profile BarryB 7 posts since
Nov 19, 2007
15. Re: Why did you join Team in Training? Apr 23, 2008 10:31 AM
in response to: keishapc

Keisha D , get ready to run.

Like I said, like you said, you run with us. We sometimes run by our selves, be we never need to run lonely. Our team is going out for an 18 miler Saturday and you will be going with us. We won't need to fire the starting pistol, your post will be the only motivating sound we need. And your post will be read at 6:45 A.M. EST

So Kesha, around 8:00 a.m. EST Saturday, you may start to feel a little fatigued. That is because you will have just passed about the 10 mile spot with Brevard's Best. When you feel that bit of fatigue, just say come on Brevard, show me your stuff, it isn't like your going through chemo. So pick it up, do your best.! (we will probably need a repeat of this every 1/2 hour or so until about 10:30ish :p )

And for the rest of you on this BBS you need to take Kesha's post and spread her words far, long, and LOUD. We are so lucky, if we don't run it is of our own choosing and often times it is because we are human and face it, somtimes we can be a bit lazy. What if the reason we didn't run was because, our bodies are unable to? When you "don't feel like running" remember your reason for running. It is for those that want so desperately to run, but can't. That should be enough reason to show some balls and get out on the pavement.

Battle on warriors we are all going to beat this thing... together.

Click to view CrazyKen's profile CrazyKen 83 posts since
Oct 23, 2007
16. Re: Why did you join Team in Training? Apr 23, 2008 1:21 PM
in response to: BarryB

My Body won't be with Brevard's Best for the run on Saturday, But my heart and soul will be with you as I am in the most southern part of Brevard. (My 44 th B-Day is Sunday and I asked my bose if I could just have the morning of saturday for it so I can run) So I will read Keisha's post at the same time you are,then say a prayer and then run.

I hear your adivce when I run. I heard Michele when I streach before I run, and I hear Joy saying run on the other side of the road when you turn around. I never feel alone when I run.

Anyway you did it again, made me cry this morning when I read your post. Keisha, you are not just running with a group of great people. You are running with Barry the best coach and Man I have ever of having the honor of knowing. Thank You Both for keeping me Inspired. http://community.lls.org/images/emoticons/love.gif

Barry I will have your Coffee at the 20 mile run.!!!!

Just Ken

Click to view keishapc's profile keishapc 8 posts since
Apr 19, 2008
17. Re: Why did you join Team in Training? Apr 23, 2008 1:59 PM
in response to: BarryB

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. http://mail.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/tsmileys2/01.gif

Happy Birthday, Ken, another year wiser!

Click to view keishapc's profile keishapc 8 posts since
Apr 19, 2008
18. Re: Why did you join Team in Training? Apr 25, 2008 3:57 AM
in response to: CrazyKen

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. :x

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.

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
Click to view CrazyKen's profile CrazyKen 83 posts since
Oct 23, 2007
19. Re: Why did you join Team in Training? Apr 25, 2008 7:55 AM
in response to: keishapc

Hi Keisha ,

WOW Great job! I can't wait to buy my purple running shoes, Barry I promise I won't buy them two days before a Marathon like I did in January at the Disney. lol I already have a Armstrong computer and sun glasses. I would love to see him run with TNT. Imagine a bike TNT team being coached by L. Armstrong. Well for now I have my home made Cancer Stompers .

My saying this year has been Just 1 Can and again Keisha you have proven this to be true, It only takes 1 step start a marathon, 1 push to start a 100 mile bike ride, 1 swim stroke to start a triathlon and 1 person to change the world for the better. Just 1 can ! Thanks for being that 1 ! !


Ken

Click to view LitsaPitsa's profile LitsaPitsa 1 posts since
Apr 28, 2008
20. Re: Why did you join Team in Training? Apr 28, 2008 10:34 PM
i read these stories and have none of my own to tell. there are many cancers that have crept their way into the lives of my grandfather, my aunt, and my cousins. unfortunately i didn't know them well enough to see much of anything. i just knew that they had it. sometimes knowing that someone had it and is no longer here because of it makes it realer than some would like it to be. i don't know if i could have held it together seeing them suffer. i like to say i'm strong but i crumble if i see others in pain. then i watch people that are living through it all, and fight with such determination, and i find it remarkable that they can muster up the strength to do it. even more remarkable are the people that are perfectly healthy and will never have to endure any pain or have to muster up any strength to fight back anything so large. instead we fight with our parents, our siblings, husbands and kids about irrelevant things. why can't we put up that fight for a greater good? as much as i complain about everything in my life, i have nothing to complain about. i want to do this for the family i never got a chance to know and for the anybody that i may encounter in my future. i am so proud of being a part of something so unbeliavably amazing. i just cannot wait to fully embark on this journey and look forward to every person that i meet during it.
Click to view CrazyKen's profile CrazyKen 83 posts since
Oct 23, 2007
21. Re: Why did you join Team in Training? Apr 29, 2008 9:00 AM
in response to: LitsaPitsa

Thank You Evangelia,

I am proud of you because something bad had to happen to wake me up and see I need to fight for someone else's life and that my life is good and to see how lucky I am just to have good health. But You and thousands of others like you saw that all on your own. You fight for something bigger than yourself and you are a Amazing person. Thank you for becoming part of this Team. I am no one, just a brother that put his anger in his legs.

You joined this team not for yourself but for others and you are a true hero.

Thank You

Crazy Ken

Click to view Typhoon's profile Typhoon 5 posts since
Apr 30, 2008
22. Re: Why did you join Team in Training? Apr 30, 2008 1:20 AM

Why am I joining (later this year)? Because I'm not going to be one of those people out there (we all know at least one) who looks at a problem and says "Someone really ought to do something about that" and then do nothing about 'that'.

I'm joining because a very close friend (she's my sister for all practical purposes) lost a friend of hers to Lymphoma in 2004. Through an act of some providence she was introduced to LLS and TnT. She (not being one of 'those' people above) chose to act and begin racing with TnT in Los Angeles doing Triathlons. 4 years later she is still running and is preparing for an Ironman for TnT. She is a reason.

I'm joining to give back to the society that has given me so much. I have Hodgkin's Lymphoma that I've been actively fighting since October 2006 without a break. By the end of this year I'll either be in remission or fed up with continuous treatments and will finally (more than a year already after I decided I wanted to do this) begin training for my first triathlon. I've watched the society help those who need it most and I want to help them help others.

There's no greater act of defiance against the ravages of cancer or the treatments than participating in a marathon, triathlon, or century ride. None. And there is no greater honor than to run beside those of you who have chosen to step outside your regular comfort zone and do something extraordinary to help others.

The greatest show of humanity is always ordinary people doing extraordinary things. All of you are my heroes. I can only hope to one day follow in your footsteps.

Click to view keishapc's profile keishapc 8 posts since
Apr 19, 2008
23. Re: Why did you join Team in Training? Apr 30, 2008 11:59 PM
in response to: Typhoon

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!!!! X-(

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

Click to view Running4Hope's profile Running4Hope 2 posts since
May 2, 2008
24. Re: Why did you join Team in Training? May 2, 2008 1:26 AM
in response to: keishapc

I joined TNT because...

I am a 5 year old Hodgkin's survivor! Recently I have had to deal with some lingering side effects from my chemo and radiation treatments. Just a few months ago I was bedridden due to thyroid failure which had lingered for about 9 months and was leading to a variety of other health problems. The thing is that you just get so used to living with constant health issues, that you don't want to continually go to the doctor and complain, so you just learn to deal with it. Things started getting better, and then I was diagnosed with "ChemoBrain." I was working towards my masters with hopes of attaining my phD in the near future. And, all of a sudden I couldn't read, write, or multitask. Sometimes I felt like I was sinking into the wall and just watching life pass by, or I felt like I was trapped inside my own body and not being able to recall the words that I want to say, unable to communicate with others. The doctors put me on some experimental medication and I've been re-learning how to be a graduate student, a wife, and a friend.

I am not complaining, because I am so blessed to be here. It is amazing how far researchers have come in raising survival rates among Hodgkin's patients. But, I am doing this to say that it's not good enough; we can do better. I'm running 26.2 miles to do my part in giving the gift of hope to future cancer patients.

And, I am doing this to fight back, to learn how to take care of myself, and to challenge myself. I am doing this to inspire myself and to inspire others. I want those who have seen me battle with my health for 7 years now get to see me fight back. I am ready to be uplifted and tired of having my life and my health stripped away from me. I am tired of being told I can't, and I am ready to be successful.

I have committed to run the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco 10.19.2008. From bedridden to marathoner in 7 months! I invite you to check out my website which includes my training blogs and more.... http://www.thegiftofhope.org/

Run-On!

Beth

Click to view BarryB's profile BarryB 7 posts since
Nov 19, 2007
25. Re: Why did you join Team in Training? May 2, 2008 8:49 AM
in response to: Running4Hope
Dear Beth-Running for hope,

I used to be very active on this BBS (really the older version) and then they came out with this new format. I stayed away for awhile and decided recently it was time to get back on the horse and even try to adapt to the new tricks.

Boy am I ever glad I did. I have been more inspired in the last few weeks than I have been in quite sometime. Your post in particular hit me right in the chest, like that blasted blood cancer sledge hammer does way to often.

I am getting ready to coach the upcoming season (maybe I'll be our chapter's event coach at Nike) . I had a woman at my last info meeting who is on Gleevec, she explained how they had to come out of retirement in order to pay for meds. But one thing she said really struck me like you did too. She said, very casually "hey you can't put a price tag on waking up each morning"

You should never feel like you are complaining, even on your worst day. Your words of "we can do better" need to ring out so that everyone stays on target, don't fall of the horse and keep riding this thing hard until we are needed no longer. It is an honor to work on behalf of people like you that show us, we can do better and in fact we must do better.!!

RUN-ON and ROCK-ON!

Click to view keishapc's profile keishapc 8 posts since
Apr 19, 2008
26. Re: Why did you join Team in Training? May 2, 2008 1:40 PM
in response to: Running4Hope

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.

Click to view Running4Hope's profile Running4Hope 2 posts since
May 2, 2008
27. Re: Why did you join Team in Training? May 2, 2008 4:45 PM
in response to: keishapc
Yes, I am taking Provigil... I know that it is one of a few different drugs they are trying out on ChemoBrain. Also, my doctor told me that they, the Provigil manufacturers, are making a new better drug to be out in the fall, but I can't remember the name. The strange thing about my ChemoBrain is the symptoms weren't present until I was 4 years out of treatment, and only got worse over the past year. Which makes me wonder, why, and if it is going to get worse. But, the Provigil has helped a lot, and I am hopeful that there will be newer better drugs that will be able to cure it.

I want to encourage you, because with the medication you can learn how to be a successful student again. You might have to change some of the ways you study, but with hard work, you can excel!

Beth
Click to view Kati'sDad's profile Kati'sDad 33 posts since
Oct 23, 2007
28. Re: Why did you join Team in Training? May 2, 2008 6:53 PM
in response to: Running4Hope
The doctors told me that Kati's memory issues might have worsened in the few years after, but we were also fortunate because of research like the Society does many children facing Kati's medical needs just a couple years before her diagnosis were left with severe learning disabilities, basically unable to learn anything new. But the new combinations have curbed the severity, and left her with slight memory issues (we use to joke the memory issues usually centered on things like curfews). Kati maintained her straight A average throughout her 109 weeks of chemo, and that 18 months after the initial chemo ended, and was accepted into the International Baccalaureate Program. But her memory did digress, it wasn't too easy for others to see because Kati was one of those blessed with photographic memory, so for the most part only I noticed. Well enough proud papa talk.

When they asked Kati to be an honored Teammate for a second time she was about 11, and she was so thrilled, and I asked her why it meant so much. Kati said, "Daddy you know I want to beat this thing, but knowing people like this exist certainly shows why it is worth it." Kati no doubt was talking about people just like you Beth and you Keisha. Your strength is our strength, I thank you for that. And if you will allow me I will write your names on my Team jersey that I will put on Sunday as I run the Frederick 1/2 Marathon with my youngest daughter, Sara, who just turned 16 and couldn't wait to run (being able to be part of the Team at 16 was more on her mind than driving). Thank you all. Rick, also known as Kati's Dad, and equally proud to be known as Sara's Dad
Click to view Typhoon's profile Typhoon 5 posts since
Apr 30, 2008
29. Re: Why did you join Team in Training? May 2, 2008 7:24 PM
in response to: Running4Hope
Hey Beth/Running4Hope,

So many people have stared at the monumental task of fund-raising (not to mention the event itself) with some trepidation and worry. The fund-raising will go OK. It definitely takes some work and a little creative thinking but it can be done. Besides the Nike Women's Marathon in Frisco is a beautiful run with lots of fun stuff along the way (not unlike the Rock and Roll marathon in San Diego). There's the Chocolate Mile where every couple hundred feet there's another type of chocolate to sample. There's also a fine Tiffany's Charm you recieve as a finisher's medal from a handsome lad in a tux. On the whole it's quite a remarkable experience. Some day I'll run it just for fun.

In the meantime you've given me a little renewed hope, something that has been in a little short supply recently. Hodgkin's is supposed to be so curable so "easily". I saw many others in remission after chemo and a fairly short run of radiation. It's just been too long and I'm tired. I want to live my life now. And that life is going to be spent running with TnT to earn a triple crown. It's one of my two life goals. The other is to complete an Ironman race for Team in Training.

But mostly I want to just get started on it so I have something else to focus on instead of worrying about the results of the next PET scan. Please keep your fingers crossed for remission.

love to you and everyone in TNT!

Kevin
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