Shonna Campbell’s journey began two years ago, when she was walking on a treadmill and a friend encouraged her jog. Her jog turned into a 5k and the Asheville Half Marathon. At the time, she never imagined running 26.2 miles.

In October 2010, her friend encouraged her to run the Rock and Roll Marathon in San Diego for Team In Training (TNT). She was excited to do more than train; she wanted to make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer. TNT is a program that raises funds to find cures for different types of blood cancer through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Shonna surpassed her fundraising goal in five weeks. People were eager to donate and many people had stories to share about how blood cancers had touched their lives. “It was their courage that pushed me forward”, Shonna explained. Shonna met with volunteer coaches every week for speed work and long runs. Coach, John Squires ran with her on each long run, slowly adding length, slowly getting stronger. “TNT had me training effectively.”

Shonna was the only runner in the San Diego Rock in Roll Marathon, June 2011, from Asheville, but was joined by other TNT runners from across the US. During the race, TNT volunteers and staff encouraged her through. Screaming out, “Shonna, you look good! Steady on! Way to go Shonna!” With tears in her eyes, Shonna crossed the finish line! TNT participants raised 9 million dollars for that race, together. Shonna says, “Team In Training won’t stop in its fight to end blood cancers and now, either will I. GO TEAM!”

Kristen Childress, just finished her first competitive race, a triathlon in June 2011 in Charlotte, NC. She had wanted to complete a triathlon for years. A friend inspired her to train for a competitive event and raise money for a great cause at the same time. After attending her friend’s race with TNT, Kristen was inspired and made the decision to train for a Triathlon.

Team In Training equips individuals for all sorts of events; marathons, biking, triathlons, hiking, and provides fundraising advice for participants as they raise funds for cancer research. The proceeds from each TNT participant go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to help cure blood cancers.

Kristen said, “My experience with Team In Training was such an awesome inspiring feeling. To have my wish of doing a Triathlon and help others.”

To learn more about the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training program, go to www.teamintraining.org/nc if you are interested in joining the fight to stop blood cancer contact: Jodie Strong, TNT Coordinator (704)705-1820, Jodie.strong@lls.org

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