What’s in a Gift?

Every 4 minutes one person in the United States is diagnosed with a blood cancer. Every hour more than 6 people die from a blood cancer.

When Rachel’s friend Jennifer asked her to train for a Team in Training 1/2 marathon in honor of Jennifer’s father-in-law who lost his battle to cancer in 2005, without hesitation, Rachel eagerly said she’d love to!

Check out Team in Training!Rachel has always had a passion for helping people and when Jennifer approached her about the 1/2 marathon, she saw an opportunity to help others while focusing on her own health by getting in shape and eating healthier. Not to mention cross off some things from her bucket list!

While Rachel is training with her coach, provided by Team in Training for both running & fundraising, meeting her 10,000 steps a day goal, hours of running to build strength & endurance, to get healthier and more fit to be better prepared for her 1/2 marathon come October in San Francisco, she still works 50 hours a week PLUS goes to school! Whew!

So I asked, “What’s in a Gift?”
I guess it’s what it means to the giver and receiver, no? What’s fascinating is that the giver and receiver many not even be part of the direct exchange for the benefit of said gift.

Rachel’s Birthday is coming up and here is her wish: “My wish is to have raised a total of $2,500.00 by July 25 (which is my birthday), can you be one of them people who can help me reach my goal?”

Check out Rachel’s Team in Training page and make a donation. I challenge you to match or beat others that have donated.

Have some fun:

• $13.10 Mile Marker (She will do all the running for you)
• $15.00 be my Band Aid buddy (She will name a blister after you)
• $20.00 be my Ice Pack Friend (Her muscles will love you)

And in all seriousness:

• A donation of $25 provides patients and their loved ones with FREE booklets that contain up-to-date information on their disease and help them make informed decisions about their treatment options.
• A donation of $50 makes possible a Family Support group with a trained facilitator where comfort can be found and experiences can be shared among patients and family members.
• A donation of $100 helps supply laboratory researchers with supplies and materials critical to carrying out their search for cures.
• A donation of $1,000 makes possible one- on-one conversations with health care specialists who provide patients with information about their disease, treatment options, and helps prepare them with questions for their health care team.

Make a donation today and give the gift of inspiration and hope.

Connect with Rachel on Facebook and cheer her on!

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.

I could not have asked for a better thing to be involved in. ~Rachel