A Bittersweet Announcement

on June 30, 2009
in All Posts

As you all know, I have a big and very close group of girlfriends from college.   This past Saturday, I received a phone call that no one wants to get.  One of our good friends has been diagnosed with cancer.  I was devastated.

 

She is always the life of the party.  The joker; the friendly face.  I cannot imagine having cancer at 25, and as her friend, it’s horrible for me to be 7 states away and unable to physically help her do anything.  I love her so much, and it just sucks to watch a friend go through this.

 

I immediately thought…. what can I do?

 

And the answer was obvious:

I WILL BE RACING IN THE DISNEY MARATHON for Team in Training!  The race is in January.

 

Team in Training raises money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) , the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. LLS has invested more than $600 million in research since 1949 – over $71 million in 2008 – specifically targeting leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.

 

I’ve always said I would "never" be able to run a marathon because of my knees.  But the last few weeks in physical therapy have proven to me that I will at least be able to walk the marathon, and I might just be able to RUN it.  In fact, I’m 90% sure I will be able to run this marathon.  And I get to run it with Mickey and Minnie, which is pretty cool! 

And even better – I get to run this marathon with my BFF for life, Meghann, and her sister Kelly.  One of my college BFFs (Lauren) might do the race, too, and I know there are TONS of bloggers planning to come to Orlando for the marathon.

 

I am a mix of emotions as I type this — mostly I am sad and worried for my friend.  But, it is also a bittersweet post because I have dreamed of racing in a marathon since I started to run more than three years ago.  All the nights that I literally cried myself to sleep because I thought I wouldn’t be able to do it…. now, I know I can do it!  But, to be able to say that "I ran a marathon and I raised thousands of dollars for cancer research in the process" would be the icing on my cake. 

 

As part of this effort, I will need YOUR help.  If you enjoy reading Healthy Tipping Point and Operation Beautiful, please consider a small donation to my Team in Training efforts when my site is available.  Even if it’s just $1.  Every single donation helps the fight against cancer.  I hope there comes a day when no one has to go through cancer.  DONATE HERE!

 

Which brings me to this morning’s Operation Beautiful note….

CIMG6602

Thank you in advance for your support!  Visit my TNT Page to donat!

{ 96 comments }

 

  • Jocelyn June 30, 2009, 4:41 am

    Hey..it is a beautiful thing that you are doing for your friend…She is going to need your support and strength! Even from miles away…
    I hope things only look up for her and that she beats this!

    I know that team in training does wonderful things and they raise TONS of money for cancer research…this is a very good project to be involved with!

  • Sam June 30, 2009, 4:44 am

    I’m so sorry to hear about your friend. When someone is that young it’s news you just don’t expect to get. I’m sure she’ll be so proud and grateful you’re running a marathon for her. And keep the positive attitude up – YOU CAN DO IT! Will you and Meghann be running together?

  • Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point June 30, 2009, 4:46 am

    sam – oh yes i will add that to the post! duh!

  • Bridget June 30, 2009, 4:49 am

    I'm so sorry for your friend!!! I can't even imagine cancer that young either! It's amazing that you are going to run the marathon for her 🙂 It also sounds really fun that you will be able to do it with your best friends.

  • Quisha June 30, 2009, 4:51 am

    sorry to hear about your friend. i'm sure she is happy to have someone as caring as you there for her. i'll do anything that i can do help for your team in training!

  • KD June 30, 2009, 4:51 am

    This is the first time I have posted on your site. Let me just say that your pictures and Operation Beautiful are inspiring and have kept me on track this summer! I am constantly copying your food ideas and have even started drinking the Green Monsters and have created my own Purple Monster with just berries and Almond Dreama and flax. (I can't do green in the a.m.! HA!)

    Thanks for sharing your journey and I will definitely donate to the marathon and am anxious to see updates about your friend.

    Kelley

  • leslie June 30, 2009, 4:58 am

    caitlin, i am so unbelievably sorry to hear the news about your friend. you should feel so proud that you've chosen to run this marathon for her and for every cancer sufferer. that proactive, positive spirit is something i really admire in you. and on a separate note, i'm really happy that you're going to be able to live out your dream of running a marathon. crossing that finish line is going to be so sweet in so many different ways!

  • Erica June 30, 2009, 4:59 am

    Oh my gosh- my heart goes out to your friend. I am so happy to hear you are running this marathon and for SUCH a fabulous cause. I would love to donate. Did you put up a link? Did I miss it?

  • jenngirl June 30, 2009, 5:03 am

    I am so sorry for your friend Caitlin.

    But I think it is wonderful what you have decided to do, and you know you will have the blogging community's support all the way! 🙂

  • Susan June 30, 2009, 5:06 am

    I know too many people who've had cancer in their 20s, it's a bigger issue than most people know!!! I think it's awesome that 1) you are going to raise a large chunk of money for cancer research, and 2) you are finally doing your dream of running a marathon.

    Of course I'll help you reach your goal!! For your friend and all my friends/family who've been affected by cancer.

  • *One Step at a Time* June 30, 2009, 5:07 am

    WOW! Huge announcement! My little brother had Hodgkins Lymphoma so I love everyone that runs for Team in Training. It is SUCH a great cause! Congrats on your decision and I am sorry to hear about your friend! Stay strong!

  • inmytummy June 30, 2009, 5:11 am

    Im sorry to hear about your friend. I think doing TNT is an awesome way for you to help!

  • whitsgettingfit June 30, 2009, 5:12 am

    I am so sorry to hear of your friend, but you have found a beautiful way to support her. You can count on a donation from me! I am an avid Operation Beautiful and Healthy Tipping Point reader. You can bet I will support you!

  • Jenna June 30, 2009, 5:14 am

    I love you and KNOW you can do this! And maybe you will have someone else running this race with you….. 😉

  • iowagirleats June 30, 2009, 5:15 am

    I'm so sorry to hear about your friend – nobody should have to suffer from cancer, especially at such a young age. What a great friend she's got in you though – good luck with fundraising and training, you'll do great!

  • calabazapie June 30, 2009, 5:20 am

    So sorry to hear about your friend. Stay strong and keep up the positive attitude, because it gets us much farther than we think it can!

  • seesaraheat June 30, 2009, 5:23 am

    I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. It is shocking to thing people this young can get cancer. I will pray for your friend and definitely donate to you before your big race. You can do it!

  • Mel @ She Runs Brooklyn June 30, 2009, 5:23 am

    I will absolutely donate. I'm so sorry to hear of your friend, and wish you the best of luck rockin the marathon!!

    God Bless.

  • Amanda's Eats June 30, 2009, 5:24 am

    Yay that you're doing a marathon, but boo for the reason. I'm 25 and I literally cannot imagine what that must be like to find out you have cancer. My thoughts and prayers go out to your friend and her family.

  • Bec June 30, 2009, 5:31 am

    Sorry to hear your friends bad news but I am sure she is glad to have a great friend like you to support her in this difficult time!

  • ohsoravenous June 30, 2009, 5:33 am

    I'm so sorry about your friend – but what you're doing is absolutely beautiful! You're amazing!

  • Char June 30, 2009, 5:34 am

    WOW..I am so sorry. You are an amazing friend for offering her this type of support, it is inspiring. I cannot even imagine what is going through her mind facing this right now, but both of you are courageous individuals and I will keep you in my prayers.

    Blog about your training for it, we will all be here to support! 🙂

    -char

  • Thinspired June 30, 2009, 5:40 am

    Caitlin,
    I am so, so sorry to hear about your friend. Of course, it is so like you to make the best of this situation and put your heart into doing something about it. CONGRATS to you on this wonderful endevour, I know you can do it! You have all of my support and good wishes. Let us know about donations as things develop.

  • Maggie June 30, 2009, 5:40 am

    I'm so sorry to hear about your friend, and I think it's awesome you are doing this in her honor!

    Just wanted to say that you might be interested in trying some training stuff using the Galloway method (since you seem open to walking). They do run/walk intervals throughout the training and the race so you don't burn out early and it seems really great for people who are working through injuries or just don't want to have to train as much in order to do a marathon (I'm training with them now and they recommend 3 runs/week)

    You're an an inspiration for positive mindset! Take care.

  • Carolina John June 30, 2009, 5:42 am

    wow, i really hate to hear about your friend. but having the disney marathon local for you and being able to hook up with the TNT crowd will be awesome.

    Your marathon will be so much more meaningful because of your friend. I hope you enjoy it. now go find a training plan!

  • Help Meghan Run June 30, 2009, 5:47 am

    You're going to have an amazing time with TNT! I'm doing it right now, and I love it. 🙂

    HelpMeghanRun.com

  • Abbie June 30, 2009, 5:49 am

    Caitlin! This is SO exciting!!!

    What a great way to support your friend and other struggling with this terrible disease as well.

    You are awesome and you WILL be able to complete this marathon, I know it!!!

  • Victoria June 30, 2009, 5:53 am

    I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. Good luck with your training and fundraising!

  • Baylee♥ June 30, 2009, 5:54 am

    Im so sorry to hear about your friend, Caitlin, but I cant think of a better way to help her, as well as others struggling with cancer!!

    When is the exact date of the Disney marathon? Im going to be working at Disney World and I would love to attend the race to cheer you on!!!

  • sweetandfit June 30, 2009, 5:57 am

    its crazy and incomprehensible why people get such illnesses at such young ages, its something i go through every day – but this is sooooo admirable of you to run a marathon in her honor!

    I am awaiting your donation page – you will do great! =)

  • Peanut Butter Swirl June 30, 2009, 5:58 am

    im so sorry to hear about your friend, but you have such a great heart for running the race for her 🙂

  • Molly June 30, 2009, 6:06 am

    very sorry to hear this caitlin. my thoughts are with you & your friend. i can't wait to see what creative ideas you come up with for fundraising- i'm sure you'll think of something great. what about a book like the postsecret book, but with operation beautiful notes?

    can you say what type of cancer she was diagnosed with? understandable if you don't want to.

  • Fitnessista June 30, 2009, 6:06 am

    so sorry to hear about your friend 🙁 you're doing an amazing thing and TNT is such a great organization
    best of luck with your training- be careful with your knees!!!
    i'm debating doing the full marathon- we shall see 😀

  • Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point June 30, 2009, 6:07 am

    molly – she has leukemia. 🙁 i like the book idea! i've been bouncing that around in my head, actually.

  • D10 June 30, 2009, 6:24 am

    I'll be thinking of your friend. Way to step up and find a positive light in this situation.

  • *Erica* June 30, 2009, 6:27 am

    On behalf of all of us who have been diagnosed with cancer at a young age (and even those who are just young-at-heart!), thank you so much for your commitment for the marathon and for cancer research. I hope that because of people like you, cancer is something that can be completely wiped out in OUR GENERATION.

    I have a friend who's 25 currently in treatment for lymphoma so I know exactly how you feel watching a friend go through it. And I also have the other perspective too: I am a 31 year old wife and mother of 3 in treatment for breast cancer. I can't tell you why these things happen; I can just say that no matter what, God is always in control…NOTHING surprises Him and NOTHING is beyond Him. I will keep your friend in my prayers and you, too, as you train for your marathon. I am very excited for you! I am running the Disney Princess 1/2 next March and am beyond excited to do it as a Survivor…thanks in part to people like you who are generous enough to give of their time and money for a great cause! ((hugs))

  • Island Girl Eats June 30, 2009, 6:28 am

    What an awesome thing you are doing for your friend.

  • Aimee June 30, 2009, 6:29 am

    So sorry about your friend! Good for you for helping her out in this way. I'd be glad to help out a Pitt Alum in any way I can, so let me know if there is anything I can do.

  • chandra June 30, 2009, 6:31 am

    I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. 🙁 Great decision to join TNT and do the marathon, you will definitely be able to do it and you will have my support for sure!

  • Anonymous June 30, 2009, 6:31 am

    What a fabulous cause! Good luck in the race!

    rachelsworkbites.com

  • Tammy (Defining Wellness) June 30, 2009, 6:33 am

    Caitlin, I'm so sorry to hear about your friend! I have a few questions if you don't mind me asking . . . Did they catch it early? What kind of cancer is it?

    She is in my prayers!

  • Catch Me If You Can June 30, 2009, 6:34 am

    I am in TNT now. Boot block boot block boot block and bead sales. That is how we are getting our money. I am doing this to run San Francisco. it's an amazing cause and you will hear a lot of stories. It's just an amazing thing and I highly reccomend it! I love the girls I run with and am already planning the next session I'm going to do. The long runs just fly by you get to meet and chat with new people. It's awesome. Congrats and good luck!

  • Susan June 30, 2009, 6:36 am

    I'm soooooo sorry for your friend. We have lots of cancer patients on the unit where I work, and luckily I have yet to have a young, young patient. It's still terrible to see even a 40 year old with cancer, let alone a 25 year old.

    Just a thought, but have you thought about a charity foundation more closely related to the type of cancer your friend has? TNT is more specifically for blood cancers, and there are other charities that focus on other types of cancer. Of course, the American Cancer Society is the most general, and they have a charity running group. Often times you can represent a charity even if it isn't a charity affiliated with the event.

    Sorry for the long comment, but it's something to think about! Either way, raising money for research is an awesome.

  • Rose June 30, 2009, 6:36 am

    I am so sorry to hear about your friend. I'm sure she's honored that you're running this race for her.

  • sloank June 30, 2009, 6:37 am

    Caitlin- I'm so sorry to hear about your friend! It is always such a shock when anyone young is diagnosed so early on in life. One of my good friends was diagnosed with cancer in high school and six years later she is still alive and well today. In fact, she is doing awesome! I also have a good friend whose mother was diagnosed with leukemia and she too is doing quite well, thanks to causes like Team in Training I am sure!! All I can say is we have to hope for those miracles and know if we fight, we can get the very best outcome! I'm wishing for the best for you and your friend!! Good luck with your training!! You kick butt, girl!!

  • J June 30, 2009, 6:38 am

    I'm really sorry to hear about your friend.

    You will love the Disney Marathon! I did the half and it was so much fun.

  • Melissa June 30, 2009, 6:39 am

    Caitlin,
    I'm sorry to hear about your friend. When I was 19, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I underwent treatment in 2000 and have been in remission for six years now. I hope and pray that your friend can survive this too.
    To the commenter who said it's "all about you", let me tell you you're wrong. The people who run in these marathons raise a TON of money that goes towards research to finding a cure and treatment options for this horrible disease. Without people like Caitlin running these marathons, we wouldn't have the funds to do so. Educate yourself!
    Thank you Caitlin and good luck!

  • Jewels June 30, 2009, 6:40 am

    i am so sorry to hear about your friend caitlin. i know a girl who was diagnosed with leukemia at 18. she is doing great now and ran a marathon herself so I will pray your friend will kick leukemia's butt as well.

  • Betsy June 30, 2009, 6:40 am

    Bittersweet indeed, but this is so awesome. What a great friend you are! 🙂

  • The Shabby Princess June 30, 2009, 6:42 am

    How wonderful that you are helping to save lives and getting to run a marathon! Woot woot!! Cancer has impacted my family in many ways and it is heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with your friend and her family.

    I look forward to reading along in your journey to the marathon!

  • Anonymous June 30, 2009, 6:46 am

    Congratulations on your decision to run! I have done 4 Boston Marathons for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and it is a GREAT cause (cancer research). Just to add a response to the anonymous poster, So what if running the marathon benefits both Caitlin and her friend? She has a dream to run a marathon and a friend diagnosed with cancer. Why not combine them both? It IS great motivation to have a cause to run for and it will not only motivate you to run but to put some serious effort into fundraising since the cause is personal to you. Don't listen to the negative comments. Anyone leaving them should atleast have the 'balls' to put their name up.

    Best of luck!
    Stephanie

  • Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point June 30, 2009, 6:48 am

    stephanie – ohmigod four boston marathons!? i am in awe of you!!! THANK you for your nice comment. 🙂

  • Justine June 30, 2009, 6:55 am

    I'm looking forward to hearing all about your TNT/marathon journey! What a great cause for training! I hope your friend's treatment goes well…it's hard to see someone so young diagnosed with cancer.

  • Niki June 30, 2009, 6:55 am

    I am so sorry to hear about your friend:( That is just awful. But I am so proud of you for doing this and raising money for LLS! What a great way to show how much you care! And you are gonna do awesome in the marathon!

  • Anna June 30, 2009, 7:01 am

    Caitlin, I am so sorry to hear about your friend- I can only imagine how devastated you must be. I also want to wish you best of luck with your training. I'm sure she will be honored. My best friend is a survivor of childhood cancer, and if she had been diagnosed now, you bet I'd be doing the same thing! I can't wait to hear all about your adventures as you begin your training.

  • Low June 30, 2009, 7:01 am

    Wow Caitlin, I am constantly in awe of your giving spirit and good heartedness. I love reading your blog because it reminds me that there are people out there who really do want the world to be a better place, and who doesn't want that kind of motivation?! I will definitely be donating and I wish you all the best in your fundraising and training efforts. I wish I could come and run with you guys, maybe next year?!

  • Graze With Me June 30, 2009, 7:02 am

    I'm sorry to hear about your friend. You're a very good friend to have from what I can see and by doing this marathon you are probably helping her and others so much! You have a very big heart.

  • brandi June 30, 2009, 7:10 am

    I am so sorry to hear about your friend – cancer is never a good thing, but it's especially hard when it happens at such a young age.

    How exciting and what an honor to be doing this marathon and raising money in support of your friend! I think you will do amazing!

  • recipesforcreativity June 30, 2009, 7:11 am

    Oh Caitlin, I'm so sad to read about your friend but so happy you're making this commitment. Can't wait to support you!

  • SweetPea June 30, 2009, 7:14 am

    What a wonderful way to support your friend! I'll be thinking of her and sending positive thoughts and prayers her way. Please let us know when you have your page set up.

    Danielle

  • katherine June 30, 2009, 7:25 am

    You are doing a wonderful thing for your friend and I know she appreciates your support. I will be thinking of her, and you, throughout the journey and wish you both all the best!

  • Anonymous June 30, 2009, 7:37 am

    Caitlin,
    Thanks for the congrats, but Im not fast at all =) I just truck along at my 10mm pace and am happy I finished! =)

    Stephanie

  • Christina June 30, 2009, 7:43 am

    I'm so sorry about your friend. It's so great what you're doing though. I know you can run it – good luck!

  • K from ksgoodeats June 30, 2009, 7:44 am

    I'm so so sorry to hear about your friend. I hope everything goes well for her and that she comes out of this stronger than ever! Kudos to you for doing the marathon – anything that can help would be so appreciated!!

  • Jennifer @ His N' Her Health June 30, 2009, 7:52 am

    Wow. So sorry about your friend. I thought my dad was young having lymphoma at 43, but have cancer at 25! So scary. I am sure you will make her so incredibly proud by doing TNT and running in her honor. It doesn't matter if you walk or run, you are doing this for her! 🙂

  • Julie June 30, 2009, 7:59 am

    yay I am so excited for you. It's great that you are doing this for your friend. I hope she can fight trhough it and beat it!

    Are you going to have a training plan.. if so I am interested in seeing it 🙂

    http://strivingforbalance.wordpress.com/

  • Gina June 30, 2009, 8:16 am

    I'm so sorry to hear about your friend, I can't imagine having cancer so young. Good luck with your marathon! I received a T&T mailing and am thinking about doing the disney world half. Not ready for the full yet. You can do it!

  • Andrea (Off Her Cork) June 30, 2009, 8:18 am

    Aww Caitlin I'm so sorry to hear about this. 🙁 Good for you for wanting to help and raise money for the cause. Disney here you come! 🙂

  • k June 30, 2009, 8:19 am

    so sorry to hear about your friend…but you will be doing everything you can. you'll be raising money and you'll be offering your support to her.

    good luck with the fund raising and the training!

  • Matt June 30, 2009, 8:24 am

    Congrats on the marathon!

  • gina g June 30, 2009, 8:38 am

    Congrats Caitlin! im so sorry to hear about your friend! As a 17 year old girl, It is so wonderful to hear that you are willing to do anything to lift up woman's spirits everyday not only through operation beautiful, but by going the distance and running for them! you are are an amazing person! =D

  • Jess June 30, 2009, 8:39 am

    That is bittersweet, but just think of all the wonderful research the money you raise will go to helping your friend and others like her.

    I will be at the Disney Marathon cheering you, Meghann and some of my family on. Can't wait!

  • heyitstay June 30, 2009, 8:41 am

    I'm so sorry about your friend Caitlin 🙁 But it's an amazing thing you're doing in her honor! One of my dream marathons to run, but I don't know either if I'll be able to run one again. You're a huge inspiration, and you can do this!!

  • Katerina June 30, 2009, 8:44 am

    So sorry to hear that! How devastating! What a good solution though, not only can you funnel your grief and concern into something but it is… running.. with Mickey and Minnie! part of me is jealous!

  • Julie June 30, 2009, 8:59 am

    I'm so sorry about your friend, that's just terrible. You're going to kick ass in the marathon and you're friend will be so proud!!

  • mayapamela525 June 30, 2009, 9:00 am

    I am so sorry to hear about your friend. It is wonderful what you are doing and I'm sure it will motivate you through your training.

    americangourmande.wordpress.com

  • Megan June 30, 2009, 9:03 am

    Caitlin,

    I'm so so sorry to hear about your friend. Cancer is a terrible disease, and to suffer from it in the prime of life is just especially cruel.
    It's great you are doing what you can to help. I know you will do so well with the fundraising, training, and marathon!

  • Jen and Rob June 30, 2009, 9:07 am

    Sorry to hear about you're friend. I think it is AWESOME that you have decided to help her out by joining TNT and helping to raise money. I just joined too a couple of weeks ago and continue to be more and more inspired as the weeks of practice go by!

  • Beth @ CrossBorderCravings June 30, 2009, 10:07 am

    That is such a great idea! It is horrible to feel helpless when something like that happens. But I'm sure it will mean a lot to both you and your friend that you are able to accomplish something for yourself and cancer research in her name. Best of luck to you!!

  • Holly Noelle @ Domestic Dork June 30, 2009, 10:38 am

    Best wishes to your friend!

    I just started training for my first 5K as part of training for a marathon in May. You were a huge inspiration for my goal to run the marathon so I think it's awesome that you're doing the same! Best of luck!

  • kilax June 30, 2009, 11:23 am

    Congrats on your decision! We will be there for the half! It is going to be so fun.

    I hope your friend beats this battle!

  • Anonymous June 30, 2009, 11:57 am

    in response to my earlier post that you deleted and other deleted comments that were not mine, i'd guess that others had similar reactions to the self-focused nature of this whole thing under the guise of doing something benevolent. why have a public blog is you're unable to handle any comments that don't simply offer support? i think it's a safe bet though that others in your life will have a similar reaction to the one i had when i read about the way in which you were using your friend's diagnosis. i don't doubt that you are a good person or a supportive friend, but the way in which you presented this whole thing as this *big surprise* gave the feeling of excitement, not grieving as one would expect in such a circumstance.

  • Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point June 30, 2009, 12:03 pm

    anon – i deleted your comments and my responses because i thought your original comment and my angry responses were both inappropriate.

    furthermore, you don't know me, you don't know how i feel, you don't know anything about me besides what i chose to put on my blog.

    one of the most irritating things as a blogger is not having people disagree with me (um, it happens all the time and in real life, too) but having anonymous commentors leave you spiteful remarks. you assume you know everything about me and can attack me because you get to hide behind your anonymous label. well, at the same time, i can delete your comments if i don't like them.

    i'm done.

  • healthy ashley June 30, 2009, 12:16 pm

    WOW!

    First, I am so sorry for your friend's diagnosis. I'll say a prayer that she pulls through strong!

    Second, yayy!!! COngratulations! I am doing the Disney Marathon, too! Helllooo, long runs!

  • lilveggiepatch June 30, 2009, 1:08 pm

    I'm so sorry about your friend. Cancer has hit my own family very hard, and we all- survivors, friends, family- appreciate what you're doing so much. Keep up your amazing work, Caitlin!

  • Julie June 30, 2009, 1:29 pm

    SO sorry about your friend but she has a wonderful person in you to be by her side!

    I'm entered in the Disney Marathon too! And I'm coming all the way from NY to run it! I've been having serious knee and hip problems lately and I'm super nervous I won't be able to do it by then!

  • Holly June 30, 2009, 1:49 pm

    Oooh – full marathons are the BEST!!! I am praying your knees hold up – you're going to LOVE training!

  • KK @ Running Through Life June 30, 2009, 1:51 pm

    TNT is a great experience and you are doing a wonderful thing. TNT and finding a cure for leukemia are very near and dear to my heart as well.

  • Lindsey @ Graceful Stride June 30, 2009, 1:57 pm

    Caitlin,

    I am so sorry to hear about your friend's diagnosis. I had a friend who was diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of 15 and it is always so hard when it is someone so young and close in age. Good luck with your training for the Disney Marathon! Just listen to your body and you will do awesome!

    Lindsey

  • Michelle June 30, 2009, 2:05 pm

    I'm so sorry to hear about your friend, but what an awesome opportunity that you'll be able to help raise money for research in support of her while fulfilling one of your dreams!! Glad your knees are feeling better with PT, you are so good about cross training that I'm sure you'll fly through the training and the race with no problem!

  • Nicole (anotheronebitesthecrust.wordpress.com) June 30, 2009, 3:31 pm

    I am so sorry to hear about your friend 🙁

  • Julia June 30, 2009, 3:51 pm

    I'm in total support of your marathon effort.
    I am running my first marathon in December, so I am going to have a lot of fun reading about your training!

  • Krista June 30, 2009, 4:21 pm

    I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. I'll be thinking healing thoughts for her.

    TNT is an awesome experience. I've done it twice now and will do it again!

    Better get used to it when I say "GO TEAM!!!" you'll be hearing that a lot! 😉

  • Anonymous June 30, 2009, 4:30 pm

    A really good friend of mine had early stages of cervical cancer at age 21, but beat it (thank God!). But another girl I knew, who was an absolute ray of sunshine and a lacrosse coach, passed away at age 25 from escalated melanoma. I still can't believe it.

    It seriously scares the crap out of me that these things happen this often to people so young and healthy (not to imply that anyone ever deserves it, of course). It seems SO wrong and unfair. I wish your friend all the best, and to you too with your marathon (a beautiful way to help!) and with supporting her through it.

  • Elina July 2, 2009, 5:40 am

    Oh Caitlin, I'm so sorry to hear this. I hope that she is able to recover from this. And I think this is an amazing way to "do something." Good luck on your training. You can do it!! Off to donate to your page now… You are an amazing friend for doing this!

  • Andrea of Care to Eat July 4, 2009, 2:52 pm

    Caitlin –
    I'm so behind on my blog reading, so I'm just seeing this now. So sorry to hear about your friend. I'm glad that you are able to do this in her honor.
    My husband and I are going through the same thing with one of our friends. It's hard when life deals good people an unfair hand.
    Anyways, just wanted to say, I know how you feel and my thoughts are with your friend.
    Andrea

Previous post:

Next post:

Search The Blog

Read by Month:

Read by Topic:

Healthy Tipping Point