FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GROUNDBREAKING ENDURANCE SPORTS TRAINING PROGRAM
SET TO HIT BILLION DOLLAR MARK IN 2008
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training
Celebrates 20 Years of Saving Lives
Nov. 27, 2007 - The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training, the
world's largest endurance sports training and fundraising program, will
celebrate 20 years of saving lives in 2008. An anniversary website and
special items recognizing top volunteers commemorate this special occasion.
Twenty years ago a group of athletes from the New York area hired a coach
and trained for the New York City Marathon while they raised money for
blood cancer research. The inspiration for their endeavor was a leukemia
patient, Georgia Cleland, daughter of the concept's organizer, Bruce
Cleland. From this effort the seed was planted for the Society's Team In
Training (TNT) program, which today trains approximately 39,000 people a
year to participate in marathons, half marathons, triathlons and 100-mile
cycling events.
Since that first team crossed the finish line, more than 340,000 TNT
participants have raised more than $800 million for blood cancer research
and patient services. Now TNT is setting its sights on reaching the billion
dollar mark by the end of this 20th anniversary celebration year!
In recognition of extraordinary fundraising achievements during the 20th
anniversary year, the Society has commissioned original silver gifts from
one of the world's most exclusive jewelers for participants who raise
$10,000 or more. The theme throughout the year will be Purple Power - in
recognition of the signature purple jerseys that all TNT participants wear
during their events - creating a sea of purple at marathons, cycling events
and triathlons throughout the country. To recognize Purple Power the
Society has created special items for purchase at the Society's e-store,
www.teamintraining.org/20thstore. More information about TNT's 20th
Anniverary Celebration can be found at www.teamintraining.org/20th.
The remarkable achievements of TNT's participants have contributed
enormously to the tremendous advances in blood cancer treatments over the
past 20 years, including such breakthroughs as the drug Gleevec, for the
treatment of patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia. The Society's
research funding has also led to breakthroughs in less toxic chemotherapy
therapies and stem cell transplantation, and Society-funded researchers are
now exploring cutting edge areas that hold promise for better treatments
and cures in the future. The funds raised by TNT participants have also
allowed the Society to provide critical education and support services to
patients and their families, to help them have the best possible outcomes
throughout their cancer journey.
Team In Training is currently recruiting participants to train for upcoming
events. To register, please visit www.teamintraining.org or call (800)
482-TEAM.
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