Fight For Their Lives—

Running A Race Against Cancer With Team In Training

By Kendra Bobowick

“What’s my connection? My connection is through a friend who lost his 10-year-old son. If his son was alive today and diagnosed, he might live to be an old man. The survival rates are now so high.”

—Rob Gerowe, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training program director, Fairfield County Chapter.

Many can make the same “connection” as Mr Gerowe. And like him, many can make a difference in the lives of people they know who have a family member suffering from an illness, or who are ill themselves. A Team in Training meeting will be held at the C.H. Booth Library on January 12, beginning at 6:30 pm. The public is invited to attend and learn more about raising funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Finding her “connection” is Sandy Hook resident Sabina Webb.

“I did this for my best friend, Christine, whose father died of leukemia. I dedicated my first race to him.”

Through Team in Training, each person trains for several months, anticipating a final marathon, triathlon, or similar event.

Hesitant to join and questioning her ability to succeed, Ms Webb took a chance. She succeeded in more than completing a triathlon; she also made much needed and lasting friendships.

“I had just moved here from Queens and this came at a time when I was trying to find people to hook up with,” she said. She also managed to banish some self-doubts when signing on to train for a triathlon.

“I had been running a few years and always wanted to do a triathlon, but I didn’t really swim or ride a bike,” she said. Looking back at her first season, she said, “I never dreamed I could do it.”

Neither a full-time job nor motherhood prevented her from training.

“The coach scheduled training in various locations and it was up to you to attend, or you should train on your own,” Ms Webb said.

She and several other teammates formed their own training group to supplement that first season’s training. Ms Webb urges other residents to attend the meeting this coming Thursday, and learn more about Team in Training despite reservations they may have.

“All the time you’ll hear people say, ‘If I can do it, anyone can.’ It’s scary, but people work with you and help you,” she said.

Each team also has an Honored Teammate, a survivor, where Ms Webb found yet another strong reason for signing up again.

“It’s so inspiring. Some of the Honored Teammates who participate are incredible,” she said. “They go from being sick to finishing a triathlon.”

Lives Touched By Cancer

Mr Gerowe can relate to many others who have suffered a loss of a friend, a sibling, a parent to cancer, and is sure that most can make a connection to a life touched by the illness through someone close to them. He wants to raise awareness to the diseases, and also raise awareness of how to help.

“I want people to know what we do,” he said. Team in Training is a vital means of raising funds, awareness, and support.

“We’re improving the lives of cancer patients, we’re getting in shape, making friends, and fundraising for a good cause,” he said.

Mr Gerowe will be at the C.H. Booth Library on January 12, preparing to sign-up new teammates and welcome back women like Sabina Webb, who are ready to join again. He also speaks reassuringly about the low-pressure approach to new recruits, saying that “you are not bound to anything,” and understands that if circumstances prevent participation, there is no pressure to commit. As the event date nears, however, he will ask for confirmation of commitment in order to prepare travel plans and accommodations.

He also offers encouragement to those who fear they may not succeed at either the fundraising or the final race.

“It wouldn’t be normal if you didn’t worry, and that’s why we’re here,” he said. He asks residents to come see a video, learn about the Team in Training and talk with alumni.

Beginning with a humble New York City marathon in 1987, seeing just over $350,000, Team in Training has become The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s signature fundraising group. Since its beginning, Team in Training has garnered more than $600 million. The organization raises funds for cancer fighting research and also patient services.

Mr Gerowe encourages residents to learn more about Team in Training, which will culminate in one of several events between May and early July including a Memphis May Triathlon, America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride in Lake Tahoe, Nev., a Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in San Diego, the Fairfield Half Marathon, and the Ford New York City Triathlon. Teams train over a course of months, and seek sponsorships and donations. By the end of training, team members aim to reach both their fundraising and physical training goals.

A kickoff party and information meeting is planned for January 25 at 6:30 pm at The Loft in South Norwalk.

For information, see the society’s website at www.lls.org and more specifically, find out about Team in Training at teamintraining.org/fctm.