Reminder of Purpose

$8,500 is a lot of money. It could pay for a used automobile. It could make a year’s worth of mortgage payments on a small house. It could provide a year of in-state college tuition. And, yes, it could buy a top-of-the-line triathlon bike. But, it could also save a life, which is more valuable than any possession. Yesterday, the 70th person donated to my fundraising campaign to support the education, research and patient services of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). Their contribution brought my total to $8,500, fulfilling my commitment as part of Team in Training (TNT). It happened just in time, too. Hours before I saw the 100% indicator on my fundraising website, I had grumbled my way through a hard track workout, preferring to be home on a beautiful evening with my husband and boys. I needed a reminder of purpose.

Although last night it was a number, I am often reminded of purpose by the stories. It might be the survival of a friend’s 8-year old nephew from Lymphoma. Or the loss of a friend’s mother twenty years ago, never to know her husband and three children. Or the donation that arrived with a note thanking me for my “gift to all of us that suffer from blood cancers.”

I am reminded of purpose by those who may not have a direct connection to the cause, but appreciate other values that my effort represents. These might be other parents of young children who are juggling work and home and feel there aren’t enough hours in the day. Or those who recognize volunteerism as a civic duty. Or young girls who are excelling in sports because of increasing opportunities in school and support for women athletes in our society. Or those who respect health, wellness and the spiritual allure of the outdoors. I am training for them, too.

And certainly, I am reminded of purpose when I connect with the other TNT athletes competing in either Ironman USA or Ironman Canada this year. Between the seventy of us, we will raise over $500,000 so the LLS can continue making a difference in the search for a cure for cancer. And there is progress. In 1960, there was a 40% survival rate for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. In 2000, it was 86%. In 1960, there was a 14% survival rate for Leukemia. In 2000, that had risen to 48%. But until we see 100% - like the attainment of my fundraising goal - we must continue to fight. Every life deserves a chance.

The husband of Maggie Ryan, one of the women I am dedicating my race to, recently wrote, “Five hundred and forty six thousand people die every year in this country from cancer. And I know that if [others] put in a small portion of the effort that Kelly is investing, then this war could be won.” Mr. Ryan’s words mean our work is not done. We can give more. We can raise $10,000 by July 23rd. As I journey twelve hours towards an Ironman finish on that day, I’d like to be inspired by the donations – and stories and encouraging words – of 100 people. It’s an investment we can all feel good about. It’s an investment in hope.

Now, I’d better head back to the track….

Easter swim in San Franciso Bay with Carson and Austin spectating