Running a Marathon: The Cure for Cancer

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is a worldwide organization that is devoted to raising money for the purpose of funding the research of and education for blood cancers. The funding is put towards the goal of one day finding a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, all types of blood cancers.

Since it's inception in 1949, the organization has invested over $483 million in research alone. Advances that have resulted in this research include radiation and chemotherapy treatment, transplantation of stem cells and the development of drugs used to ease and combat nausea caused by chemotherapy and radiation. Because of the improvements in knowledge, technology and treatments of leukemia, survival rates have steadily increased.

According to statistics taken from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Cancer Statistics Review, 1995 - 2002 and National Cancer Institute, 2005, survival rates for leukemia patients are at an all-time high. A comparison of the years 1960 - 1963 to 1995 - 2001 show that myeloma, Hodgkin lymphoma, and leukemia survival rates have increase over 100%. Furthermore, non-Hodgkin lymphoma survival rates have almost doubled, as well.

About 74% of all funds raised by the society is put towards program services, including research, education, community service, and advocacy. Approximately 24% is used for support services. One way the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society raises awareness and funds is through Team In Training (TNT).

Team in Training is a sports training program. Nationally supported, TNT has many chapters throughout the states. It is the staple fundraising program of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, having raised over $750 million. TNT participants enlist themselves in a rigorous training program designed to help prepare for endurance events such as full and half marathons, century rides or triathalons, while at the same time fundraising for the Society.