Carolyn Hootkins's Team In Training Page
Racing to Save Lives
FEBRUARY 2005 I had been living in California for just a few weeks. I was here with Bill and for Bill. Together we were trying to come to terms with Bill having been diagnosed with advanced, in-operable cancer, and a terrifyingly short prognosis. A lifelong dream of Bill’s had been to go whale watching in Hawaii. We planned to go in April. For 10 months Bill fought his vicious illness with unimaginable courage and humour. On October 23rd 2005 Bill, my wonderful husband, lost the battle. We had never made it to Hawaii. FEBRUARY 2006: I am still in California, but now there is an indescribably huge void where Bill should still be. His bravery through each and every cruel twist of fate last year constantly reinforced to me and ALL those around him, how the world was a better place for having him in it. Now it’s down to me, to continue where he left off. Inspired by Bill, I will be traveling to Maui in June this year……..but why? I have signed up with ‘The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training’ (TNT) ….. and TRAINING I am.….! In just 16 weeks time I will participate in the ‘Maui King’s Trail Triathlon’ This is an Olympic distance event: 0,9 mile swim, 24 mile cycle and 6,2 mile run. I can hear Bill (an actor, NEVER an athlete) saying… “Are you NUTZ? Are you CRAZY?” I can also ‘see’ the enormous pride in his eyes, and ‘feel’ one of his huge, legendary bear hugs were he to be waiting for me at the finishing line; I could ask for no greater inspiration than this, to spur me on through my grueling training programme. I am doing this sponsored triathlon for Bill and for me BUT MOST OF ALL - to make a difference to other cancer sufferers, by raising much needed funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS.) Since its inception in 1988, TNT has raised more than $520 million. The funds raised go towards VITAL research, patient care, family support & community education. (Do look take a look at the TNT website www.teamintraining.org) I have made a commitment to raise $6,000 AND to complete the triathlon on June 11th. I will do ALL of the swimming, cycling AND running but I need YOUR help with the fundraising. PLEASE SPONSOR ME! Your tax deductable donation WILL make a difference to those in very great need. 75% of all donations go directly to the cause; the LLS as been voted into the top 10 charities in the USA for having the highest percentage of their funds raised, directly benefiting research and patient services. My fundraising deadline is approaching even more rapidly than the triathlon itself, so I ask that you please make an on-line donation via the top right hand corner of this page. A HUGE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! - Carolyn. PS: You can visit this website any time to keep track of my progress!
