Linda Moeller's Team In Training Page
Welcome to Linda's First "Tri" for a Cure
Many of you know that I am an Oncology nurse at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) in Iowa City, Iowa. What many of you might not know is that finding a cure for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma is my passion. There are currently more than 747,000 Americans living with a blood cancer and every nine minutes a life is claimed by one of these diseases. I have personally held the hand of too many as I said good-bye and grieved along with their families. This is why I have joined Team In Training (TNT).
TNT is the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's largest fundraising program. Since 1988 TNT has raised over $800 million through participants such as myself. Our goals are to raise money and complete a long distance event. I have selected the Hy-Vee Triathlon in Des Moines, IA which will be held on Sunday, June 22, 2008. I have pledged to raise $2,500 by May 1, 2008 of which 75% will go directly to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The money that I will raise for research is fulfilling, but the most inspirational part of my training is knowing that this money will continue to help so many such as my Honorerd Teammate Troy Waddell.
Troy and I met during his treatment for a form of leukemia called CLL. Just as the Lance Armstrong logo on Troy's favorite hat "Livestrong" challenges those with cancer to live life to the fullest, Troy embodies it. When I first met Troy as his nurse, he had already successfully battled cancer at the age of 30. By the age of 38, he was again faced with cancer. This time the cancer was leukemia.
Troy was enrolled in a clinical trial at UIHC. He endured more than six months of chemotherapy followed by 12 weeks of monoclonal antibody therapy. Parts of Troy's treatment required daily treatment anywhere from 3-5 days in a row. During his treatment, Troy refused to let cancer beat or define him. Many an evening after treatment, one could find Troy water skiing (a favorite sport) at the Coralville Reservoir. Troy also played a scheduled tennis league match only hours after recieving a bone marrow biopsy and won! So you see, my personal challenge of swimming 1mile, biking 24miles and running 6.2miles is a big challenge for one day of my life, but nothing compared to living with the diagnosis of cancer and challenging myself to live life to the fullest as Troy has done and continues to do.
Today Troy is in complete remission in part from donors just like you. I am asking for your financial support. Your donation is tax-deductable and NO DONATION IS TOO SMALL!
I want to thank you in advance for your generous support. I promise you there is no greater feeling than knowing you are a part of an amazing mission that can successfully help so many. I will be thinking of you as I cross the finish line June 22, 2008!,
All the best,
Linda
