Marcella Hammer's Team In Training Page

Racing to Save Lives

Me and Pa Hammer after the Lake Placid Half Marathon this past June. Boy, was I tired!

Welcome to my Team In Training page!

On January 13, 2008, I will be running in the Walt Disney World Marathon in Orlando, Florida. Perhaps this information will surprise some of you. Maybe you remember the Old Me—the one that ran only when fleeing an enemy or chasing after a cookie.

My perspective on the world around me has changed. I became a runner after my father was diagnosed with lung cancer in the fall of 2005. I continued running throughout his extensive treatment, during the removal of his lung, and even now—during what I still consider his brave and defiant recovery—I find comfort and strength through running.

I'll be honest with you: every race I have run up to this point in time has been for my father.  However, in Walt Disney World, I will be running for a much greater cause. Through Team in Training, I will be fundraising for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Here’s a sobering statistic: an estimated 44,240 new cases of leukemia will be diagnosed in the United States in 2007. And that is just leukemia.

I have committed to raise $3,700 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society because I believe that everything we do as individuals to help find a cure for cancer—be it large or small—is important. We have the power to change the world—all we have to do is act. I am writing to you because I need your help. I need you to act.

Any donation you can make toward this cause will be used to fight leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers. It will help to improve the quality of life for those who suffer from these cancers and to hopefully cure this disease once and for all.

If you are not sure how much to give, please consider:

$26.20  One dollar for every mile of the race.
$50.00  Did I mention it’s 26.2 miles? That is really, really far!
$100.00  It’s tax deductible!
$200.00  I’ll say hello to The Little Mermaid for you!
$500.00  I’ll bring you home some Mickey Mouse ears!

Any amount you can give will be greatly appreciated.  I am hoping to reach my goal by October 15, so please don’t delay!

If you have any questions about cancer research or the marathon, advice, words of encouragement, or just want to say hello, please contact me at marcella.hammer@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you and again, with much love, I thank you for your support.

With sincere thanks and best wishes,

Marcella Hammer