Leukemia survivor glad to have joined this Team

After participating in three consecutive Weekend to End Breast Cancer events, she heard about The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training (TNT) event, last year, and decided that this is where she wanted to now place her efforts.

"Ever since being diagnosed with and surviving leukemia, I had always wanted to do something to help and TNT was right up my alley," says the 30-year NDG resident.

Over the past 20 years, TNT has grown to become an unparalleled sports training program, with more than 380,000 participants, from first-timers to seasoned athletes training with the team to achieve their best at marathons, half marathons, triathlons and 100-mile century bike rides. In the process, they've raised millions for cancer research, education and patient services.

"After the experience of seeing so many other people go through this and not survive, I knew I needed to do something concrete to give back. What I love about TNT is that they take you under their wings and make you feel valuable, as well as provide you with exceptional training and clinics on fitness and nutrition. They really care about you and your progress and really make you want to do it. It's like having a personal trainer and the support of a team all in one," Suzanne enthusiastically explains.

With amazing race destinations all over the world, like Honolulu, Chicago, Dublin, Grand Canyon, it remains up to the participants to choose where they want to go.

When Suzanne joined, she had a choice between Dublin and San Francisco and she chose the latter. With a series of fundraisers and a plethora of friends who were eager to help her raise money, Suzanne not only managed to raise what she needed to go to San Francisco, she actually exceeded it by far, raising close to $10,000 and becoming the sixth highest fundraiser in Canada.

"People should not be afraid of the fundraising element of the challenge," Suzanne tells us. "Once your friends and colleagues find out what you're training for and why, they jump at the opportunity to help you and are very generous."

Montreal participants this year will have the option of training for the Ottawa Marathon on May 24 or the San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon on May 31.

"I don't know if I would have walked this marathon had I not been a survivor," Suzanne reveals. "Having been through the marathon experience now, I am really happy that I did and have enormous respect and gratitude for those that took this on just from the bottom of their hearts. Not only for myself but for all of the patients and families that are affected by Leukemia and Lymphoma. We made a huge difference and I can't wait to do it again. I want to thank TNT for giving me the opportunity."

If interested in finding out more about TNT, the Montreal chapter is holding an Information Meeting on Tuesday, January 27, at 6:30 p.m. at the Residence Inn by Marriott in Westmount (2170 Lincoln), as well as another info session on February 2nd at 6:30 p.m. at their offices at 1255 University, suite 705. TNT is also holding a Kick-Off Party on Tuesday, February 3, at 7 p.m. at Sir Winston Churchill Pub (1455 Crescent Street). For more info, you can also log on to: www.teamintraining.ca.