The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training participants improve health, make friends, all while fighting cancer

For people in the DC area, there are lots of social outlets from which to choose. Few, however, provide the opportunity to improve fitness, make new friends, and help find a cure for cancer. Few except the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training program (TNT).

TNT hosts events year round, including full and half marathons (run or walk), cycling, or triathlons. TNT's National Capital Area Chapter is currently recruiting participants for the upcoming spring season of events which includes the St. Anthony's & Gulf Coast triathlons (swim, bike, and run Half Ironman) in Florida; the Country Music marathon and half marathon in Tennessee; and the Adidas Vancouver International marathon in Canada.

Over 35,000 participants are expected to participate in these events - 200 from the local TNT chapter. The team will consist of people of all age ranges, fitness, and experience levels - the TNT training program provides the coaching and support needed to make sure everyone crosses the finish line.

In exchange, participants work to raise funds for blood cancer research. These four events alone should raise somewhere in the neighborhood of $700,000. The local TNT chapter will raise over $3 million this year. And, seventy-five percent of every dollar spent goes towards cancer research and other programs to advance the Society's mission of curing leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and myeloma. With more than 712,000 Americans suffering from these conditions, the need is critical. Research funded by the Society and TNT has led or contributed to advances such as chemotherapy, bone marrow and stem cell transplantation, and new, targeted oral therapies such as Gleevec(R).

Participants have found that not only do they get a chance to make a difference for cancer patients nationwide, they have the added bonus of becoming involved in a physical fitness program that can help them lose weight and get in shape. And, they have the opportunity to learn about a new sport from some of the area's best coaches.

Many participants have also found the program to be a great social outlet. Lifelong friendships are often forged on DC-area trails.

"I have met some of my very best friends through Team In Training. In a city where it can be hard to meet new people, that's saying something. I also lost 30 pounds while training for TNT events and I have raised over $10,000 for cancer research. I can't think of a better way to spend some of my free time," said Bruce Barishman from Alexandria, VA.

About Team In Training

Since Team In Training began in 1988, more than 265,000, participants have raised nearly $600 million through TNT to help the Society advance its mission: to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. For additional TNT information, call the National Capital Area Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at 703-960-1100; or visit: www.teamintraining.org/nca.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society(R), headquartered in White Plains, NY, with 64 chapters in the United States and additional branches in Canada, is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. The Society's mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, the Society has invested more than $411 million in research specifically targeting leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Last year alone, the Society made more than 812,000 contacts with patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals. For more information about blood cancer, visit www.lls.org or call the Society at (800) 955-4572.