Monday, December 31, 2012

Closing Out 2012

I don't know what it is but time really does fly by...I feel like 2012 just started and then I blinked and it was over!  I didn't blog nearly as much in 2012 which I somewhat regret but the blog is mainly for our events and our last Team in Training event was in May.  Will and I are both hoping to do another triathlon with TNT in 2013, so watch for the Bacons to return with a new event and new goal, but now I'm getting ahead of myself : )

Back to the present...for the past 6 years I have personally designed our christmas card and as I started out the design for 2012...the word dozen popped in my head.  So my mission was to find a dozen moments in 2012 that were significant to our family.  I have to say there were many chuckles and tears as I looked through a year of photos and picking them proved harder than I thought.

In the end...you see the finished product and each of these photos brings back wonderful memories.


What didn't make it on the card was a mention of me finishing the Dallas Marathon on December 9...and that wasn't really my intention but I kept this race a bit more quiet than the past mainly because I wasn't fundraising and it was more of a personal goal/race.  Plus the kids visiting Santa kind of trumps race day : )

I trained with Luke's Locker and was fortunate to meet some really great people through their program and ultimately I believe I became a stronger runner.  My race goal was lofty...and unfortunately I didn't meet it probably for a variety of reasons...but there will always be other races.  I did shave 2 minutes off my previous marathon so that is a positive.

In the end...I am reminded of why I started running and that was to make a difference...in my life but more so in the lives of others.  And I believe if I can keep that my #1 priority in running than I'll always be proud that I make it to the start line AND cross the finish line!


Here's to finishing 2012 - happy, healthy and ready to take on 2013!


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Thursday, September 20, 2012

New Marathon...New Mission



Occasionally things happen in your life or in this case a friend's life and you ask "Why?"...the moment might last a while or it may be fleeting.  In my case it made me ask "What can I do to help?" and this is why you are receiving this email so please take a moment to read.

I've been a long-standing supporter and fundraiser for Team in Training (Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) and that will not change as it is the heart and soul of why and how I've become a runner.  But for the time being...my mission is new and it is to help a friend and show my support.  

My friend is Jessica (some of you know her) and her 9 year old son, Grant, was recently diagnosed with Epilepsy.  Almost every day since the 2nd day of school Grant experiences what they call Complex Partial seizures.  They last less than 2 minutes each but that is 2 minutes with each seizure that is taken away from him.  And he can have multiple ones in the same day.  My heart hurts for Jessica as she is adjusting...and how this affects not only Grant but their family.  Her constant worry when she isn't with him made me want to do something...to tell her she isn't alone. She has said in several different ways..."I know there are worse things happening to kids (like cancer) so I shouldn't feel so bad but it isn't fair and we don't know what causes the seizures."   I couldn't agree more with her and I'd feel the same if it was my child.  It isn't fair...because the thing Grant loves most is swimming.  And he is an awesome swimmer and on swim team!

Grant seems to be taking most of this in stride. Except that he can't play sports, or swim, or even go to recess until his seizures are under control. He's not allowed to ever be alone at school. Or anywhere really. None of that is ok for a 9 year old boy. 

So...what are we doing? You guessed it...we are running!  We've signed up to run the Houston Marathon (Jan 13) in honor of Grant and his recent diagnosis of Epilepsy - we are calling ourselves Grant's Gang.  We will be fundraising for the Epilepsy Foundation.  And here's the kicker...it is 34 days after we run the Dallas Marathon (Dec 9).   

Most people don't know a lot about Epilepsy...here is a eye-opening fact: "While medications and other treatments help many people of all ages who live with epilepsy, more than a million people continue to have seizures that can severely limit their school achievements, employment prospects and participation in all of life's experiences. It strikes most often among the very young and the very old, although anyone can develop epilepsy at any age. In the U.S., it affects more than 300,000 children under the age of 15--more than 90,000 of whom have seizures that cannot be adequately treated."

Please help Grant's Gang reach our goal of $2000 by making a tax-deductible donation on our website. If you are a mutual friend...no worries...we are fundraising on one website so your donation is helping both of us!  Any amount will help and is greatly appreciated and if your company matches please take the steps to get your donation matched.  

‘A mile for a moment. Not another moment lost to seizures.’


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Wednesday, September 19, 2012

One Year of Treatment Down

Gray's first day of kinder!
Today, September 19, marks the end of one year and the beginning of another for Grayson and his family.  I am beyond blessed to know this family!

Kalee wrote a beautiful post on FB today and it is also shared on Gray's blog.  Please take a moment to read it and look at the last year of their life in photos.  It really puts it into perspective what it is like to have a child diagnosed with leukemia.

My prayer for Gray....May God bless Gray with continued strength and good health and allow him to be the child he is meant to be each and every day!

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Friday, June 1, 2012

Captex Olympic Triathlon...Race Day



We did it...yes we really did it!  Will and I along with our entire North Texas TNT Team completed Captex Olympic Triathlon.  In the words of The Fresh Beat Band (it's a kid band)..."We had a great day!  The very best day! And nothing else could be better!"
The girls!


Actually the entire weekend was great so I'll try to share most of it with you in pictures because what I've learned through the last several events is I don't always remember much of the event day...simply because of the excitement & exhaustion or maybe it is just supposed to be that way so we keep signing up for more!

The weekend started off on Saturday as we drove down to Austin to spend some time with some of my dearest college friends - Wendy and Beverley.  Wendy was so gracious and hosted us at her home and and all the kids were able to swim.  It started the weekend off relaxed which is exactly what I needed because my nerves were kicking.

Sunday we met up with Georgia and her family to have brunch.  It was a beautiful morning and another way to help set the tone for the weekend.  I remember Will saying while taking this photo, "Tomorrow let me remember how happy I am right now!" On Tuesday, the day following our event, Georgia celebrated one month OFF TREATMENT!  We could not be more proud to be a part of Georgia's journey!

The Moore & Bacon Family
Sunday afternoon was spent picking up our race packets, waking through the transition area to see how race day would unfold, checking our bikes in and later that evening the TNT Inspiration Dinner.  Five TNT chapters were represented at Captex and in total raised $224,000...GO TEAM!

Well that leaves us with Monday...event day!  The morning started off at 4:00am, but Will's wave didn't start till 7:50am and mine 8:18am so there was alot of waiting around with the TEAM.  I was one of the last to go and my nerves were in overdrive.  I was the only one from our team in my wave.  Karen who I did alot of my training with was in the wave before me.  Tears flowed about 8:05 as Coach Kelly said I needed to get on deck for the swim...she hugged me, reassured me that I was prepared and most important told me that I was doing this for all the right reasons.  The swim went better than expected...I felt good and swam the entire 1500 meters only flipping over once on my back to get a breather.  As I came out of the swim my family was there cheering which was awesome...then off I went to transition to get on the bike.  The bike was 4 loops of about 6.5 miles.  Again, my family was on the bike course and so was Beverley & her son Cooper as well as tons of TNT fans.  The bike also went pretty good and I knew I had kept my average speed around 15mph which was what I trained at.  Finally came the run...I purposely saved up some energy because I knew it would be HOT and it was!  Again, my family was there cheering and so was Coach Kelly & Nate (our TNT campaign manager).  The run was two loops of 3.1 miles.  The BEST part was that Allie and the kids jumped in around the final mile and ran about 50 yards with me and my Mom took the photo on left...probably my favorite of the day!  The photo on right is my 90 year old Grandma...who ROCKED it all day on the course cheering!   

AWESOME!
My 90 year old Grandma!

Thank you Coach Kelly!
After a shower and lunch with the TEAM and a brief nap Will's parents drove up and had dinner with us and my family. 

Finally, the weekend came to a close and we returned back to Dallas.  The triathlon Triple Crown-ed me with Team in Training...something I have always wanted to do.  That means I have fundraised and completed a marathon, century and triathlon with TNT.  It took me 12 years but I did it!  And I did it with Allie, my #1 honored hero by my side at each event.  


But our fight NEVER stops!  Upon returning home I saw both of these photos.  The one on the left is Grayson...receiving the final dose of one of the six chemos he has had to take during his Delayed Intensification.  After DI he has 3 years of maintenance treatments.  The photo on the right is Alanna, the niece of friend, who found out in the final months of her senior year that she had Lymphoma...so through prom and graduation she has been enduring chemo.  This photo was taken as they access her port to give her what we hope is her final dose of chemo!  

This is what the fight looks like when battling blood cancers and until we have 100% remission rates or a cure...Will and I will keep fundraising and keep training!  Your support and donations mean so much to us and our honored heroes...we ALL thank you from the bottom of our hearts!  



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Monday, May 21, 2012

Race Week

Last TEAM practice...ready to RACE!
This time next Monday, May 28 we will be getting ready to walk over to the transition area and get ready for CAPTEX OLYMPIC TRIATHLON.  I can't believe it is already here.  Like all good race weeks...they are crazy busy...with all types of aches, pains, sleeplessness and just plain mind games.

Saturday was our last TEAM practice and we did 3 repeat bricks of swim, bike, run.  It wasn't our hardest training nor the longest but I was totally wiped when I got home and I only did the swim once. I sat the other two out because I'm still a bit concerned about the bronchitis I had two weeks ago.

I think my body is ready for some rest this week and I'm going to let it win over my craziness to push too hard.  Even Sunday my 8-miler with friends turned into 5 miles and then coffee : )

Sunday afternoon we celebrated my Grandma's 90th birthday!  What a joyous occasion and one that I will definitely remember for years to come and I think my children will too.  We are blessed beyond words for her good health and energetic spirit.  I can only hope that I'm still moving like that when I'm 90.   My grandma along with my Mom, Allie and the kids will be joining us in Austin this weekend.

Celebrating 90 years young!  We love you!
Please send prayers for safe travels and lots of good swim, bike and run vibes our way this weekend!

And finally....to everyone who stays up-to-date on this blog and who has donated to us for a past event or for this Tri event...THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts!  We could not have done this without you!  You not only helped give us that extra push every time we saw a new donation but you gave hope to all those fighting cancer...with the money donated you have helped further new treatments and better patient services.  Together we raised $3,896.00 for this event and our entire Triathlon team raised over $40,000!




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Wednesday, May 16, 2012

STRONGER than CANCER

STRONGER THAN CANCER... it has been Grayson's team motto since day one of his diagnosis and I am a proud supporter...wearing it during my Team in Training Rock & Roll Half Marathon event as well as during several of my tri training sessions. I am also a big fan of the song "Stronger" and its on my iPod to listen to while I run. Yes, I enjoy some good 'ole Kelly Clarkson tunes!

But this week those words took on some new meaning and some of you might know what I'm referring to, but if not I wanted to share it with you.  Georgia's mom, also posted it on their blog as its been buzzing all over the internet.

What I'm talking about is a video to the song "Stronger" by Kelly Clarkson that was filmed by Chris Rumble, a 21 year old cancer patient at Seattle Children's Hospital. Since he was diagnosed at the age of 21 he spent 35 days in the children's ward as he was on the border between adolescent and adult care.  You can read more about Chris and the video here.

Watch the inspiring video


Kelly was so moved by the video that she sent her own message back to the children!


One last video...behind the scenes



And just like Grayson...all these children are...STRONGER THAN CANCER!

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Monday, May 14, 2012

Ready to Rally


Summer TRI Team Ready to Rally!
Saturday, May 5 our tri team participated in the Head for the Hills Bike Rally.  It was a 40 mile route which ended up being anywhere from 40-48 miles depending on which direction one of the police took you
; )  but all in all everyone made it to the finish line and had tons of fun!!  We even got to ride about 15 miles in pouring down rain.  And I'm not being sarcastic...it really was a good time for all!

Speaking of rally-ing...our event is 12 days away...can you believe it?  12 days away!  This weekend is our final training and team party!

And finally I wanted to pass on this awesome tidbit...from the start of spring season to now (so that includes my Rock & Roll half marathon event that was in March) and Will and I's fundraising for this event...we have raised a whopping $4,871.24!  

And it is all THANKS TO YOU...our friends and family who have supported us every mile of the way!  Take a moment and pat yourself on the back because you have made a difference...you have helped impact someone's life for the better through better treatments and patient services.  GO TEAM! 
The girls at Rest Stop #2


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Wednesday, May 9, 2012

TRI again!


Sunday, April 29 Will and I completed the Tri for Humanity Sprint Triathlon with two of our other teammates - Nate and Stacey. It was a great morning and a fun event. Since the weather cooperated (unlike two weeks prior) we completed the full distance (400 meter swim, 12 mile bike and 3.1 mile run).  I was pretty happy with my time and this sprint definitely put me more at ease for our Austin Captex Olympic Event which is in 18 days. 

But 18 days left still means 17 more days of training...and the following weekend was packed full of training.

Saturday, May 5, was a big day for two reasons.  1) It was Georgia's NO MO CHEMO party in Austin which we were sad to miss....but 2) we had our longest training session to date that we couldn't miss - 1000 meter swim, 25 mile bike and 4 mile run.  I wasn't feeling very well that morning, but I was determined to battle through it because that is exactly what our honored heroes do!  And Will broke his toe coming out of the swim...he hit it on rock.  The run ended up being pretty toasty...so the TEAM officially bonded with a dip in the lake afterwards...we had a great morning! 


Will's broken toe -- OUCH!
Cooling off after the run - GO TEAM!


Our make-shift transition area during training. We swim from the boat ramp across  and back.
The weekend was complete with a 8 mile run on Sunday with two awesome friends, Jessica & Kalee.  And finally the Fresh Beat Band concert with my daughter, Amy & Lillie.  Not sure who was rocking out more...Amy and I or the girls...ha!



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Monday, April 23, 2012

7 day countdown!

Happy Monday! I couldn't be more excited than to share this post with you...Georgia, our honored hero, is 7 days away from NO MORE CHEMO!  Yes, you heard that right...1 week...the 7 day countdown is here.  Her mom, Courtney, has been adding one post each day for the last 30 days of treatment and you really should check them out.

We were touched beyond words that Saturday's post was titled - Relentless for a Cure! - and shared how we became part of Georgia's journey.  The honor has been ours and we cannot wait to see Georgia and her family in May to help celebrate such a joyous time for their entire family. I know that Georgia's 2.5 year endurance event is more than anything Will and I have endured in our training and events.  She has been a brave, beautiful cancer warrior and I hope that she knows how much of an inspiration she has been to us and many others.

Courtney selected her words just right because Team in Training is RELENTLESS from the start. TNT participants are FOCUSED on raising money and training for an endurance event while being INSPIRED by honored heroes who are battling cancer.  TNT participants have an incredible opportunity to make a DIFFERENCE in the lives of cancer patients and their families. I would encourage everyone I know to consider becoming a part of the BEST. TEAM. EVER.  You won't regret it!





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Thursday, April 19, 2012

Tamales for TEAM!

Cassie...one of our Triathlon teammates is selling TAMALES to help with her fundraising!!

The tamales come in a 6-pack and can be purchased in a several flavors: beef, chicken, pork, habanero pork, jalapeno cheese, spinach and cheese, pinto and cheese, black bean and cheese, pumpkin, apple or sweet potato. The tamales are made by her Aunt and Uncle who own Padrino Foods.

A 6-pack of the same flavor is $8.00. If you purchase 3 - 6 packs it is $20.00 (each six pack can be a different flavor)!

If you live in the area and would like to order some Tamales please email me with your order no later than Sunday, April 22. I will place the order with Cassie and have the tamales on May 5 and arrange with you a time to pick them up. If you live a bit farther and are willing to come to Frisco to pick up your order I can do that too but unfortunately I cannot deliver. You will make payment directly on her fundraising site which will also be a tax-deductible donation : )

You may also contact Cassie directly at
anartisticeye@gmail.com if you live farther away or have a large order.


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Tuesday, April 17, 2012

First TRI & Being 18


We are more than half way done with our Tri training and things have intensified to say the least. This past Sunday we completed our first official Tri event - King Tut Sprint Triathlon.

For those unfamiliar with Triathlon distances:
Sprint: 750 meter (.47 mile) swim, 12 mile bike and 3.1 mile run (the swim can actually range from 400-750 for some sprint events)
Olympic: 1500 meters (.93 mile) swim, 25 mile bike and 6.2 mile run
Half Ironman: 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run
Ironman: 2.4 mile swim, 110 mile bike, 26.2 mile run




Unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate with us and our event was shortened due to the rainstorm. So instead of the above sprint distance we did 300 meter swim, 6 mile bike and 2 mile run. Our team crossed the finish line right and about 15 minutes later the downpour came. It was still an awesome experience and it makes me even more excited for our Olympic event in Austin. Granted swimming 1500 meters in open water still concerns me a bit but I'll get there. At least I have no fear of the lake zombies anymore : )

The photos above are before the start ready to swim and Sharee, Karen and I at the end of the race. A quick note as you might have noticed Will not in his wetsuit...he was hit with a virus late last week and unable to eat for 2 days. It wasn't wise for him to compete like that, so he cheered on the sidelines with Coach Kelly. But don't you worry we are going to do another Sprint event in two weeks together!

Changing subject.

Most of the folks reading this blog are probably 30+ I'd have to guess. So I have a question...do you remember being 18? I do! I remember being so excited to BEGIN. MY. LIFE. Not the life that someone else intended me to have but MY. LIFE. And I have to say that the years between 18-25 really defined me as a person. That doesn't mean I didn't make mistakes but that was my time to enjoy being young and carefree with fewer responsibilities than those you have later in life. Granted you usually don't see this until you are older : )

Allie turned 18 about two weeks ago. We celebrated by having dinner and opening presents...the traditional birthday celebration, but we were all together as a family and that was special. I really enjoy being with her and Andrew (her younger brother) mainly because they are such awesome kids with good hearts but also it continues to show me what is in store for me as a mother as my kids get older. And all things I have to look forward too. This past week she had her annual visit with her pediatric oncologist. She still goes once a year to see him and thankfully she continue to get an AWESOME bill of good health! God is good. Life is good.

Another 18 year old teen whose Aunt (Tammy) I am friend's with...has a bit of a different story today and I ask for your help in sending prayers her way. Alanna was recently diagnosed with Lymphoma and TODAY marks her first chemo treatment.

My final thought on "18"...a fellow Tri teammate Robert was also on the same Tahoe cycle team with me back in 2000. Furthermore he ran his marathon with TNT in 2010 (same as me but a different race) and therefore we will Triple Crown together after our Tri event in Austin! I don't know what to say about that except sometimes parts of your life come full circle. On Allie's birthday I donated $18 to him in her honor. In his thank you note, he shared something new with me...the number 18 means "chai" or life in the Jewish religion. It almost took my breath away when I read that because that $18 donation was exactly a celebration of life!

So if you ask why I do this...why I continue to ask you for donations, sign up for more events, wake up at 4:45 several mornings a week...its because no child should know what it feels like to get chemo AND every child should have a life filled with many many celebrations!

"The more your praise and celebrate your life...
the more there is in life to celebrate!"



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Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Kicking Booty

Our Tri coach told us Saturday that this will be our hardest month of training...we will hit some two-a-days trainings (which I've already done) as well as some aches, pains and simply exhaustion. But NONE of that compares to what a child (or adult) endures going through treatment.

The photo above is one of my honored hero, Grayson...with a face that says "I'm kicking cancer in the booty!" It is photos like this that make me smile from ear-to-ear yet can bring tears streaming down my face.

Grayson is entering his roughest phase of treatment this month too...it is called Delayed Intensification. It is a 60 day treatment cycle and anytime there is a drop in counts, he will be delayed on getting his chemo. Kalee, his mom, is guessing there will be lots of those delays since he’ll be getting 6 different types of chemo on a rotating schedule. He’s had all but 1 of those thus far and unfortunately has experienced leg pain, muscle weakness, extreme nausea/vomiting and just flat out misery. But even Kalee knows there is a light at the end...that being after this is done things should smooth out and he'll be on maintenance which is 3 years of at home chemo. I pray daily that this phase goes by fast for Gray and he'll be nearing the end with a blink of the eye like our other honored hero Georgia who is less than 25 days out from her VERY LAST CHEMO treatment! We are so excited for her and hope to see her while in Austin for our event.

Do you want to help Grayson kick cancer in the booty? Well you can do that and help us reach our goal...we still have $500 to raise. Click the donate widget to the right and make a donation today!



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Wednesday, March 28, 2012

TNT + GFORCE = LOVE

I wish I could put into words how I feel about Sunday's event but for the first time in a long time I'm struggling to get the words on the page. I've included a video that I think will get it across much better than I can express.

As most of you know Sunday's event - Dallas Rock and Roll Half Marathon - was not my first TNT event nor my first half marathon. Signing up for spring season was sparked by 3 things - 1) Jessica, who I met in Sept '09 on winter team & became fast friends with, was named the Spring run coach and 2) Grayson...my daughter's kinder friend was diagnosed with leukemia last fall and I wanted to train and fundraise in his honor and 3) Amy, a fellow teacher and close friend whose daughter is also in kinder with Abi and Gray wanted to join TNT and complete her first half marathon!


Any TNT event I do is meaningful because it is preceded by five months of training with a TEAM of incredible individuals...people who you get to know and share smiles, laughs and even tears with. Grayson was named a TEAM honored hero and so was Noah. Shortly after meeting Kalee, Gray's mom, she told me that her and her husband (Lance) along with some of their friends were going to train and run the half and call themselves GForce / Team Grayson - Stronger than Cancer. Kalee was able to come out several times and train with the team so there was a huge connection between GForce and TNT. I am blessed to now call Kalee my friend and knowing her will forever have an impact on my life. As you can see in the photo above several of us put GForce logos on our TNT purple jerseys for race day : )

Watch the video here!

The link above should take you to youtube...the one below is embedded but doesn't work for everyone.


I can't forget to mention that with all your support & donations I raised $925.24 for this event, but Will and I are still working on our fundraising for summer TEAM. We have $800 more to go with two months of training left...so it doesn't stop for us! We are here with new seasons and new events until we find a CURE! Every dollar donated helps fund crucial research for better treatments and ensures better patient services.

In closing, I want to express my deepest sympathies once again to the Reding and Kiser family. Noah, our team honored hero, lost his battle on Friday, March 16...nine days before our event. Pam, his aunt, is a friend and teammate. She with her two daughters (Ryann & Kendall) ran the event in Noah's memory and his parents came to support them. The entire North Texas Team was given purple bracelets at the Inspiration dinner to wear during the event to honor Noah, his family and his battle.

I am once again proud to be a part of the BEST. TEAM. EVER which now includes Team Grayson & Team Noah!


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Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Princesses & Sunday's Event



Have you been wondering about an update on our new honored hero Nory? Well I am pleased to say that her Mom started a blog...it is called Princesses Get Cancer Too.

I know it seems strange that I would be excited that Jennifer (her mom) started a blog due to her diagnosis but when these children are diagnosed and we get to know them they become part of us (and our team) and I like to stay as up-to-date as I can.

When I have a not-so-good training day or just don't feel like getting out of bed at 4:30am to go spin or run...I think about what these children have to endure during their 3+ years of treatment. All the pokes, hospital stays, upset tummies and so much more...and all they want to do is go to school or be outside with their friends. Furthermore, I think about the sleepless nights their parents (our friends) have wondering what tomorrow will bring and praying that their child regains a life full of good health and happiness.

But what makes me smile most are photos like the one of Nory above...photos of our honored heroes being just like any other child...smiling, giggling and having a good time at home!
Sunday brings our spring TNT season event...Dallas Rock & Roll HALF. Race week always brings some new ache or pain and mine right now is my right calf so we shall see how it feels this weekend. But what I know is that I will finish the event with a smile on my face and joy in my heart...calf pain or not...because it is for Team in Training.

There will be a sea of purple jerseys from around Texas and surrounding states who have all fundraised for LLS/TNT. There will also be a group of GFORCE runners supporting Grayson and his family...Kalee & Lance (Grayson's parents) will be among those running in his honor and if all goes well Grayson will be at the finish line cheering them in! Sunday isn't even here and I have tears in my eyes just thinking about it. These events mean so much to the participants and our honored heroes and their families.

I can't wait to see all my teammates and GForce runners cross the finish line! GO TEAM!



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Sunday, March 18, 2012

In Memory of Noah

Some moments in life have few words...it is with a very heavy heart that I write our team honored hero, Noah Kiser, was given angel wings on Friday, March 16, at the age of 11. He is the nephew of friend and teammate, Pam Reding.

Please pray for the Kiser and Reding family. May God carry them through this difficult time and provide strength and comfort.


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Thursday, March 8, 2012

Are you Up-to-Date?

Time for an update on training and most important our honored heroes.

Dallas Rock & Roll Half marathon is only 16 days away and I'm ready. Since I'm also signed up for the triathlon I haven't gotten to train as much with the Spring team but I have been able to run several times with Kalee (Grayson's Mom) and that was a treat for me! As for Captex Tri Training...that is in full swing...overnight my training went from 3 days a week to 5 days and some days are twice a day workouts. Basically Will and I are training for each sport twice a week - so 2 days of swimming, 2 days of cycling and 2 days of running. For me, personally, that means several mornings start at 4:30am and I'm off to the gym for a 5:00am spin class or run on the treadmill. My Mom watches the kids one night during the week so we can go swim and then on the weekend we take the kids with us and all swim. This is on top of Beau's baseball practice each Tuesday and Abi's dance each Thursday. It is safe to say that life is busy...very busy. But it is a GOOD busy and one that I am thankful for each and every day. We are blessed with a two healthy children, a strong marriage, good jobs and very supportive family and friends. I'd say Life is Good (and it is) but I'm also reminded each day of the struggles that some of our dear friends deal with on a daily basis and that is their children battling cancer.

Grayson - Grayson has been battling the treatments fairly well. He is one brave little guy and his smiles light up a room. Currently, his counts dropped very low and he was admitted this week to receive some IV antibiotics and pain medications. The treatments have been stronger and they have caused some sores throughout his intestinal tract and lining and the doctors need to get them under control. Kalee wrote a touching blog post last Friday and I urge each of you to read it. It really puts life into perspective.

Georgia - Georgia is "marching" forward in March. March 5 marked two months until her big party -- yes her END OF TREATMENT party! Courtney, her mom, said the school year is flying by and Georgia is doing awesome. An interesting note about Georgia is that two years ago she met Will Ferrell (the actor) and she gave him one of her orange bracelets which he was seen wearing several times afterwards. He was interviewed on Kidd Kraddick in the Morning on March 7 and he was STILL wearing the bracelet. Check out the video on Georgia's blog.

Noah - Noah is the 11 year old I posted about last. Pam, his aunt, is a teammate and friend. She has been involved with TNT for several years but it really hit home last June when Noah was diagnosed with leukemia. I continue to ask for prayers for Noah and his family. This week the doctors told Noah's parents that they didn't think Noah's infection would clear up. He has been sedated and on a breathing tube for the past week. They have one last experimental drug to try for the respiratory failure. Please pray for Noah and his family at this very difficult time.

Nory - I posted about Nory in February. She was released from the hospital on March 3 and able to go home. They ask for prayers as they get into their "new normal" with all the medications as they prepare for the bone marrow transplant later this year.

As always THANK YOU for your continued support. Will and I are grateful and blessed for the life we have each day. We will continue to train and raise money for much needed research to improve cancer treatments and hopefully one day find a cure. We have raised 65% of our goal. If you haven't donated yet please consider donating in honor of one of these children above. Your donation not only gives Will and I a boost in our training and fundraising but it helps lives all over battling cancer.




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Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Help Cover Noah's Walls


Our Team in Training Spring Run/Walk 11 year-old Honored Hero Noah Kiser (nephew of Pam who is on the team too, pictured above) needs our help! Noah was diagnosed with ALL June 2011 and has been in and out of the hospital since due to both regular treatment and complications. He is back in the hospital with a serious infection in his lungs and sinuses. A biopsy has been done to determine the nature of the infection but the family will not get results for a few days. Noah is sleeping most of the day but when he wakes he is, of course, confused and unhappy.

Pam would like his walls to be covered with “Get Well” and “Thinking of you” cards to help ease some of this pain when he wakes and let him know that he has an entire TEAM by his side.

It's super easy to send a card. Just click on the link below. Noah is in room 237. The hospital will print the cards and deliver them to Noah's room! You can read more about Noah on his caringbridge site.

NOTE: The link to send a card was removed. They were overwhelmed (a good thing)!






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Monday, February 27, 2012

Prayers for Nory


Meet Nory Mae...I first heard about Nory on February 15 from a friend, Berkley. Berkley mentioned Nory at dinner as she is friends with the parents (they are from the area) and that the doctors couldn't determine what was wrong with her...she is only 2 years old.


The next morning Berkley posted on Facebook that Nory was diagnosed with CML (Chronic myelogenous leukemia). A type of leukemia that is normally seen in older adult males. My heart went out to her family and I just couldn't believe that another child was going to have to battle cancer. The good news was that CML is treatable long term (in most cases you can live with it) as in your take chemo at certain times the rest of your life. Seems strange you can live with cancer but the more I find out about blood cancers the more I see this.


However, 2 days later Nory's parents received more news...and news they weren't hoping for. The oncologists believe that she has an underlying issue called MDS that caused the CML. But with this condition the leukemia will eventually become AML (Acute myelogenous leukemia) and the best cure for many patients with AML is a bone marrow transplant...so the search for a bone marrow match began.


I immediately reached out to the family to help and Nory's parents asked (if needed) would I help with a bone marrow drive. Our Triathlon mentor, Bill, jumped on board too. He is a survivor himself and has CLL (Chronic lymphocytic leukemia) and contacted the necessary parties to get things moving.


BUT...it just so happens that one of Nory's brother's is a MATCH! This is incredible news and a true gift from God. The study I read states there is about a 35% chance that siblings are a match.


As of today, that is all I know. I follow her story and all the updates on their FB page. Bill (our mentor) and I hope that we will meet them soon and have included Nory in our honored heros. Bill has dedicated his training this season to Nory!


I know (like most of you) that no parent EVER wants to hear the words "Your child has cancer" but I believe that something good comes can come from this and that is the friends, family and even strangers that surround that family when they are most in need. I believe that is God...holding that child and family as close to him as possible and showing them the vast network of individuals that will help them get through this journey.


So what am I asking?

  • First and foremost I'm asking that you add Nory Mae and her family to your prayer list.
  • Second consider becoming a donor for Be the Match.
  • Third if you are able please make a small donation to our fundraising efforts in honor of Nory and her journey to becoming cancer-free.
If you'd like more information on blood cancers and current statistics please download Facts 2012 published by The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.


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Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Scent-sational Fundraiser

A brief update on our training and fundraising. We had our first team swim this past weekend and it went very well. Will and I have not swam as a "sport" before so this was a new experience for both of us. Overall I think we did well...and look forward to adding swimming to our training. This weekend we will be back on our bikes for a team ride and looking forward to it. For me personally, training for 3 sports is time consuming...my training days have gone from 3 to 5 overnight and most days start at 5:00am...therefore, my head hits the pillow soon after the kids are in bed. No more late nights for us

In regards to fundraising we have raised $1939.73! I can't thank our family and friends enough for their support...but we still have $1800 to go so I''ve taken on a new opportunity that will help us reach our goal...with a LITTLE HELP FROM YOU...

I have become a Scentsy Consultant. I'm sure many of you have heard of Scentsy but if not - Scentsy is a safe, wickless alternative to scented candles. The top-of-the-line scented wax is heated by a light bulb instead of a traditional wick...in a decorative warmer. There are also several other products that will add warmth to your home and everyday life. Many of you know how sensitive I am to smells (candles, sprays, perfumes) and the reason I became a consultant is because Scentsy is one of the only scented products that I can have in our home. You can see my 4 favorite products in the photo.

I am have OPEN PARTY online where you can browse & BUY. It is called Team Bacon - Team in Training. All products are 10% off during the month of February.

ALL PROFITS from my first online party will go directly into Team Bacon's fundraising account . Think about what's ahead...so buy now and save...teacher gifts, mother's day gifts, etc. Remember you are helping a great cause while also getting an awesome product so please take a few moments and browse the site...I promise you will find something you can't live without.


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Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Our Honored Heros NEED YOUR HELP!



You might have heard in the news recently there is currently a crisis-level shortage of one of the most important medicines required for every Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia protocol: Methotrexate (MTX). Every patient with ALL has this drug in their protocol and even with its ugly side effects it is needed to save lives.

The photo above is a picture of MTX that Grayson is receiving each week.

Please visit the following blogs of our honored heros and take action now! The petitions and letters to your local senators and representatives take a few minutes out of your day but could GIVE A CHILD THEIR LIFETIME!

Just today, Wednesday February 15 Grayson was called in a day early to receive his high dose Methotrexate due to the shortage. Luckily he made counts and is able to receive it and the hospital is aware of the situation and how frightened patients and parents are becoming.

Georgia's Blog - links to CureSearch & St. Baldricks where you simply sign in to send the letters. The blog also has news reports and articles on how serious this is. Georgia's mom, Courtney is very knowledgeable and has done research and is open to answering any questions so please visit the blog.

Grayson's Blog - links to the petition and a personal message from Grayson's mom, Kalee. You can also see some pictures of what is it like for children with leukemia to go through treatments.

LLS Advocacy Community - Take action against drug shortages

Again, please take a moment out of your day to help children like Georgia and Grayson! Your help is greatly appreciated...and please spread the word!


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Tuesday, February 14, 2012

GForce Running Shirts



We are offering GForce running/technical shirts that will support Will and I's triathlon fundraising as well as Grayson's family...so you are helping both of us!

You may order these "super-power" running shirts through February 23. We have four styles all offered in white with green print for $30 each.

If you need help with sizing please email and we can send you the spec sheets.




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Friday, February 3, 2012

World Cancer Day

Saturday, February 4, 2012 is World Cancer Day. It is the occasion to unite the world in the fight against the disease through raising awareness, educating the public, and lobbying for change. It is only by every person, organization, and government, individually doing their part, that the world will be able to reduce the global cancer burden.

In regards to childhood cancer research I urge you to read a letter written by the Executive Director of St. Baldrick's that Georgia's mom posted on her blog. The letter speaks of how little childhood cancer is funded...to be exact it receives only 4% of the federal cancer research funding. The letter goes on to say that the 4% is subject to being cut again which means that those parents whose children are fighting for their young lives will now have even less resources and less funding going towards a cure.

NOW would be a good time to MAKE A CHANGE...so I ask you to do make a decision and do something on WORLD CANCER DAY that benefits those fighting this dreadful disease we call cancer. Obviously donations to a reputable cancer non-profit or research group make a huge difference but if you've already donated and want to do something different...please consider some other options below:

1. Make a donation to our fundraising efforts for the Captex Triathlon
2. Join Team in Training and see for yourself what its all about
3. Consider shaving your head for St. Baldricks
4. Volunteer your time by writing letters with Chemo Angels
5. Donate beads to Bead of Courage
6. Sign up to be a bone marrow donor at Be the Match

Whatever you do...please do something because YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!



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