Back in the Saddle

I love how my last post said I would blog daily, and now here I am four months later, finally finding time to provide you with a summer recap. I wasn’t totally neglectful of blogging while in Chicago, as I did post the occasional picture on Tumblr.

So, my summer. Ahhhhh, my sweet, sweet summer. My endless love for Chicago only grew deeper during the 3.5 months I lived and worked there. Technically, I lived in Evanston, a cutesy suburb just north of the city that is the home to Northwestern University, lovely historic houses, an abundant Saturday morning farmer’s market, and the author of The Time Traveler’s Wife. Fortunately, my roommates and I became great friends and I lived a block from the Metra train station and my commute to work was less than thirty minutes each way. Oh, and I met my true love, Chipotle, in Evanston…can’t forget Chipotle. (I love you, veggie burrito bol! Please never leave me.)

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society–Illinois Chapter office is located in the West Loop in downtown Chicago. As I previously stated, my commute was thirty minutes by train, which I didn’t mind at all, because I was able to admire the skyline of my favorite city every morning and think to myself, “I can’t believe I live here. I am THE luckiest girl in the world.” As the only special events intern, I was able to work on three different fundraising campaigns, Man & Woman of the Year, School & Youth programs, and the Leukemia Cup Regatta. My favorite part of my internship (besides the amazing people I worked with), was the ability to reach out and build relationships with participants. Everyone has a story and it’s interesting to hear how they got involved with LLS and what motivates them to fundraise. Working at a non-profit health organization is so rewarding. When you are working with a dynamic team of individuals that are all focused on a mission of saving lives, it makes going to work each morning much more meaningful.

I could go on and on and bore you with details about my summer, but I’ll spare the headache and leave you with pictures. They’re worth a thousand words anyways, right?

Reason #346 to love special events! 80′s night with the roomies!Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup!Everyone loves the bean.The markets in the midwest are incredible.And this is probably why.The family gathered in Rockford, Illinois for the 4th of July.Sangria was my cocktail of choice…all summer long!More fun with the roommates, this time with sushi!The view from Navy PierProud to be here.It’s the new Eyeball sculpture! Creepy…Transformers 3 is filming in Chicago. Pretty cool!Cubs games are always more fun in the bleachers!And with your auntie…And when they WIN!!!Lake MichiganOh, how I miss it…The Leukemia Cup Regatta was a success!The awesome LLS Special Events team!!!Oh yeah, I also ran that marathon with Team in Training in San Diego in June. 26.2 miles cleared and $4,000 raised for LLS! Woop!

The end. I’ll see you soon!

making a difference…

A new video on student initiated activism was debuted on the University of North Alabama’s webpage this week. I’m proud to be a part of it. Check it out…and thanks for your help and support. Without you, I would have never reached surpassed my goal.

National Young Adult Cancer Awareness Week

Hi friends! I can’t believe it is April. This year is already soaring by!

April 5th through April 11th is National Young Adult Cancer Awareness Week. The 70,000 young adults that are diagnosed with cancer in the United States each year face dramatic challenges unique to our age group. While most of us are earning college degrees, creating a successful career path, starting families and beginning our own lives, cancer still affects thousands of young adults each year. It is heartbreaking to think of those striving for their life-long goals while fighting for their life. While many believe that cancer is something that happens to older people, the truth it that cancer is the number one disease killer of 20- to 39-year old Americans. Luckily, there is now a huge movement supporting young adults diagnosed with cancer. Awareness is the key to finding a cure to cancer. The more people uniting to raise money, knowledge, and take action against this disease, the closer we will get to finding a cure. For more information and links about National Young Adult Cancer Awareness Week, click here.

There are grassroots fundraisers all over the country that everyone can join. As you know, I am a participant in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training. You don’t have to be a star athlete to compete in an endurance event to raise money for cancer research. Team in Training provides all the support an amateur athlete needs to be successful in a race and in fundraising. From training plans to team support and encouragement, Team in Training has it all. You can participate in running, biking, swimming, hiking, and other events with Team in Training. I am proud to be a part of such a phenomenal program that is making an enormous difference and bringing hope to cancer patients and survivors all over the country. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society also hosts other fundraisers such as Light the Night Walk and School & Youth programs, which can be found on their website here. For more information on Team in Training or to sign up as a participant, click here. To donate to my Team in Training, click here. I am only a little more than a thousand dollars away from my goal!

The American Cancer Society also hosts events in cities across the United States. Perhaps the most recognizable is the Relay for Life. We have several organizations here in the Shoals that have formed relay teams in raise money for this event. I have joined the Bethesda Cancer Center’s relay team once again this year. Each team unites to raise money for the American Cancer Society and camps out at the Relay for Life to raise cancer awareness. Survivors attend to show their strength and share their stories of hope and inspiration with those in attendance. This year’s Shoals Relay for Life will be held on May 21st at the Muscle Shoals High School football field. To find out more about the American Cancer Society and the Relay for Life, click here. To donate to my Relay for Life team, click here.

The Lance Armstong Foundation is also a huge advocator of the grassroots cancer movement. You can join Team LIVESTRONG to compete in swimming, running, biking, and triathlon events all over the country to raise money and awareness for cancer treatment. Competing in these events in honor of cancer survivors not only enables you to make a difference, but helps you to stay healthy and live a life of prevention. For more information about Team LIVESTRONG, click here. The Lance Armstrong Foundation’s website also provides you with all the tools you need to host your own grassroots fundraiser. Let them know what type of event you would like to host, and they will send you information and the tools to promote your fundraiser. For more information about the LAF, click here.

There are several ways to make a difference and raise cancer awareness. Remember that YOU are a key element to bringing researchers and scientists closer to finding a cure for cancer. Unite and take action for a cancer-free world.