in this issue

They Push the Envelope of Physical
Endurance to Help Others

Leukemia, Lymphoma and Other Blood Related Diseases:
Jen Rocha, Computer lab tech and GED Instructor, Rio Salado, completed a marathon (26.2 miles) on February 18th, 2001. She joined Team In Training for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in September of 2000. Throughout the training, she increased her 3 mile runs into 15 mile runs on the weekend. She raised $1100 and ran in honor of Macennah White, a 4-year old honor patient who's currently undergoing monthly chemo treatments. Jen said of the marathon, "The first 20 miles were great; however, the last 6 seemed to last forever. When I saw the balloons as I crossed the bridge, I knew it was going to be all over in a minute and I pushed the last ounce of energy I had out of me to forge on. I crossed the finish line of the first Valley of the Sun Marathon with a time of 5 hours and 3 minutes."

William McBrayer, Information Processing Technician, South Mountain College Publications, also joined the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's "Team in Training" and will be running in the Mayor's Midnight Sun Marathon (26.2 miles!) in Anchorage, Alaska this coming June 23rd. In addition to his running challenge, he has committed to raising $3930 which will go towards further research, education and financial assistance to those families and individuals battling killer blood-related diseases. This works out to one person donating $150 per marathon mile, or 150 persons donating a buck a mile. He is asking for support from his Maricopa family and friends. He said "I'm counting on you to help. Also, if you have friends or family who are, or have, battled this disease, I would be honored to run for them. Please contact me for further information at (602) 243-8166."

 

William provided the following information: Every week, 2100 people in the United States are diagnosed with Leukemia, and 1100 others die (do the math; in the next 5 minutes, someone will be diagnosed, and 5 minutes after that, someone else will die). Leukemia is the #1 disease killer of children under the age of 15. The research IS working - 25 years ago, only 5% of children diagnosed with Leukemia survived. Today, the survival rate is 81%, and there is also a 93% survival rate for those with Hodgkin's disease. A cure for Leukemia also can mean a cure for all cancers, as Leukemia research is considered to be the window to the treatment and cure for other cancers, as well as AIDS. Your donation is 100% tax-deductible. If you would like to make a donation: checks should be made out to the "Leukemia and Lymphoma Society," and place William McBrayer's name on the memo line. He is also able to accept credit cards if so desired. Please mail your check to William McBrayer, South Mountain Community College, 7050 South 24th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85040.

Diabetes

This is a very personal story about Paul, Jodi and Hannah Langworthy. Paul Langworthy is a Coordinator of Fitness & Wellness, Scottsdale Community College. Diabetes became this family's personal enemy in 1990 when Paul was diagnosed with the disease. Two years later it struck again when his mother was diagnosed. According to Paul, the hardest blow was dealt in 1995 when Paul and Jodi's daughter Hannah was diagnosed at the age of 11 months. At the time of diagnoses, Hannah almost lost her life to diabetes. Now five years later, she is proof that children have miraculous powers to learn and heal. Although Hannah must stick her own finger at least four times per day (to check blood glucose levels) and endures three insulin injections per day, she continues to lead an active full life.

Diabetes has become a public health crisis, afflicting one in 18 Americans. Newsweek Magazine called diabetes an "epidemic." Paul said, "We are fighting for Hannah and for all others that will be diagnosed with this disease. Hannah's and my adjustments to life with diabetes were made easier thanks to the work of the American Diabetes Association (ADA)."

 

Through research and education, the ADA provides people with diabetes better management techniques that improve the quality and quantity of their lives. The ADA spends over $90 million annually in research to prevent and cure diabetes. The ADA also provides a strong Advocacy support program that fights discrimination against people with diabetes.

Two years ago, the Langworthys joined the ADA's TEAM DIABETES. Paul ran his first marathon, and raised over $11,000 for the ADA (Tops in the Western United States Regions). Since then, Paul has taken over as Chairman for the Arizona Team Diabetes and has committed to running his second Team Diabetes Marathon (26.2 miles) in June. Paul said "Jodi and Hannah will serve as support for me as well as the rest of the Team Diabetes members running the marathon. Running 26.2 miles will surely be a challenge, but the real challenge is to gain support for the fight against diabetes from among my colleagues and the Maricopa family. Our goal is to surpass the $11,000 we raised in 1999. Your support emotionally and financially is needed to help us reach 26.2 miles and $11,000. I fully understand that financial contributions are often difficult. I appreciate your thoughts and words of encouragement. I welcome the opportunity to speak to your groups, clubs, businesses and organizations. If you would like to make a donation, you may send a check payable to the ADA to Paul's home: 15845 E. Ruskin Ln., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268