Training Time Again!!

When the doctor tells you you have cancer, it does not seem real. I was shocked and in disbelief, not knowing what to think or how to feel. You look in the mirror. You force yourself to say the words, as if repetition makes it tangible, “...I have cancer.” …None of it makes any sense.

My name is Ryan. I am a cancer survivor! I run for Team In Training.



I was diagnosed in April of 2010. Marginal zone, stage three, Non Hodgkins Lymphoma. Cancer. What I have come to understand is that my cancer was too widespread throughout my body to cut out, and with treatment I could one day hope to reach remission. But I will not be cured. Cancer is something I will have to live with forever. Mine is one that will come back. I will always worry about blood counts. I will always worry about other people being sick around me.

I do not like to dwell on my cancer. Not publicly anyway. Not socially. Cancer is a downer. I try to make people laugh. I like to help people feel empowered. To others it may seem I pretend my cancer does not exist. Good. I try. Maybe I do because others might think their problems are more manageable if they see me doing well. Maybe it's just because I do not like to acknowledge my mortality. ...I don't know why.

If I could do any one thing in this life, I would like to hold people's hands, lift them when they have fallen, encourage them, remind them of the things in this world worth living for. That is the essence of what Team In Training is. For me it is anyway. It champions taking action to end cancer. Team In Training raises money to fund research for cures and supports patients in treatment. More than just cancer though, it is about helping others as it has helped me. Team In Training helped me get through three and a half years of chemo. For that alone, I am forever grateful to TNT. Team In Training became my support group while going through chemo.

As of Sept 26th, my oncologist said I am cancer free! I can get my port taken out! After three and a half years, that is an awesome and humbling thing to hear. During that time, I ran a number of half marathons to raise money for TNT and I am going to run another for all those that need help to fight cancer. And everyone needs help.



I am asking that you please do all you can to support and help the fight against cancer. Any amount is great, every dollar counts.

I thank you with all my heart,

-Ryan