The day my life was changed.

Today, it marks the day that my life and world was completely turned upside down. August 18, 2010, 3 years ago, marks the day my dad was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins T-Cell Lymphoma. It is a day that I will never forget-- a day forever ingrained in my heart and my mind. I clearly remember sitting at the dinner table with my mom and having her tell me that my dad had been diagnosed with lymphoma. For close to 2 weeks my dad had been in the hospital for a cough that wouldn’t go away, in the hospital for what they thought was pneumonia and after multiple tests and consults from a Nephrologist, Pulmonologist, Infectious Disease, Rheumatology, and finally Oncology- the mystery had been solved. The cough and difficulty breathing was caused by the Lymphoma in his lungs as well as his spleen and abdomen. Oh, how my life was changed.

When my mom told me I immediately started crying --and crying. And as I tried to go to sleep that night, tears continually streamed down my face and I found myself screaming into a pillow so upset with the diagnosis. When I woke up that next morning I remember thinking that it was just a dream, that I was going to go visit my dad at the hospital that day for his pneumonia and soon he would be home with us and we could continue planning our annual family vacation to Pismo. But it was not a dream, and reality set in. We put our vacation on hold, came together as ONE to FIGHT and TEAM CELERA came together in full force! I even had bracelets made TEAM CELERA on one side and T.C.K.C.A (Team Celera Kicking Cancers Ass) on the other. August 18 will always have a place in my heart. It marks: the day of my dad's diagnosis, the day my life was changed, the day I began my fight for my dads life! It marked the start of chemotherapy treatments, X-Rays, MRI's, blood transfusions, dialysis, it marked up's and downs, seeing my dad bed ridden, to days my dad was able to get out of bed and walk those hospital hallways. It marks the start of drained energy, daily hospital visits, taking notes from the doctors when I was the one in the room with my dad, breaking the "only 2 visitors in the room at a time" rule, transferring to different rooms in the hospital: DOU, ICU, CCU.. Neutropenic Isolation. It marks family taking over the waiting room. It marks makeshift beds in the waiting room. It marks homecomings, family time at home, sharing an In-N-Out burger in the comfort our home together. It marks being able to spend our last Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years together. It marks the 911 calls for them to take my dad back to the hospital. It marks numerous tears shed. It marks low blood count, failing kidneys, high creatinine levels, low platelets, fever, fluid in the lungs, storming heaven with prayers. It marks a rollercoaster of emotion. It marks having loved ones surround my dad as he took his last breath on January 7, 2011, sending him with lots of love, prayer and tears. It marks my dad now being pain free and at peace. It marks my dads journey. It marks strength. A battle. My families journey. Our fight for my dads life. It marks a journey that has changed my life.

Losing my dad has been the HARDEST thing I have ever faced. When he passed away I had no idea how life would go on without him, how I would be able to go through each day knowing my dad wouldn't be there anymore, how I would no longer hear him singing songs as he got ready in the morning, how I would no longer be able to play a round of golf with him on his birthday, how I would no longer have In-n-out runs with him when he had a Friday off of work, how I would no longer be able to listen to him making up stories as though he knows the name and life story of everyone person we pass on the street, or how I would no longer be able to see his smile or hear his laugh. My dad's journey with cancer has impacted my life, more than I ever imagined. And it continues to change my life. And although my life is incomplete without my dad-- I continue to remember what he taught me. I remember the good times that we had. I remember our family roap trips, with his cassette tapes as the background music for our travels. I remember the laughs- the smiles- the hugs. I remember the golf lessons he gave me. I remember the sound of his voice as he sang songs around the house. I remember our trips to home depot when I was little, and having to watch the shopping cart full of supplies and wood, while he ran around the store. I remember pretending to be asleep so he could carry me up the stairs and put me in my bed. I remember his heart- his generosity- his love. I remember and cherish all the years we had together. The impact he has had on my life. The legacy he left.

He is my reason for running. He is the inspiration for my fundraising. He is at the root of my passion for a cure. He is FOREVER IN MY HEART and ACTIONS.

If you want to make an impact in the fight for a cure, and have a few dollars to spare, please consider making a donation towards a cure for cancer http://pages.teamintraining.org/los/nikesf13/punchcancerintheface I can't tell you how much it would mean to me. Especially TODAY, the day my life has been forever changed.

Thanks for taking a read!

Live with PASSION,

Sam

10 reasons why I choose to PUNCH CANCER IN THE FACE

As I was thinking of what I was going to write today for an update on my fundraising page, I looked at the date and realized that in 6 days it marks my dad’s birthday. This will be the 3rd year we won’t have ice cream birthday cake as we sing him happy birthday around the kitchen table. And that makes my heart sad.

I find myself a bit more upset than usual. I find myself extremely angry that he is no longer here. I find myself looking for an outlet to express these feelings, and the way that I know how, is by writing. So I decided to remind myself, and all of you Why I train, Why I fundraise, Why I choose to punch cancer in the face.

So here I have compiled my list of:

10 reasons why I choose to PUNCH CANCER IN THE FACE.

10. I have an amazing group of people fighting alongside me.

Through Team in Training I have personally met hundreds of individuals sharing my passion, my fire, my drive, my heart, my longing for a cure. They fight for a cure alongside me. Cancer survivors, runners, fighters and people who just want to make a difference.

9. Because I can.

I have the voice to spread awareness. I have the words to write about my journey and the journey of so many others. I have the ability to raise funds for a cure. And I have working legs, that will go as many miles possible, towards the ultimate finish line a CURE FOR CANCER.

8. To give someone else more days

Hearing of lost of loved ones, days cut short, moments unable to be shared. It breaks my heart. I punch cancer in the face, to provide more days for those fighting the fight. More days for them and their loved ones to cherish. More moments to be captured. More unforgettable moments to be had. More lasting memories for them to make.

7. I know what I do makes a difference.

Raising funds and awareness makes a difference. I know, with every fiber in me, that we are doing good, and making a positive impact in the lives of others. I will keep punching cancer in the face to continue making a difference in the lives of those I know, and those I will never meet.

6. To inspire others

By punching cancer in the face. By running. By training. By fundraising. By spreading awareness. By sharing my connection to cancer... Who knows, maybe I can inspire another. Maybe, my words can impact someone. Maybe the story of my dads cancer journey and my journey alongside him can touch someone else. Maybe, my actions can lead someone else on a journey towards punching cancer in the face, as well.

5. To help improve the quality of life for patients and their families as well.

I've seen first hand the lives saved by the money The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has raised. I do this for more success stories. For more survivors. For a world with no more cancer.

4. I want to change this statistic: “Every 4 minutes someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer. Every 10 minutes someone dies”

I aim to change this statistic. That is far too many people being diagnosed & far too many lives lost. I will keep fighting, keep running, keep fundraising, keep pouring my heart into this until a CURE is found.

3. With every day that passes my list of those I train for, grows longer. The length of the list needs to diminish.

Every name I add to this list, I carry them with me. Every person that I know, those that I don't. Stories that I hear about others. Every honored teammate I have the privilege to meet. Every cancer jouney I encounter. For every person I will not meet. They all hold a place in my heart. Always. I won't stop until the writing of names stops.

2. Because CANCER SUCKS.

Obviously. It's an asshole. End of story.

1. Because not having made any new memories with my dad for the past 2 ½ years is absolutely heartbreaking.

All I want is one more day, one more celebration, one more hug, one more smile, one more laugh, one more moment. I’d give anything to do what he loved, play golf. One more dad and daughter day at the driving range, one more birthday round of golf, one more large bucket of golf balls shared.

Let's PUNCH CANCER IN THE FACE together!

http://pages.teamintraining.org/los/nikesf13/punchcancerintheface

Will you PUNCH CANCER IN THE FACE with me?!

Hello spectacularly AMAZING friends and family! 

Well, as you most likely already know, I am currently training with TEAM IN TRAINING for The Nike Women's Marathon, in San Francisco which takes place October 20, 2013. 

2 years ago, I made a LIFE CHANGING decision, and joined TEAM IN TRAINING. I joined just 4 1/2 months after losing my dad to Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Before Team in Training, after my dad passed I had more bad days than good, I had more tears shed than I could ever imagine, I had my spirit withering away and I had a heart breaking with every passing day. But from that first practice, that moment I met my Team--- everything changed. To witness such passion from teammates, to see their drive, their courage, their strength, their unbelievable support, to listening to their inspiring words—it is truly a site to see, it is ELECTRIFYING and I think it’s contagious!

My journey with my amazing TEAM has brought me such joy.. it has given me more good days than bad, more smiles than tears, a spirit fully alive and on fire, and a heart being put back together each passing day. I am honored to be a part of the team, to stand in their midst, to fight with them by my side for a cure, to be a CANCER KILLER and to call them my TNT family!

I am forever changed, forever inspired, forever motivated, forever a Cancer Killer.

I can proudly and happily say I have not been alone in my journey with Team in Training. My family and I have all taken an active roll with Team in Training. As you most likely know, my brother joined Team in Training a season after me, and my sister joined a season after that. We have been determined and passionate in running, and biking towards a cure for cancer. All in memory of our dad. With our mom as our #1 supporter, through our training and events. After 5 seasons of fundraising, and hundreds and hundreds of miles completed, with much support from incredible friends and family, WE have raised a total of $17,352.38 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Incredible, right? I think so! But what I would love to see, is for us to exceed $20,000! And I know we will! And we will certainly go BEYOND!

I have been part of Team in Training for 4 UNFORGETTABLE seasons.

I've been a participant, a mentor for 3 seasons, and a Mission Captain. And here I am for season #5, right back where I started, as a participant.

This season I have a goal of raising $5,485.18. You may be wondering why $5,548.18?! Well ever if you aren't wondering, I am still going to tell you WHY! :)

I have chosen a goal of $5,485.18 because...

• That is what I raised my first season with Team in Training in 2011
• Why not set the bar high?
• I know that with that money, so much GOOD can be done
• If I raise it, as a family we will have exceeded $20,000 for LLS
• If I reach the goal, my personal fundraising total, will be $13,975.36! And that is quite an AWESOME amount of money towards the cause.
• I know the funds that I raise make a DIFFERENCE.
• I’m improving the quality of my life by participating and with your support, I can help improve the quality of life for patients and their families as well.
• I have a mission-to help find cures and more effective treatments for blood cancers
• why not?!
• with YOUR help, I CAN.
  
  If you are able to make a donation, please do http://pages.teamintraining.org/los/nikesf13/punchcancerintheface
  And if you can't, be sure to check back often to see my progress and how my training is going.
  
  Thanks for your continued SUPPORT!
  
  Many hugs!
  <3 Sam 

9 half marathons completed. #10 in sight!

#1 Disneyland Half Marathon 09.04.11

In just a few days I will make my way to the start line of my 10th half marathon.
You read that correct, 10!

In a span of less than 2 years I have ran across 9 half marathon start and finish lines. And I can't wait to make my way to number 10.

What started as a journey to cross something off my life list, to do something in memory of my dad, and to take part in something far bigger than myself-- has turned into something indescribable.

#2 Nike Women's Half Marathon 10.15.11

My journey to these races is one that I can't fully describe, but what I can say, is that it's a journey that has changed my life.

#3 Tinkerbell Half Marathon 01.29.12

I couldn't have made my way through all of this training and races  without the support and love from my family and friends.
The people that have been there before this new passion for running came about. The people that have been there all my life. The people that were there by my side through my dad's battle with cancer. TEAM CELERA. They continue to support me, my brother, and my sister, through our events. Whether its through donations to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, encouraging words, or by cheering at events. I know that they are our biggest supporters. Thank you Team Celera. Thank you for keeping my dad's memory alive and sharing in my journey.

#4 Pasadena Rock n' Roll 02.19.12

My mom has been our biggest cheerleader, through this whole journey. She is there at finish lines holding sweaters, flip flops, and signs of encouragement. She has been there this whole time and even went with me to my very first Team in Training Kick Off event. And from that moment, I think we both knew how incredible it would be to be part of such an inspiring group. So, thanks mom, for being there on the start of this crazy journey, and continually supporting us through every event,
every start line, every finish line, and every moment in between.

Of course I can't forget my 2nd family. The people that have shared the trails with me. The people I have ran miles upon miles with. The people I have sweat with, shed tears with, laughed with.. my Team in Training family. Thanks Team, for getting me to places I never thought possible. Thank you Coaches, Support Staff, TNT Staff,  Mentors, Captains, Mentees, and Fellow Teammates. You have made all my races absolutely incredible, even ones not signed up with the Team, we still come together as ONE. You have made the journey and the training so incredibly worthwhile. And you have helped me keep the focus and mission alive-- everyday. I would never have imagined I would be running my 10th half marathon. But it is here. And I thank you for being by my side through the many painful and most joyful miles. You have enriched my life and have made me a better person!

Here is to Half Marathon #10. In DC! Surrounded by my fellow purple people. Here is to a Cure for a Cancer. Here is to a race run, in memory of my dad. Here is to his spirit, his smile, and his love.

Team Celera Kicking Cancer's Ass.

3 siblings.
3 Cancer Killers.
3 endurance athletes.
Hundreds of miles.
Early morning trainings. 

Start lines and finish lines.

$14,125 raised for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
All in memory of our dad, Diogenes Celera.

We are TEAM CELERA.

When my dad was diagnosed with Cancer in August of 2010, I felt I needed to do something. I immediately had bracelets made, with T.C.K.C.A on one side (Team Celera Kicking Cancer's Ass) and TEAM CELERA on the other. It was something uniting all of us during my dad's battle. A way to show our support in my dad's fight. To show that his battle was not his alone, and we we're fighting it with him, every step of the way.

 

A rewarding day as a spectator.

We can't all be heroes because somebody has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by. -Will Rogers

I have done a couple races this past year. And I always appreciate the spectators on the side lines, cheering like no other, on those early mornings. I always remember the hilarious and motivational signs they hold up-- especially at those moments when the legs are getting tired and the going gets tough. Sometimes all you need is a little cheer from someone, whether it be someone you know or a complete stranger to get you moving and help you make your way to the finish line.

This past Sunday, I had the opportunity to cheer on participants at the Disneyland half marathon. My foot and back had been hurting me, so I declined the opportunity to run the race, and instead decided it would be the perfect race to cheer at. 

I knew it would be a good time, for many reasons.
1. I would be spending time with support staff cheering on our TNTers. 
2. I get to cheer and scream, and root people on all morning. What's not to like about that?! 
3. I get to cheer on strangers and hopefully bring a smile to their face! 
4. I get to see my teammates, who have trained for months, run their race
5. I get to see a swarm of people, running a race, many in crazy costumes.
... and the list goes on and on.
But something I was really looking forward to was seeing the smiles on my teammates faces as they pass us, give us high fives, and make their way to the finish line of 13.1 miles. 13.1 they would have accomplished, for such an incredible cause.

So I met up with support staff at 6am, and we headed to around mile 5 to cheer on participants, and once all our participants passed us, we would walk to mile 11, to catch our TNTers once again, for more cheering! It was definitely an eventful morning. What a joy seeing teammates running with all their might! It is always exciting seeing TNTers, but that moment you see a TNTer from your team, the energy rises, arms are stretched out, and we cheer our hearts out. 

It was a rewarding experience, being on the sidelines. It was especially inspiring standing in the midst of our honored teammate Virginia, as she held up her sign "Thank you TNT from a Leukemia Survivor", for all to see. The looks on participants faces as they saw her standing there was priceless. She got hugs galore. From participants, as well as from other marathoners. We had people coming up saying they were survivors as well, or people saying their loved ones are survivors.  
What we are doing, taking an active role with Team in Training, is truly impacting lives. We are saving the lives of those cancer, with the life saving dollars we raise, but we are also changing ourselves in the process. We are becoming endurance athletes and Cancer Killers in the process.

Like I said before, it was a rewarding day as a spectator. I cheered, screamed, yelled "GO TEAM" hundreds of times, sang some songs, and just had a blast! I came away from the race, with a new found appreciation for spectators. As well as a lost voice. But it was totally worth it! 

Here is to more races. To more cheering. To more smiles on the faces of others. To more finish lines

GO TEAM!

A big STEP taken. My MISSION MOMENT shared.

 

"It is a wonderful act of generosity when someone shares their own personal connection with the rest of us" -Sarah Clark


At the start of every practice we have a moment moment.
A moment in which someone opens up a part of themselves and shares their story with us. 
Their connection to the cause. 
Their experience with team in training. 
Their journey involving cancer. 
We hear of loss, we hear of pain, we hear of overcoming obstacles, we hear of hope, we hear of remission, we hear of  cancer fighters, we hear of cancer killers, we hear of lives saved.
Every mission moment is different.
But every mission moment is SOMEONE'S story.
With every mission moment I hear, I take something from it.
I hear not only a story. But a journey. A journey that I can many times relate to.
Having been with the team for 3 seasons now, I greatly admire and appreciate every individual that gets up in front of us, and shares their connection with us.
It is not something easy to do, but week after week, an incredible individual will share something with us, leaving us with a reminder of WHY what we are doing is so incredible, and why it needs to be done. We need that cure for cancer.

As I mentioned this is my 3rd season with team in training, and it is my second season as a mentor. When we started this season I knew I wanted to share my mission moment. My connection to cancer. My reason for joining team in training. My reason for continuing on and fighting for a cure. 
So a month and a half ago I started writing my mission moment. A process that was far more difficult than I thought it would be. Every week I would set aside a few hours to write, to process my thoughts, to bring back the pain and loss of my dads cancer battle, to write of my journey, and to form it in a way that could get my message across: that the journey of cancer is difficult, that it affects everyone it encounters, that with loss it is hard but it is something that we can get through, that finding team in training has forever changed my life, that we as participants are forever impacting the lives of others whether we know it or not, and we are part of the fight for a cure.
So for weeks, I wrote and wrote, and had every word I wanted to say written out.
Every word, my journey.

Last Saturday, I shared my mission moment. 
A story difficult to write, but a story I wanted to share. 
A 3 page long mission moment.
3 days, 3 life changing moments, experiences that changed my life that brought me to that moment standing on "the rock" sharing my story-- encompassed on 3 pieces of paper.
Getting in front of the team was nerve wrecking. As you know, I am not shy or the quietest of people, but to share of my story brought a rush of emotions.
I stood on "the rock", looked out at my teammates faces as they were ready to listen to my story, took a deep breath, held my papers tightly, looked at them one more time-- and all I saw were cancer killers among me, my nerves at ease, my heart filled with TNT love,and I knew I could get through my mission moment.

Sharing my mission moment was a big step for me. It was a release of my journey. It was a release of emotions I had held onto. 
It was my story, and the story of so many others.
As I said during my mission moment, on the rock, "This mission moment is not mine alone. It is the story of so many others. With every connection to cancer, with every battle fought, with every life affected, with every battle lost. It is all of our story. With every run, with every practice, with every race. We carry every fighter in our hearts. Their fight is our fight. They are the reason why we run."

Standing up, sharing my story, I think I made my dad proud. 
I will continue to fight in his memory.
I will continue to hold him tight and keep his memory alive in me.
I will continue to fight, and carry every mission moment I have heard and hear with me.
I will continue spreading the team in training love.
I will continue on, everyday, fighting for a cure.

To those that heard my story and to those that read it, thank you for your TNT love, support,and kind words.

I was thinking of posting my mission moment here, but I think I will hold off for a bit. But if you would like to read it I would gladly email it to you, just let me know.

Let's keep fighting for that cure to be found!

Forever relentless,
Sam