Rochelle

I would like to introduce my friend and fellow TNT participant, Rochelle Williams. Rochelle recently wrote this journal entry about why she is running for Team in Training. I wanted to share it with everything because it proves that you don't necessarily have to have a personal connection to cancer in order to feel empowered enough to make a difference only in your life, but the lives of others as well.

In my life I have been fortunate enough not to be tied directly to anyone who is affected by a blood cancer. But part of what brought me here is something that my Mom said to me when I was a child. I recall having a conversation with her about another kid in my fourth grade class that had cancer and I explained to her what he looked like, what he was going through and how much school he missed. I remember my Mom telling me that all cancer was horrible, but that blood cancer "is the worst". For some reason, that stuck with me and stayed in my mind through the years.

As an adult, I have gone through my own personal struggles. I have struggled for several years with alcoholism and found that up until a year and a half ago, I had not been living life to it's fullest. In fact, I feel that I have lost many healthy years to my addiction. I am healthy now and working a program of recovery. My program suggests that I continually "step outside of myself" "get outside of my comfort zone" and do good works for others. I want to always follow my program that not only has helped me so much, but that can help others as well.

When I got the Team In Training flyer in the mail, I knew that this would be one way that I could help others in my recovery. I felt instantly connected with this cause and know that it will keep myself and others healthy. I am so excited for this. Never in my life did I believe I would be doing something this huge and I thank God everyday that I am sober, healthy and present.

Thanks Rochelle and GO TEAM!