A Great Fight, A Great Loss

I have come to realize that I just don't get as motivated to work out unless the sun is shining, the birds are singing, it's warm, and there isn't a good snow fall every other day. But hey, it's Michigan. Despite the fact that this year has now proven to be the snowiest winter in Michigan history having already dumpted almost 90 inches on us (and April isn't even here yet), Team in Training triathletes like me must push on for the cause that we've committed ourselves to.

This past week dealt me a harsh reminder that what I am doing here must not be knocked off course by a simple snowfall. One of my honored heroes, a man named Doug who was best friends with one of my co-workers, passed away last Saturday. He had battled lymphoma six years ago, beating it into remission with chemotherapy, radiation, and a bone marrow transplant. The month after he hit his five-year "cancer-free goal, he was diagnosed with Leukemia. After an aggressive chemotherapy, the leukemia once again went into remission. However, he was advised to have yet another bone marrow transplant as a precaution.

He was intending on joining everyone at the Dragonmead fundraiser we had a few weeks ago. He had just passed his 100 days of remission, which is always a really big deal. But he experienced complications with the most recent bone marrow transplant he elected to have. The side effects (healing process) after such a procedure can take quite a toll on the body.

As the weeks passed, the side effects which are often encouraging got worse, and ultimately got the best of him. He died one day after his 42nd birthday, a day before Easter. He left behind a wife and two daughters.

Doug's fierce battle, and his ultimate death, is a reminder once again of why we are here and why we signed up with Team in Training. He believed in what we are doing as athletes, raising money for this cause in hopes that some day there will be a cure.

There may not be a cure in my lifetime, but progress is made every day. New medicines are created, giving so many people hope when there was once none. I know in my heart that even though my impact is really just a drop in the bucket compared to the whole scheme of things, it helps. And one day, everyone will celebrate when the ultimate cure is found.

Cheers, Doug. I'm proud to race this upcoming race for you.