***Check out pics from race weekend!! They're in the photos link to the left under Race Day Arrives***

--Update as of April 29th--
I've done it!! Can't believe all the training, begging, and basically losing all touch with any sort of social life has come to an end. Let the partying begin!
No, really - I completed the St. Anthony's Olympic Distance Triathlon this past weekend, and now I'm not sure what to do with myself. The new friends I made, the old friends I've been in touch with, and the great inspiration of everyone involved has been wonderful. When I signed up back in the middle of January, over 4 months ago, I never thought Team in Training or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society would have this much of an effect on me. I signed up for a triathlon and came away with a lifetime experience! I've thanked the team, the coach, the support staff, the volunteers - but, most of all, I want to thank the family and friends. You've been so helpful and supportive through it all - and really, it hasn't been about me the whole time, it's really about the cause. That's what it comes down to. So in memory of CAPT David Reardon and in honor of all those that suffered or are surviving through their battles with Leukemia and Lymphoma -- this one was for you. Myself and my 33 teammates for the St. Anthony's National Capital Area Team in Training salute you!


--Update as of March 19th--
Thank you all so much!! I've reached my $4000 goal with all of your generous contributions!! I'm so overwhelmed with the amount of support you all have given. In the beginning, I thought for sure I'd be paying at least half of the total out of my own pocket just to make it. But with unbelievable support from friends and family, right up to the very end, I've made the goal!! Thank you so much. If you missed my deadline but would still like to contribute, I am still forwarding donations to this wonderful cause -- the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society -- which in the end, is what this is really all about!
Stay tuned for more updates and pics -- now that I've stopped begging, I promise I'll get the site updated soon!!
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**St. Paddy's Weekend Kickoff Party at the Clarendon Grill in Arlington on Thurs. March 13th!! Don't miss it -- 50% of proceeds of Foggy Bottom go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society!**

--Update as of March 5th--
Made it back on - finally. I apologize if some of you have not been able to access the website lately. It's been down for a little while!
Well, my fundraising days are coming to a close, and I'm a little over halfway there. I need to get all the money in soon, so please dig deep and pitch in soon if you were planning on contributing. Thanks so much!!
Also, just want to tell all of you to check out the guestbook entry for Brian McGovern -- he's the cousin of my honored teammate, and he's got a wonderful and compassionate entry that is definitely worth your time to read. Thanks Brian -- your words are wonderful and give so much meaning to this whole escapade!
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--Update as of Feb 26th--
Thanks again to all the generous contributors from P&H'03 and especially the infamous 416 boys!! You guys were really great. I had a blast and hope you all did too! Check out Bad Andy's (thanx Bad Andy!) camera skills and the pics by following the photos link on the left and then going to the P&H'03 album.
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--Update as of Feb 21st
I've recently pledged to participate in my triathlon challenge in memory of CAPT David Reardon, USA. David is a relative of a kind friend, and I was honored to be able to dedicate this fundraiser in his memory. David was from Pennsylvania, an esteemed West Point graduate and Army officer. He died of Hodgkin's at a very young age of 25. As a 25-year-old military officer, it is hard for me to imagine such an early end. In David's memory and for many others like him, I am dedicating myself to the challenge of not only completing this triathlon, but also to raising $4,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
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First and foremost, thank you for your interest in my fundraising for Team in Training and our challenge of completing the St. Anthony's Triathlon on April 27th, 2003.

This is going to be an exciting and challenging opportunity for me. From the demanding physical training to the resourceful "begging" I will do to meet my fundraising goal, I will have more than enough to keep me busy for the next couple of months. But I'm looking forward to all of it.

I have pledged to raise $4000 (and to race in the St. Anthony's triathlon!). This money will go to support their many research programs which are making great strides in developing more effective treatments for blood related cancers. Each new discovery brings them closer to finding a cure. And a cure is very important especially when you consider these stats . . .

>Approximately 106,700 people in the US will be diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma this year.

>Every five minutes someone in the US learns that they have a blood related cancer - that's 300 people a day

>Leukemia and Lymphoma are the leading fatal malignancy in young men under the age of 35

>When faced with such statistics, it is easy to see why support of this organization is so important.

Your donation is 100% tax deductible and please check with your company to see if they will match your gift. It can double or even triple your contribution and help the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society get closer to a cure.
Whatever you are able to give counts!

Thanks again for all your help. I will be continuing to update this web page with more info on my training, my fundraising progress, and other news. So be sure to check back or tell other people about it!

- Heather (updated 21Feb03)