Health is possibly the greatest blessing we have in our lives. Without it all other endeavors become an afterthought. In many cases it is also the greatest gift we take for granted. Our bodies and minds are incredible creations that allow us to do remarkable things. For Megan and I (a.k.a Team Leggs) we find an abundance of happiness and gratitude for our health through physical fitness. We entered the world of endurance sports about four years ago, and continue to be amazed at the adaptations the human body can take on when treated with respect and appreciation. As we train for our first Ironman, every day of training has become a celebration! A celebration of health, life, and the power we hold within ourselves when these gifts are relished. We invite you to be a part of the celebration!

We all know someone who has helped us realize, even if only for a moment, how invaluable our health really is. The inspiration in our lives, and the catalyst behind this movement, is the woman of many talents, Linn Campbell. She is a giver, a nurturer, a pillar of strength, and a beautiful friend to all who know her. For those of you who don’t, she is also my mother and was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) in March 2008.

MDS is a disorder that develops when blood-forming stem cells in the bone marrow fail to make enough healthy blood cells. People with MDS often lack the right amount of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This condition is also referred to as “preleukemia” as treatment for the disorder requires chemotherapy and frequent blood transfusions. Linn has been undergoing chemotherapy now for almost 3 years and blood transfusions have become more frequent. Today, Linn and her doctors are considering a stem cell transplantation, which may offer the potential for curative therapy. This is ground breaking medicine, accompanied by many risks, but nothing Linn cannot handle with a strong sense of community surrounding her.

On August 28, 2011 Team Leggs will be going the distance, 140.6 miles to be exact, at Ford Ironman Louisville. In order to raise awareness for MDS, provide support for Linn and all other warriors battling for their health, and to join together in a movement to celebrate life, we ask for your pledge. Show your attitude of gratitude as we show ours racing in Louisville. Contributions can be pledged per mile we race. As we complete each mile of the 140.6 Ironman, your donations will be made to the Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation. These contributions make it possible for AA & MDSIF to provide patients and families with the programs and services they need as they face life-threatening bone marrow failure diseases. AA & MDSIF is non-profit organization that qualifies for tax deductions and matching donation programs.

If a monetary pledge is not something you can give at this time, we would love to hear your words of encouragement, as these are just as important in strengthening the spirit, through which we are able to strengthen the body. We would also encourage the donation of blood, platelets and even bone marrow in order to make these abundantly available for AA and MDS patients who require these transfusions. For those interested in learning more about registering to become a blood or bone marrow donor please see the links below. Share your attitude of gratitude and help us all on our quest in creating a community that thrives together in an appreciation of life!

 

Come celebrate! Namaste.

To pledge a donation: http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/attitudeofgratitude/aplasticanemiamdsinternationalfoundationinc

To find out more about Linn’s condition:
http://www.aamds.org/aplastic/disease_information/myelodysplastic_synd/index.php

To support Linn, friend her on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=1107141343

To ‘like’ Attitude of Gratitude on facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Attitude-of-Gratitude/153113198095015?sk=wall

To find out more about the National Bone Marrow Donor Program:
http://www.marrow.org/

To find out more about the Donating blood in your area:
http://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood

To follow Team Leggs Ironman Training (search @TeamLeggs): http://twitter.com