September 28, 2004 DAY #329
Friends,
Many times, I feel like I am not doing enough, or accomplishing enough in what I am doing. Sometimes other people don't understand why I am doing what I am doing. This email is the first Team Mzima Mission Moment. The purpose is to try to help everyone understand what it is that drives me to do what I am doing. Why I feel it is important for everyone to buy from Mzima Mall, or help others raise funds for whatever cause they are involved in. My cause happens to be Leukemia, because that has had a major impact on my life. So here goes!
Team in Training is a program that trains people to do endurance events such as marathons, half marathons, triathlons, distance swimming, and 100 mile bike rides. Menchie and I are starting to train with Team in Training for the Solvang Century, as most of you know. Team in Training provides coaches and volunteer mentors for trainees to help them learn to safely accomplish remarkable physical feats. At the same time, Team in Training participants must raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I have spoken before about the armies who stand behind me as I work toward a cure. One of the armies is Team in Training. The coaches and mentors do a wonderful job of physical training as well as helping with the fundraising efforts.
Last year, one of the Mentors of the San Diego Team in Training walking team was diagnosed with lymphoma. She was well know and well liked by cycle team members. Last weekend, the following message was read, and is repeated here with permission:
"Hello all, Today, late in the afternoon, my wife breathed her last. After a week of grueling pain, she became comatose in the morning and died peacefully in the afternoon. During this long illness, your e-mails, cards, phone calls, and visits reminded her that she was loved. She left this life only wishing that everyone know how much she appreciated that. She had time to ponder her death and how she wished to be remembered. She asked that I arrange a party for her friends and supporters and that I sell her artwork at the party to raise money for the Scripps Mercy Hospital Cancer Center. I also want you to know how much I appreciate your support over the past year. We've shared many loving moments in full awareness of their value."
This is an example of the caliber of people we have come to know and love in our journey through the valley of death. I never knew this wonderful, loving, woman. I wish I could have met her. I am very grateful to her for helping me, and I wish I could have done more to help her. Please remember her and her husband. Honor her memory by giving so others can live.
Ted
tw@wilcoxent.com