Team in Training Event

Last night was the kick off for the fall season of Team in Training events. It was a big rah rah send off. The energy in the room was high and confident. They introduced the coaches and talked about the events for the fall. I went because I wanted to get a better feel for the organization and I wanted to make myself available to volunteer and support the mission. They had an 'Honored Member' speak. An Honored Member is someone who has  experienced blood cancer and benefitted from the funds that are raised by the group.   The young woman is 27 years old. She had the same kind of lymphoma that I did. But she was very sick. She lost her insurance. The Leukemia Lymphoma Society paid for her treatment. It wasn't cheap let me tell you! She had all sorts of complications.  But she is healthy now. It is truly inspiring to see how much this organization helps people. It is what motivates these athletes to join up and raise money. They have raised over a BILLION dollars. The money has gone into research, patient services, education and lobbying. 
I am ambivalent about having to drop out. On the one hand it would be great to push myself to new achievements. But on the other hand Im not sure I would have been able to keep up. I woke up this morning feeling relieved that I won't be doing this event. 
The TNT people have my name. They know Im available to volunteer. So I will wait to hear from them.
After the Honored Member spoke they asked all of us who are survivors to stand up. I felt honored to be a member of this exclusive group of cancer survivors. The young woman who spoke said that cancer can either be the worst experience of your life, or the best. I don't really feel either way. It has been a valuable experience and an opportunity for growth. The amazing thing about it is that it didn't scare the bejeebers out of me!