After a bout with colon cancer at age 40, Phillip Ham had become a couch potato. In January 2004, he decided to get back in shape. He joined Team In Training (TNT), and with guidance and support from the team, he completed his first century ride in the fall of 2005.

Since then, Phillip has run a marathon and some half marathons and completed numerous triathlons and three century rides. At age 68, he plans on continuing with even more events. His goal is to become the first triple-triple crown winner in Nebraska.

"The real winners are the many victims of leukemia and lymphoma whose lives might be spared because of the money I have helped raise," says Phillip. "I can say that my experience with TNT has been truly life-changing."

Over 25 years ago, Sally Ekus was three and half years old and in the hospital fighting leukemia. She heard about Team In Training (TNT) because The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) was calling her an "honored hero." Visitors told her they were inspired by how brave she was. After miles of running and months of fundraising, her visitors came back and gave her their medals.

Now 25 cancer-free years later, Sally joined the TNT FLEX team. "I am alive because of the research funded by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the patient support services they provide. How could I not give back to the organization that helped save my life?" says Sally. "I always knew I would run a marathon with Team In Training."

Sally continues to be actively involved with the Massachusetts Team In Training program.

Kristin Akers became involved with Team In Training (TNT) to honor her mother, who lost her fight with ovarian cancer. Two years later, Kristin lost another family member to leukemia.

During her years with TNT, Kristin has raised more than $10,000 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). She and another participant also became the first Delaware completers of the triple crown. Kristin now supports the team as a running coach.

"I became involved in TNT to try to keep other families from feeling the pain of loss that I felt," says Kristin. "I stayed with TNT to help other people reach their goals while helping to eradicate blood cancers. I cannot think of a more worthy cause to be a part of."

John Rigney joined Team In Training (TNT) for one reason: He wanted to run a marathon. But once he met the amazing group of people who dedicate themselves to helping find a cure for blood cancers, he was hooked.

Since joining TNT, John's completed numerous running events and has been a participant, mentor, captain and coach. He's also raised over $17,000 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) to help fight blood cancers?and helped others raise thousands more.

Says John, "The most special title I have earned with TNT is 'Hero.' That's the title every TNT participant earns when they set out on their journey."

Laura Giorlando joined Team In Training (TNT) after her mother walked a full marathon honoring Laura's grandmother, her uncle Jack and her college roommate. Over time, other family members were also inspired to join TNT, and Laura completed her first TNT event with her entire family of nine. After asking a staff person how she could be more involved, Laura was hired by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Laura has raised more than $18,000 so far for the fight against blood cancer. "I will continue to be part of this cause until there is a cure," says Laura. "TNT changed my life, and it will always be part of me."

Guy Adami initially became involved with the New Jersey chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society board at the request of his friend, John Hyland. After John's own devastating diagnosis of acute myelogenous leukemia in 2010, Guy wanted to become even more involved. He was also motivated by the plight of family friend Kayla DeFeo, who lost her battle with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at age 7.

When the opportunity to raise money and participate in an event was presented, Guy stepped up to the plate and created a fundraising team. Not only did Guy go on to become an Ironman, but he and his team of 11 raised $681,730 for critical research, surpassing their original goal of $500,000.

Art Saffran got involved with Team In Training (TNT) in 2004, when he ran the Anchorage marathon in honor of his best friend, who lost his battle with leukemia. Since then he's run 13 marathons, was named 2010 Man of the Year in Madison, Wisconsin, and has served Team In Training as a mentor and marathon coach.

After 13 marathons, Art discovered cycling. He rode the century course around Lake Tahoe, and the cycle team has since become a group of good friends.

Says Art, "If I were to give one fundraising tip, it would be to tell your story from the heart. Let your supporters know why you have chosen to take on this physical and personal challenge. They will respond with positive energy and generosity."

John Mahoney, a Team In Training (TNT) cycle coach, originally decided to take on the challenge of a century ride, planning on doing it once. Then, at the Inspiration Dinner, he heard a mother speak about her son, who was diagnosed with blood cancer at age two. That's when he realized that even an 80% survival rate was not good enough - and he decided he'd be continuing with TNT until a cure was found.

In 2003, he met a 12-year-old girl named Nicole who had been diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. John decided she would become his honored hero. Nicole remains cancer-free today and will soon be graduating from college with a degree in nursing. She plans to specialize in pediatric oncology.

Says John, "I will continue to ride until our mission is complete - finding a cure for blood cancers!"

It began with recovery from a broken leg and a new road bike. David Mayell began his journey with Team In Training (TNT) as a participant, then became an alumnus and mentor. Eventually he went on to become head cycling coach for the Westchester/Hudson Valley chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training.

"Team In Training has helped to teach me the true definition of giving, dedication, teamwork and courage," says David. "It proves that when people come together for a purpose, they can make a difference in the world."

David has raised more than $20,000 for the fight against blood cancers. "Team In Training has taught me many lessons, but above all it has shown me that a group of individuals can do spectacular things when they work together toward a common goal," says David.

Paul Rosenberg joined Team In Training (TNT) four years ago in honor of family and friends who have fought blood cancers. For him, raising money to support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society was a no-brainer. In his words, "TNT gave me an opportunity to contribute in ways that my donation couldn't. It gave me the opportunity to bring the cause home for so many of my friends and family members. More importantly, joining TNT inspires others to join you - and your potential contribution to people who really need you increases exponentially."

Paul comes back every year because of the people. "Our honoree teammates are more courageous than I can or will ever be," says Paul. "They take on the world's hardest endurance events while they battle with their health, and they do it every day. I feel privileged to be their friend."