John McAndrew was looking for a way to contribute to something larger than himself. A friend suggested Team In Training (TNT). John had lost friends and family to cancer and knew some survivors. Plus, he thought it would be a great way to get in shape.

Not only did John complete a century ride, but he's in training for his second. So far he's raised about $4,400 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).

"It's a beautiful way to see the world," says John, "to see the people on the streets who have needed help and those who have helped them. In the process of saving lives, TNT changes the lives of others."

Denverlee Paquette's daughter, Dakota, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at age 4, a week before starting preschool.

Denverlee was already running half marathons, and during the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and Half Marathon to Benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in San Diego, she discovered Team In Training (TNT).

"I looked at the total strangers in a sea of purple jerseys and knew that once life started getting back to normal, I needed to join Team In Training," Denverlee says.

Denverlee recently completed her first full marathon with TNT, and she is now a Team In Training captain for the summer season.

After relocating to a new area for work, Melissa Olsen was having a hard time adjusting to the move. A friend sent her a link to Team In Training (TNT). Melissa had been involved with Light The Night® Walk in memory of her father, who lost his battle with AML.

Through TNT, Melissa got the courage to attempt a triathlon. The program also helped her overcome her fear of open water.

"Nothing makes me happier than being able to complete all of these events with such a great program," says Melissa, "all while raising money and awareness so that someone out there has a better fighting chance than my dad did. His courage throughout his battle gives me the strength to train, to fight and to keep the faith."

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."