December 2011 was an amazing time. Darrel and Ginger participated in their first half marathon (13.1 miles). It wasn’t just to run or get into shape or even to check off another item on their bucket list. It was for a cause. A life changing cause, to raise money for the Leukemia, Lymphoma Society to fight blood cancers. They raised a little over $3000 thanks to many of you. The money goes to finding treatments, cures, and financially helping those families with expenses that are in the battle.
Darrel lost his mom, Pat, to colon cancer 27 years ago, his grandmother to lymphoma in 2000 and Ginger lost her stepdad, Tom, to brain, bone and lung cancer 2 years ago. Ginger’s stepmom, Vivian, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma 9 years ago. Darrel is also a survivor of melanoma cancer 15 years out. Cancer is no stranger to their family. I’m sure many of you have similar stories.
Once we got involved with Team in Training, the fundraising arm of the Leukemia, Lymphoma Society, we began hearing stories all around us of people touched by the disease, mostly children. Our hearts were broken by young parents sharing their stories of their brave children and the battle they are in. Many children have went on to be with Jesus. Brave is the word we hear many of them say to describe their little ones. This experience has increased our prayer life over our own four grandchildren. This disease often comes quietly, unsuspectedly.
As I, Ginger was running last years event in Dallas something wonderful happened. I felt so close to my stepdad. It was as if he was right there cheering me on. When I got so tired, hurting all over and wanted to quit, I remembered being by his bedside and his fight to never give up fighting cancer. This was a healing after his death that I never expected.
Last year we also ran in honor of June ( a friends mother that was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphcytic Leukemia (CCL) after we joined. She is doing very well now.
A diagnosis of leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma or myelodysplastic syndrome brings daily challenges. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. LLS is committed to providing information and support to people living with these cancers and to the health professionals involved in their care.
Our race this year is in San Antonio, Texas. It is called the Hero-thon. It is the first race of this magnitude that LLS has put on. Helping others is what it’s all about. That is why we run!
If you would like to help by making a donation, the easiest way is on our website: http://pages.teamintraining.org/ntx/herosa13/BrooksRunTheRace
or you can mail it to us:
3426 Lillie Street Sachse, TX 75048
Checks made out to: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society 
Lastly, you can join TNT in your area and run.
Thank you all so much and God Bless you!
Darrel and Ginger Brooks
Please Visit our Fundraising Page...
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