Former resident runs for life

A few months back, former Saipan resident Joy Carruth announced her intentions to join members of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s TEAM IN TRAINING (TNT) program to run the 26.2-mile Nike Women’s Marathon to help those battling cancer.

In an email sent to some of her friends and colleagues on Saipan, Carruth explained that she planned to participate in the marathon not only because it is a celebration of the human spirit, physical ability, and mental endurance, but for her group it will also serve as an opportunity to save a life.

As a member of TNT, Carruth has been training six days a week for the big event with the help of a coach, a training regimen, mentors, and a motivational group provided by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

“I’ve been amazed at the support you have shown for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Team in Training and my marathon efforts. From the bottom of my heart I thank you for your kind words of encouragement and support and your donations that are sure to play a part in finding a cure for blood cancers,” she said.

The marathon takes place this Sunday, Oct. 22, and Carruth recently emailed some of her friends from back home on Saipan to let them know exactly how her training and preparation has gone on the mainland.

“My training has gone really well, injury free to date (knock on wood). The longest run was 20 miles, just can’t believe that I ran that far—really can’t believe that I have to run 6.2 miles further! What an amazing journey this has been. I’ve learned a lot about myself and met some amazing people along the way. How blessed I feel for my health, the health of my family and friends and this experience which has taught me that life is to be treasured, every second, and that you never, ever give up,” she said.

When she first signed up, Carruth went to an informational meeting for TNT where she listened as a woman named Betsy spoke about the struggles faced by her 12-year-old daughter, Alex, who is currently fighting lymphoma. She was also inspired by the story of a two-year-old named Daniela Garcia, who was diagnosed with histiocytosis at the age of one, underwent biweekly chemotherapy treatments, and went into remission in December 2005.

Carruth said that while the chemotherapy damaged her hearing but her parents are just thankful that Daniela is alive and cling to the hopes that she will win her fight. So far the youngster seems to be doing pretty well.

“She is still in chemo, but is due for a break within the next few weeks. Her cancer treatment seems to be responding. I met her last week at a gathering and she was the picture of health, running around and tearing up the dance floor. Cute as can be,” she said.

While the Daniela has made strides, Alex is experiencing difficulty in her life-and-death struggle.

“She has been diagnosed with chemo-resistant lymphoma and leukemia. A bone marrow drive was quite successful and she is undergoing a transplant as soon as possible…it is a painful illustration of why we run, bike, and tri in an effort to raise money to find a cure for these devastating diseases,” she said.

Carruth has raised $2,600 of her goal of $3,500 to help, and there are two options support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in its mission to find a cure for blood cancers. Whether they’re $1 or $100, every donation is welcome, and the first way to make a difference is to print and fill out the donation page on the website and send it to Carruth with a check made out to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

The most direct option is to go directly to www.active.com/donate/tntdms/jcarruth and make a secure online donation. Those who make donations will have more than just a good feeling for helping a cause as all contributions are 100 percent tax deductible and 75 percent of all funds go directly to support research, public and professional education, advocacy, patient aid, and community service programs.

In addition to the Carruth’s personal reason for running, those with a special person for whom you are donating, Carruth will gladly add their names to her list of honorees, as well as wear their name on her singlet on race day.