26th Annual Summer Solstice Celebration

Thank you for the tremendous support at the Summer Sosltice Celebration on June 16 at the Hershey Lodge. Attendees enjoyed the chance to bid on a selection of 730 items using the BidPal device, eat a delightful dinner, and purchase a raffle ticket to be in the running for $10,000. A big thanks to Robin Burd Photography for capturing images from the fun-filled evening.

Ashley Fazekas, 2012 Girl of the Year, along with parents, Elaine and John, shares her story. Patty Beaver, mother of Dustin Beaver, Boy of the Year, took time to share his journey as well while Co-Chair Lee Smigel of Smigel, Anderson, & Sacks took on the role of emcee along with fellow committee member, Ted Reese (missing from photo), of the Harrisburg Symphony.

Guests of the Summer Solstice Celebration enjoy bidding while seated on popular items such as a portable grill, a package of Hersheypark tickets with lodging at the Hershey Lodge, and antique wine glasses.
           

Kathy Krone, Co-Chair of the Summer Solstice Celebration, thanks a sponsor for providing support.

Annette Fuller smiles at her luck of winning the $10,000 raffle.

Thanks to all who made the 26th annual Summer Solstice Celebration a success!

Volunteer Spotlight: Larry Adams

From marathons and black tie galas to school-based fundraisers, LLS relies on a large network of committed volunteers to assist us in carrying out all the fundraising programs that raise funds so we can provide life-enhancing patient services. Our volunteers are an essential part of the Central Pennsylvania Chapter.

This Tuesday we are shining the spotlight on volunteer Larry Adams. Larry is a participant turned mentor and marathon coach for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training program. Team In Training is the world’s largest sports endurance program that trains individuals to complete a full or half marathon, a 100-mile cycle ride or a triathlon in exchange for raising funds for LLS’s mission. Each Team In Training volunteer participant is paired with a coach and mentor to guide them to the finish line as well as an honored teammate, a blood cancer patient, to provide inspiration.

Name: Larry Adams

In school/working/retired?: work at Harrisburg Area Community College

How long have you been volunteering with LLS?: Started as a participant and did my first marathon in January 2003.　 Became a mentor the following year, 2004 and started coaching in 2006.

What got you started?: My son Marcus is a leukemia survivor. He was diagnosed at age seven. Five years after his treatments ended, Anne and I decided that Team in Training would be an ideal way to "give back" for the blessing of Marcus reaching his 5-year survival mark.  He is now 24 years old and is a testament to what research can help make possible.

How many Team In Training events have you participated in?: As a fund raising participant, 3. As a mentor and coach, I’ve lost count.　

What is the funniest thing you’ve seen at a marathon?: Some of the costumes that people wear. Two from last year’s San Diego Rock ‘N Roll Marathon stand out. One was a guy with a very large diaper, no shirt, and a large inflatable monkey on his back. The monkey had a matching diaper and extended at least 4 feet above the guy’s head so you could see him running in the crowd from a long way. The other was a woman wearing only bright red lace panties and a plain cotton t-shirt.　 Given the woman’s size and age, it really wasn’t as attractive as one might think. Funny – yes, but sexy – not really.　

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

What about running makes you smile? Seeing the joy people have completing their first half or full marathon for Team In Training.　

Where is the best place you’ve run? Why?: For an event, Lake Placid because of the beautiful countryside and the town. For training, anywhere around Messiah College because of the beautiful countryside and the special feeling of having conquered the hills.

What is your favorite thing to do after an event?: Once the ice bath is finished, meet up with other TNT folks, and the new participants and have a shot of tequila to celebrate!

What hobbies or activities do you enjoy in your free time?: reading, traveling, home projects, and most recently bicycling with friends.

To learn more about volunteering for LLS, contact us at 717.652.6520.

Volunteers Swing Into Action Against Blood Cancers

I can’t say it enough – we can’t effectively fight cancer without volunteers. I was reminded of this when I attended the first E&E Golf Tournament on Saturday, May 26 at Monroe Valley Golf Club in Jonestown. The team at E&E Metal Fab. Inc in Lebanon and 144 golfers raised an impressive $8,150.00 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).

The Erb family rallied behind the mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in memory of beloved nephew and son, Chris Erb. Many golfers from all over Lancaster and Lebanon counties participated in honor of family and friends. Others, out just to enjoy a beautiful day of golf, were inspired by a mission message from Pennsylvania Senator Mike Folmer, who was recently diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

The E&E Metal Fab. Inc. "family" and their dedication to our mission to cure blood cancers, does more than encourage patients and their families. The proceeds fund critical research and provides for patient services such as the Central PA Blood Cancer Conference and Co-Pay Assistance. E&E makes the mission happen!

Pictured from left to right: Willie Erb (CEO, E&E Metal Fab. Inc.), Liane Erb (Secretary and Treasurer,
E&E Metal Fab. Inc.), Dave Erb (CAD Design, E&E Metal Fab. Inc. and Golf Tournament Chair),
Beth Mihmet (The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) and Steve Erb (President, E&E Metal Fab. Inc.)

TNT Back From San Diego!

Congrats to the 15 strong Central PA Chapter Team In Training participants who completed the Rock N Roll San Diego Marathon! The TEAM spent three fabulous days on the west coast with great weather! GO TEAM!