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!
To learn more about volunteering for LLS, contact us at 717.652.6520.
What hobbies or activities do you enjoy in your free time?: reading, traveling, home projects, and most recently bicycling with friends.
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