Active for a Cause – By Olivia M.

They participated in marathons, triathlons, and various events around Colorado and raised money to donate to The Challenged Athletes Foundation, an incredible organization that helped me become active again by providing funding for me to practice pool and continues to support thousands of athletes with disabilities around the globe.

I love the idea that there are ways for people to challenge themselves, be active, and healthy, and raise money and awareness at the same time.

Last year, I attended a few century rides to support my friends who were participants, and I was exposed to Team in Training for the first time.  On the morning of the first ride, the Denver Century, I set up on top of Lookout Mountain with my djembe drum, to cheer the riders up the steep climb.  It was just me and a friend sitting at the tranquil, wooded intersection outside the Buffalo Bill Museum, until an SUV crammed with people pulled in.  They were all clad in purple, decorated with shimmering purple and green beaded necklaces and feathers, carrying signs of support, and wearing huge smiles.  They were part of TNT.  They happily grabbed some shakers that I had brought and one even took a drum stick to bang on a chair and as the cyclists began crawling up the mountain, we made a cacophony of music.  Everyone was cheered for and encouraged, but as the TNT riders arrived, they were embraced by their entire team.  It was an incredible experience to be a part of.

My friend has been part of TNT as a participant and Mentor for multiple years and, this year, he is a Captain.  His story is heartwarming and inspirational, as are those of his fellow members and their Team Heroes, and it is extremely inspiring to see how much they are doing to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma society.

I am so excited to have been able to provide a small support of my own by designing a fund raising tee for this cause.