Grayson Couple Run for a Cure

Grayson resident Marie Ferrell started her journey with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training (TNT) by running a marathon in Nashville in 2007. She thought it would be a great way to honor her sister, Julie, who lost her battle to leukemia in 2006.

Her husband, Ed, started with Team In Training by running the same marathon the following year in 2008. He had accompanied Marie throughout her training in 2007 and enjoyed the experience so much that he decided to sign up. They both have been involved with TNT ever since.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training program is the country’s largest charity-based sports endurance training program. Since 1988, over half a million participants nationwide have taken part in marathons, half marathons, triathlons, cycling events and even hike adventures all while raising over $1.32 billion for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Together, Marie and Ed have completed 28 events with Team in Training as participants, mentors, or coaches. Marie successfully completed the 2012 TNT Publix Georgia Half Marathon that took place throughout historic Atlanta. She was a member of the 2012 TNT Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon Team in San Diego. Aside from Team In Training, Ed is an avid long-distance runner and has completed over 200 races. For the last three years, Ed has taken part in the Tahoe Triple, which consists of three consecutive marathons around Lake Tahoe in three days.

Despite all the miles they have covered, what really matters to them is the support they have received from their network of friends and families. Marie and Ed estimate that they have raised $21,000 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in all of their events.

“I stay with Team In Training because there is no cure,” said Marie, describing her motivation for running.

Ed says TNT is their second family. “We consider it an honor to get the opportunity to train and work with so many dedicated and selfless individuals each year. We know we are making a difference in the fight to end blood cancers.”

Marie and Ed will coach the TNT Publix Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon Teams in 2013, as well as the Nike Women’s Half Marathon Team in Gwinnett County.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ® (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.  

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training (TNT) is the country’s largest charity based sports endurance training program offering participants the opportunity to take part in marathons, half marathons, triathlons, cycling events and hiking adventures while fundraising to help the fight against blood cancer. Team In Training is currently recruiting teams for summer season events including the America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride at Lake Tahoe in June  and the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon & ½ Marathon in California in June.

Visit their website to learn more.