John Park's Champions: WHY I am doing TNT this season

John Park Jr.
My first TNT coach -
ALL my fundraising for the season will be going
toward having a LLS grant named in his memory 

I've done three marathons with Team in Training and I am lucky enough to have just a small number of personal connections to the mission - but through all of the seasons, I've been able to meet some amazing people who do have personal and very close connections to blood cancer.

You may think that I am doing this season just because it is in Hawaii. Yes that is a reason - but just a very small part. The reason why I am participating in TNT this spring season is for John Park Jr.

If you have read this blog in the past, you will know that John Park Jr was my first coach with Team In Training. He devoted himself to Team In Training, not only as a coach but also as a participant. He reached SO many people's lives and even months after his passing, the amount of love that has been shown in his memory is incredibly moving.

Personally, without John, I probably would not have crossed that first - or any - of the finish lines. He was more than a coach, he was a friend, a motivator and a great inspiration to me and I know I would not continue with TNT if not for him.

So this year, I am running in the memory of John. I am going to cross the finish line in honor of him - I am going to keep going, not give up and continue his legacy through the season.

Additionally, the National Capital Area Chapter of Team in Training has created a sub team called John Park's Champions. The goal of this team is to raise $100,000 in honor of John - after which we will name a LLS grant in his memory. You can follow along with the progress at the blog linked above in addition to learning more about how John reached so many people's lives.

All of my fundraising money will go toward this team, in hopes to honor John and all he did for TNT. So, as you are donating - please do it in honor of John and all he has done for so many people just like me.

Click below to donate:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/nca/anttry12/samperry