http://www.active.com/donate/tntsofl/AshleyEllis To all my friends and family, Do you believe in karma? Two years ago I made a decision that ended up having a much bigger impact on my life than I ever imagined. As some of you know, in January of 2006 I signed up to participate in the Mayor's Midnight Sun Marathon in Anchorage, Alaska with Team in Training. I trained for five hard months and finished the marathon, all while raising $4980.00 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. My motivations were originally to get in shape and complete a goal of finishing a marathon. I also wanted to raise money for cancer research, as a friend had recently lost his father to cancer. I ended up getting so much more out of the experience than just completing a marathon. Two years ago I was a single mother and a waitress, struggling to figure out what I wanted out of life. I was going to school for nursing, but I wasn't passionate about it. I just felt kind of lost. Then I met my boyfriend, Chris, through Team in Training. Chris, who is a police officer, inspired me to pursue my own aspirations of going into law enforcement. I applied and got hired with a local police department, embarking on another journey of completing the police academy and field training. Now here I am, two years after that fateful Team in Training meeting that I went to on a whim. I'm madly in love with my boyfriend of two years. I get up every day excited to go to work in a job that's like a dream to me. I can honestly say I wouldn't be here without Team in Training and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. For this, I've decided to give back in thanks for all I have been given. I've once again signed up to complete an endurance event with Team in Training. This time, I am going to participate in the Tri-Miami Triathalon, on May 4, 2008 in Key Biscayne. My goal is to raise $1800.00 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, in hopes of some day finding a cure for the blood cancers that are so prevalent in the world today. I am running in honor of my best friend's mother, who lost her battle with cancer last year. Any contribution, large or small, is greatly appreciated. Help me make a difference! Ashley Ellis http://www.active.com/donate/tntsofl/AshleyEllis | 
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