Unrelated!
Well, it’s not Japanese, but I’m sure people in Japan are just as affected by it as we are. In fact, include all of the world while we’re at it.
I’m going to level with all of you loyal readers. Reader. Earl, loyal Earl.
I lead a pretty boring life full of unexcitement. I get up, go to work, go train, go to sleep and repeat. Everything that I do, I do for myself: I go to work for a paycheque every two weeks, I go train to improve my skills, I eat what I want when I want.
That’s a fine attitude when you’re new to independence, fresh out of high school, away from the parents and siblings, the world is a big prairie oyster waiting to be swallowed.
Except I’m 26, 8 years past high school and well-integrated into the working world.
Sure, I want to go compete and win at the world level of grappling; at Grapplers Quest, at NAGA, at the World Combat Games, but it’s still out of a fleeting desire to satisfy myself.
So one day on my way to get a coffee after work, I caught a radio ad about Orlando and a marathon. Intrigued, I managed to remember the phrase “Team In Training” long enough to get to my computer and Google it. What came up was something that has the ability to change lives forever. And not just mine.
Team In Training (or TNT for short) is an organization that helps athletes run, walk or triathlon (yes, I’m making it a verb now) for charity. Beyond the physical training is the fundraising aspect, where participants can gain one-on-one guidance on how to raise money.
In particular, TNT is a part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (hereby LLS), and 75% of all proceeds raised go directly to helping find a cure for blood cancers. That is an important number, many other groups and societies out there can only manage 50% of all proceeds or even less. To hear that only the bare minimum is kept simply to keep TNT going is great.
Almost ironically, one of my lymph nodes in my neck became enlarged when I wasn’t sick. After getting a variety of tests done, the doctors are pretty sure it’s nothing harmful, unless it gets bigger or starts hurting more often. Enlarged lymph nodes have been a common symptom of lymphoma. I have one more scheduled visit to go before I get the final “all clear” for this particular stress-ball. (See, positive thinking! Otherwise I don’t get any sleep)
I’m participating in a half-marathon and my goal is to raise the minimum of $3200 for LLS. Why such a large amount? Because the event is in Disney World. Y’know, the one in Orlando, Florida. Literally inside the park. They will close the park to the public on October 1st so we can show our stuff and run to cure blood cancers. 75% of $3200 is still $2400, no minor contribution. Everything raised after the $3200 mark goes completely to the LLS.
Why am I telling all of you all of this? Because I would like your help defeating Leukemia, Lymphoma and all those other nasties that afflict people. Please sponsor me in this run.
-The first 75 donors will have the option of receiving my custom unit patch and a bit of Canadian Pride completely free.
-If you are local-ish to my location and train in martial arts, donate on behalf of your school. The school with the highest total donations shall gain my services for a class/seminar/day to be the technique demonstration dummy. (Restrictions are mainly the Lower Mainland region in B.C., Kamloops/Kelowna/Vernon in B.C. and Edmonton/Calgary in Alberta. The possibility of Washington state is not out of the question. Details can be worked out)
-If you are the donor with the highest total donation (not on behalf of any organization) and live outside of Canada, I shall send you a uniquely Canadian gift.
-If you are the donor with the highest total donation (not on behalf of any organization) and live inside of Canada, I shall return with a gift from Orlando for you.
More may be added over time. Donations can be made via the link provided or you can head to TeamInTraining.ca, click the “Find a Participant” button at the top of the page, select the “between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012” option, click the “Sponsor a Participant” and search for “Kiyoshi Perkins”.
Or, follow this link! http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=1147190&langPref=en-CA
If you are having browser difficulties, you can copy and paste the URL into your browser’s address bar.
Thank you all for your time.
–CanadaMan/Kiyoshi
