May 2003 will mark twenty years since I graduated from high school. As a teenager, I blasted the music of Led Zeppelin through my stereo system. Posters of the legendary rock and roll band covered my bedroom walls. They were my idols.

Recently, though, I've met some people who have shown me the character of true heroes. They are not rock and roll stars. They don't appear on Access Hollywood or similar shows. They are most likely to be found in cancer centers battling leukemia and lymphoma. It is the courage demonstrated in their fight to live that inspires me to do something to make a difference.

Accordingly, I've joined the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training (North Texas Chapter). It's my second time to strap on running shoes to raise money for leukemia and lymphoma patients. Last time, I ran one half marathon. This time, I'm a mentor for other runners, and I've set a goal to run three half marathons by July 2003. The races selected are: Lost Dutchman Half Marathon, January 19 2003, Apache Junction, Arizona; Flight Line Half Marathon, April 12 2003, Lubbock, Texas; and the Mayor's Midnight Sun Half Marathon, June 21 2003, Anchorage, Alaska. Again, the primary purpose is to raise at least $3500 by May 1 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Who knows...I may lose some weight for the Class of '83 20-year reunion doing these races. That's why I've collectively dubbed them the "Get the Led Out North American Tour 2003."

I hope my efforts will testify to what Team in Training Honored Heroes have shown me: "In the midst of winter, I found within me an invincible summer." A donation can help spread that message, even to people who aren't afflicted with a life-threatening illness. Click on the links for Team and Training and Honored Heroes to learn more about my mission.

I will post race results on the Links page. You can track progress on training and fundraising elswhere on this website.