Diane Wentworth
Diagnosis: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
Date of Diagnosis: November 2008
I have CLL – chronic lymphocytic leukemia. I have leukemia. Sometimes I have to say it out loud to believe it. I was diagnosed less than two years ago and since I am still in the watch and wait stage, I can go a whole day without thinking about it – that is, until I get so suddenly exhausted my knees literally give out from under me.
Then, a few weeks ago, I serendipitously met Virginia and the Team in Training at my local library while I was there to pick up a book. Although I had talked to friends and relatives about it, I had never talked to anyone else who HAD leukemia. And here was a whole room of people who either were survivors themselves or who were willing to raise money and run a marathon for someone they knew or who had known with leukemia or lymphoma. I can’t tell you how embraced I felt in that room in the library.
When Virginia suggested that I become an Honored Teammate, I had very mixed feelings. I am the ultimate “non-joiner.” But then when I thought of what each of you is doing for me – how could I not become the best Honored Teammate that I can be. I may not be able to make it to your early morning training runs, but
I’ll do my best to keep in touch with each of you in other ways.
So please feel free to e-mail me and tell me about yourself; why you’re running; how your training is going. In turn, I’ll let you know how I’m doing and maybe brag a little bit about Hailey, my beautiful granddaughter. I want so much to be around to watch Hailey become a woman. Your efforts will help me do that. Thank you thank you thank you.
