Training To Beat Leukemia

Each day for almost twenty years, Robert Hollis faced the prospect of walking into a burning building as a member of the Syracuse Fire Department. For the past few months, each day has presented him with a different kind of challenge - training for a half marathon run. Hollis agreed to participate in a fund raising run for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) of Central New York.

"It's a different kind effort than I'm used to," says Hollis, "but nothing compared to what those who spend their days battling leukemia endure."

The LLS has a special program called Teams in Training, or TNT, that allows people to participate in different types of athletic fund raisers all over the US. Hollis will be completing his 13.1 miles at the Lake Placid Olympic Village on June 10th, along with other participants from Central New York and across the country. This half marathon course is a tour of the 1980 Olympics from the ski jumps and famed hockey arena to the finish line on the speed skating oval.

The TNT program is fairly unique, allowing each participant to collect donations on an individualized web page, and to complete events of all types - triathalons, bike rides, and runs - in locations of their choosing. Participants can train for their chosen event, and travel almost anywhere in North America to participate. The fund raising, and the athletic events, are no longer constrained by geographic or political boundaries.

"I could have entered the bike ride in Lake Tahoe (NV), but I love New York State's scenery."

Hollis is not, by nature or inclination, a runner. But public service and caring for his neighbors is ingrained. Even the company he started after his retirement has as one of it's missions to give a portion of the revenue to charities like the Rescue Mission.

"The TNT program provides participants with coaches," explains Hollis. "Even though I'll probably walk the distance, rather than run, the coaches have been there to motivate the teammates, and provide training tips. They help me, and I'm getting back in shape. The program is a Win-Win."

The LLS has set Hollis's fundraising goal for the run as $1,900.

"It's pretty steep, but I'm sure the community will get behind the local team. I wouldn't do this if I didn't believe in people, and I believe in our community because I've seen them come through time after time."

Donation and other information for the local Team in Training can be found at:

http://www.teamintraining.org/

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Maura Donovan (maura.donovan@LLS.org) - CNY LLS 315-471-1050
Robert Hollis (candyman@rlhollisassociates.com) 315-476-6668