...Whew...

I've taken a bit of a break from my fundraising, between events, and even slacked a little bit on running (but, have done the Vegas Half Marathon just 3 weeks ago) and now it is time to get myself back in gear! 

I never posted pictures from my NIKE Women's Marthon so, I will get on that tomorrow.  Look for a new post!  I truly can't believe I'm saying this but, I'm ready for MORE marathons!  Yes!  I'm fundraising for the BMO Vancouver Marathon this May...and it will fulfill one of the two full-marathons I'm planning on this year.  You heard me right,...2!

My plan for 2011 is to run 10 half-marathons adn 2 full-marathons!  TNT has become a family to me...and while I continue to train with them and raise funds to END blood cancer, I've also found life-long friends who I have come to ENJOY running with.  So,...here's the beginning sketch of my running calendar (beyond my TNT training):

January 13th -
13.1 LA (half-marathon starting in Venice with Lily.)

February 6th -
Surf City (half-marathon in Huntington Beach with Lily.)

March -
Still looking for something appealing...there is one in Agoura Hills and one in Napa Valley.

April 17th -
River City (half-marathon while visiting the Coils.)

May 1st -
BMO Vancouver (full-marathon in Canada...my Mom, Dad and other family get to be there!)

June 5th -
San Diego Rock 'n' Roll (half-marathon with TNT, non-fundraising)

July 31st -
San Francisco (half-marathon running the GG Bridge...hoping my Mom and Dad will meet me!)

August 14th -
Crater Lake Rim Run (half-marathon @ altitude)

September 18th -
Maui (full-marathon...I am BEGGING to do!  Don't know that it's truly possible!)

September 18th -
Disneyland (half-marathon...my alternate to Maui & probably the race I will be doing.)

October 16th -
Nike Women's (half-marathon...back again to tackle the hills of SF with TNT, non-fundraising.)

November -
Still looking for something appealing...Two Cities is a possibility.

December 3rd -
Las Vegas Rock 'n' Roll (half-marathon...Ry wants to train too.)

So...there it is...my GOAL + $4000 of fundraising for LLS with Team In Training!  I'm in...here I go!

Changes!!!

Hi, Everyone! 

It's been a few weeks since I've posted to my training blog but, I'm still hard at work!!!  Lucas' quilt is well into the works.  The Tate family and I were able to raise over $800 in donations for Lucas...and this special, special quilt I am making him!  The last week or so, I have been accumulating all the donor names into digitized embroideries...and I am just starting to embroider them out!  The four-patch squares are all ready, the TNT square as well,...now it's time to get all these fabulous names stiched out on fabric and cut into squares I will incorporate into the quilt!

 

Besides working on embroideries on my computer, I have also swiched gears and am now fundraising for the BMO Vancouver Marathon in Vancouver, BC this May.  You'll see to the top-right of my page that my fundraising box has changed!  My NIKE fundraising totalled well over my committment of $2700 and well over my goal of $3000.  I actually closed fundraising for NIKE with $3967!  That's amazing!!!  I couldn't have done it without all of the amazing people who have donated through TNT to LLS in support of me!

My NIKE Women's Marthon run is in less than 2 weeks, now!  I am really excited!  We're into our training taper...and although I participated in the Volkslauf 2010 Mud Run this past weekend instead of training with my team Saturday morning, I am looking forward to one more long (but kinda short, comparatively) run with my team...and the send-off party this coming Sunday!  I'm ready to get my honoree names on my jersey and run that 26.2!!! 

My run isn't all that's on my mind, though.  More fundraising is!  I'm hittin' it hard...and hoping to raise $4500 more for LLS by this May!  Thank you cards to my NIKE donors are going out along side new donation requests!  I have lots of fun fundraising ideas in the works...and one BIG raffle already running:  A CIVIL WAR for my U of O and OSU friends back in my home state of Oregon!  I can't wait to see which fans donate the most to LLS and who wins the DUCK and BEAVER quilts!!!

Yea, I am really into this!  This is a GOOD thing!!!  GO TEAM!!!

The Winner of the Live, Laugh, Love Quilt Raffle is...

KAREN SALAZAR!!! 

Congratulations!!!

What a special treat! Last night, I MET Lucas, my honoree, and he drew the winning ticket of the Live, Laugh, Love Quilt Raffle! This raffle raised $1025 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!!!

Check out the pics of Lucas pulling the winning ticket!!!  LOL!  He wanted to put it back in, too!

 

A Quilt for my Honoree, Lucas!!!

I'm really excited about this...I know you will be too!

If you're here, you know I'm raising funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and running in the Nike Women's Marathon but, if you don't, you do now. Most of you know I'm a seamstress too. Read on...

There is a local little boy named Lucas Tate that I am honoring with my 26.2 mile run. (For those of you who know Mrs. Tate in the office at Colombia Elementary School, this ...is her grandson.) I want to make Lucas a quilt. Here's my plan:

I'm going use the Team In Training colors: White, purple and teal. I will embroider the Team In Training Logo on one quilt square and "I ran 4 u" with my name embroidered underneath it on another square. Here's where you come in. For a $10 donation (to LLS) I will embroider your name on a square underneath, "I donated 4 u."

The deadline for you $10 donation is: Monday, September 20th, 2010.

Here's what you need to provide me:

1) A $10 donation (cash, check to LLS, or online donation to my fundraising page.)

2) Your name or family name to be embroidered (i.e. John Doe, The Smith Family.)

3) Your address and phone # (in case I have any questions...and for "thank you's!" If you do an online donation, you enter your info there...and e-mail is generated to me with that info.

You can visit my fundraising box on this blog.  Click on 'donate' to get involved!

If you'd like to make your donation by cash or check, give me a call.

Let's make this an amazing tribute to Lucas and his battle with Leukemia!!! The complete cost of the quilt will be covered by me...it is a gift. All of the donations will go to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!

Thank you!

Hittin' the Road to Gather Donations!

Let me tell you,...my little Riley is a trooper!  He spent two days going business to business with me to gather donations of gift cards for my next raffle.  We also handed out some donation letters!  Our time proved prosperous!  You're going to love my next raffle!

Everyone likes to go out on the town...well, how about going out on the town with a chic clutch filled with goods and services gift cards!  You got it...a little bit of 'ease' on your old pocketbook!

Gift card donations came in by the plenty for me!  Thank you, GOD!!!

Look forward to seeing Target, Panera Bread, California Pizza Kitchen, Elephant Bar, Crepes, Heidi's Deli, Body Exchange, Tracy Hunt of Karma Salon, Wendy Montgomery Rock Star Toes, and Rollerama in the next raffle basket!  And guess what, I might have some more great gift cards coming!!!

Thank you to all of the generous owners and managers at the above businesses!!!  Wow,...what a blessing!

More details to come!

ReMax Golden Empire Donates $100!

Just one day after visiting the ReMax Golden Empire office their donation check was in my mailbox!!!  WOW!!!  That's fast!  Thank you for your $100 donation!!!

Totally Inspirational..."Time Is Precious!"

I can't tell you how AMAZING an experience this is!  I know I still have a ways to go with my fundraising but, I KNOW I'm going to make it there...and I feel so energized by this whole experience!  Here's a picture from our Saturday training out at Hart Park.
These people are FABULOUS!

So,...let me tell you a bit about my week!  I think I just might be the busiest person I know!!!  LOL!  No,...really, I might be.  I've been busy with my boys and all their sports...organizing, informing parents, coaching, refereeing and the list goes on but, looking at my fundraising total, I knew that I needed to get myself back out there face to face with some business owners. 

I know, I know...it's a lot of work to go from business to business and I could mail out my letters but, I think it is really important for me to share my story with people.  It is important to me that my sponsors know my sincerity!!!

I revamped my letter and reflected upon my current total.  I went to the drawing board and thought of some fun events to share with my friends, I went out an searched for food donations for parties, and I visited some businesses that I hadn't yet gone to. 

Of course, at this point, I don't know if any of my visits have brought a donation to LLS yet but, I am hopeful!  I was invited to present my story to an entire Realty office near the end of this month.  I am really looking forward to it...and am grateful to the amazing man who runs the office.  From what I gather, he is one in a million,...a true do-gooder making a difference in everything he can!  I've never met him before last Friday but, I knew of his good by the flashing sign (outside of his office) always bringing attention to charities.  From our conversation, I gathered how much he truly cares for the mission of giving to others in need!  I look forward to meeting his team soon...and will update you then!

The highlight of my week's fundraising (for my youngest son Riley, who accompanied me) was the time he spent with that same man feeding the Koi in the fabulous work courtyard at the office!  How special for that man to take the time to make my little boy's day,...during his work-day!

I'll leave you with this...a quote from his flashing sign (I mentioned above):

Time Is Precious!!!

You bet it is!  Every family out there fighting blood cancer knows this all too well!  Time IS precious!  Every second of every day that someone is able to spend with you and touch your life, is a true blessing!  I want to thank that man for touching my life by sharing the great things he does for others and for inviting me to share my story with his team! 

2 Great Events...And You Are Invited!

A Pretty Pedi Party!

Thursday, September 9th, 2010

5:30pm to 8:30pm

***

You can schedule your 20 minute pedicure
by calling Carolyn @ 378-2880

***

A $20 Donation is required

AND...

A Wine & Cheese Social!

Saturday, September 11th, 2010

6:30pm to 8:30pm

***

Bring a bottle of wine and come socialize.

(You must be 21 or older to attend!)

Wine pairings will be served.

***

A $20 Donation is required

Location:

The Clubhouse @ Jasmine Parke Luxury Apartments

All Proceeds go to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society In Support of Team in Training!

FIRM RSVPs REQUIRED to Carolyn Sherman

@ 378-2880 at least 2 days before the event!

Live, Laugh, Love Quilt Raffle

If you love my quilts...here's your chance to get one!!!

I'm raffling off a pink and green, 58" x 58", embroidered quilt backed with plush, quality minky. All proceeds go to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for my Team In Training Nike Women's Marathon Run (this October.)

Raffle tickets can be purchased by making a donation (in the amount required for the quantity you desire...see below) or by purchasing tickets through me.

...The online donation page is great if you aren't in Bakersfield!

Raffle tickets are:

1 for a $25 donation
3 for a $50 donation
7 for a $100 donation

...and I'll just throw it out there...26 for a $260 donation!

Here is the link to MY fundraising page for the LLS (go here to make your donation...and message me on FB with the amount and confirmation #, I will verify it and enter in your raffle tickets):

http://pages.teamintraining.org/cca/nikesf10/cmishlers

If you've never seen one of my quilts in person you will LOVE it!!! They are completely "my style" not like any traditional quilt. They are so comfy and cozy with their smooth minky back...you will LOVE cuddling up with it for a good read or a movie!

The raffle starts now...and tickets can be purcased through Thursday, September 16th at 5:30pm.

The winning raffle ticket will be drawn on Thursday, September 16th at 6:30pm at the Starbucks on Coffee & Hageman.

Thank you for your support!

Hillwork at Rancheria!

Yesterday was a busy day for the team.  We ran 3 hours of hillwork out at Rancheria.  We're getting up there in time and distance.  Training is going well...and we are having a great time together.  Only a few more weeks until the BIG day!  This experience has been AMAZING...and I am truly considering continuing with the team after my race is over!  I know I'll be as sore as can be after 26.2 miles on October 17th but, it will be well worth it to know that I have done a great thing teaching my son to "give back" and that the $ I've raised has helped someone, somewhere with their treatment!

Go TEAM!!!

Lucas

Facebook is an amazing thing!  Through a friends page, I have met a father who's son is in remission from ALL Leukemia...and I want to share his story.  This is exactly why I am doing this!  Every $ earned is a $ that could save someone's life!!!  Here is what Lucas' father, David, shared with me today...just before I headed out for a long 3 hour run with my TNT Team:


Carolyn,

Thank you from the bottom of our heart for chosing to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Your efforts are very inspiring. It is only with the love, support and generocity of others that Lucas is in remission from his Leukemia and still with us today!!! That, and he is a hell of a fighter too :)

Our so...n Lucas was diagnosed with infantile A.L.L. Leukemia on fathers day 2009 at the age of 7 months old. Today he is 21 months old and although he is still fighting the effects of the chemo, gross motor skill delay, recurring fevers and infections and imunosuppression issues... He is still Leukemia free!!! Lucas was treated at UCLA for the past year and I also thank you for running at UCLA to support the Mattel Childrens Hospital, they were and still are AMAZING people, who have been with us every step of the way, day and night!

The $$$ that goes to the research programs is real and so are the results!!! Due to the advancements in drug therapy (funded by research grants) for ALL Leukemia alone, children on average today are surviving Leukemia at around 90% vs. aprox. 50% back in the 80's...

Thanks again Carolyn for showing great c...ourage for your son and for taking on such an awesome task :)

Love the Tate Family (David, Kristel, Bradley and of course Lucas)

P.S. When Lucas is better we need to get together and start training with you too :)

David
 

So you can see...this mission is as IMPORTANT as can be!!!  May Lucas continue to get stronger and healthier every single day!

Here's a pic of my TNT after a 3 hour run this morning!  I was able to share Lucas' story with all of them!

The Scandia Run with Taylor!

This morning, Taylor and I ran the 10k Scandia Run while visiting my parents in Junction City, OR.  He finished in 55.2 minutes...ahead of my 56.4 minutes!  

Good Job, Taylor!!  I'm so proud of you! 

He wasn't one of the top 3 finishers for his age group (Boys 1-14) but, he was probably in the top 5!

Funny thing, this morning he said, "Mom,...we've run all Summer!"  I agreed and reminded him, "You've been well all Summer, too!"  Isn't that great!

Here's a picture of Taylor with my best friend, Tina, of 33 years!  He's her God-Mother and honorary Aunt!

Oregon Track Club ~ All-Comers Kids Track Meet

So,...I've shared with you my commitment to my son Taylor.  I couldn't be more sincere about what I am doing!  I'm a mommy, wanting my little boy as healthy as can be!  This past year has been tough for him...and I want to help him in anyway I can!  I don't want him ill; I don't want him questioning why he has been so sick; I don't want him to take anything for granted but, I DO want him to know, that whatever the day holds for him...and whatever HURDLES God may challenge him with...I am there for him 100%!

I am proud to say...(while I cross my fingers) that Taylor has NOT had a fever for 6 weeks now! 

Not and extreme fever of 105, not even a mild fever of 99!  It's Summer...and that may have something to do with it, but that's okay.  TIME is important...and this Summer TIME is to his benefit!

Yesterday, Taylor continued his commitment to himself.  He attended and competed with both of his brothers in the Oregon Track Club ~ All-Comers Track Meet. 

We didn't plan this event...we didn't even know about it!  Facebook is AMAZING!  Through networking and friendship, my childhood friend, Holly, shared with me this fun event since she knew we were visiting Oregon.  The boys were all for it, so we went down to the LEGENDARY Hayward Field at the U of O and signed the boys up for the meet! 

3 bucks per kid...3 events each! 

Taylor (8) competed in the Shot Put, the 100 meter dash, and the 400 meter run!

Cody (6) competed in the Shot Put, the 60 meter dash, and the 200 meter run!

Riley (4) competed in the Shot Put, the 60 meter dash, the 200 meter run, and the Long Jump!

(LOL!  Riley did 4 events because I couldn't keep him away from the sand...he wanted to jump in it!)

I hope you enjoy the pictures!  To me, they are priceless!  I am so proud of my boys! 

While my Taylor is getting better everyday, we are focusing on his health, his activity, my running, and the commitment WE have made to help kids who aren't as well. 

Today, I have raised $1336 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!

I just mailed off two envelopes of donations to the Central California Chapter of LLS!

'Pretty Pedi Night' & 'Pretty Purse Raffle' ~ Oregon

Tuesday, August 3rd, I enjoyed a quaint 'Pretty Pedi Night' with some great friends!  Thank you, Lyndley, April and Tina for coming and having some good laughs, good food, and fancy toes!!!  It was a blast, ladies!

The evening started off my 'Pretty Purse Raffle' too! 

I brought some great fabrics from Strawberry Patches with me to Oregon to make a special project to raffle off!  After some thought, I decided it might make a few projects!  I hit the fabric store and found a pattern I loved.  I know, I know...I rarely use a pattern...I like to CREATE my own.  I bought a pattern though.  I mixed and matched and came up with a cute fabric combination.  Here's the result!  It's GORGEOUS!

(Forgive me the thread that needs trimmed!  LOL!)

I opened my raffle up on Facebook.  I made an event...and invited people to purchase tickets by making a donation on my fundraising page.  The girls at the 'Pretty Pedi Party' purchased tickets there.  Others have made their donations online and I have enter tickets into the bucket for them! 

So far, my biggest raffle ticket purchase is from Tom Clobes! 

$100 in raffle tickets for his wife, Mera!  Yea, Tom!!!

The winner will be drawn on Friday evening at 6:30pm!

SURPRISE!!!

Yesterday morning, I set out for my 'long' run of the week.  I've been estimating how many miles I've been running, since I don't have the Garmin personal training watch I would love to have.  I thought I had run 15 miles.  Guess what!!!  I drove my course in the evening (after my lovely Family Reunion) and I actually ran 18.7 miles!  WOW!!!  I'm proud of myself!

Guess I've been running longer than I had thought on my shorter days too...not that they are that short! 

Now, a day of rest!!! :)

Baja Fresh Fundraiser Night Profits $50!

For a very, very last minute fundraiser, I was grateful that the Baja Fresh Fundraiser Night from two Saturday's ago profited $50 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!  I am so glad that all the last minute flyer hand-outs brought in some money for the cause!  Every $ helps!!!

A BIG thanks to my little helpers ~ PJ, Kyle, AJ, Alyssa, Diego, Bivi, Taylor, Cody and Riley...and my friend, Karla! 

The San Francisco Progressive Marathon With My Boys!

On Sunday, the 25th, my oldest two boys and I ran in the San Francisco Progressive Marathon.  It was a great experience and an amazing accomplishment for my boys.  Taylor is my 8 years old and Cody is 6 years old.  Taylor and I decided to run this race many months ago...when we were making 'small' goals towards rebuilding his lungs.  Cody couldn't be left out!  He did second guess himself as we started packing on the miles in the two weeks prior to the race, but he kept with it!  Taylor is amazing when it comes to endurance!!!  You would NEVER think that he's had the year he has had this past year.  He's a champ...all the way.  He never complains, and he never gives up!  I am so proud of my boys!  Unfortunately, the 100 yd. dash for little ones, was full and Riley did not get to participate.  He enjoyed cartoons with Grandpa, instead!  Lucky him!  LOL!  He stayed out of the freezing, SF wind!

Their marathon shirts and medals will be quite the 'show-and-tell' items!

***

After San Francisco...we headed further North to Oregon where my parents live.  I started out my first day here with a nice 7 mile run in COOL WEATHER!  How nice!  I have a friend, Kelly, here who finished the Pac Crest Triathalon last month with Team In Training, and we hope to get in some runs together.  The Scandi Run in Junction City is my next race.  It's a 10k in the little town of Junction City, just outside of Eugene...where I grew up!  The run is part of the Scandinavian Festival that Junction City celebrates each year.  It has been one of my favorite parts of my childhood and I am grateful to share it with my kids.  Check back for more pictures and updates!

'Bunco Night' Fundraiser

We had a small group last night to play Bunco, but we had a great time...and $100 went to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!  We enjoyed some yummy Key Lime Pie and lots of dice rolling! 

The raffle for the evening was a great, apple green purse, pretty scarf,

and fabulous bamboo jasmine soy candle!!! 

And, the WINNER is...

TRENA ALEXANDER!!!!

Thanks to all my wonderful friends for attending 'Bunco Night' and supporting my training with Team In Training and my fundraising for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!

In Just 4 Days...

Taylor, Cody and I will be completing the San Francisco Progressive Marathon, together! 

I made a promise to Taylor to help him re-build his lungs by being healthy and running short races together...well, he has taken that to heart!  Cody (6) has joined in too!  These past 10 days, we have been running and walking our miles to accumulate 23.1 miles before the morning of July 25th.  Grandma and Grandpa Mishler will be coming down from Oregon to cheer us on while we complete the last 3.1 miles of our Progressive Marathon in San Francisco this Sunday.  Check back soon for photos!

FYI - Little Riley (4) will attempt the 100 yard dash.  He wants a medal too!

From a Mom to a Mom!

"Encourage one another," that's how she closes her writing on her blog!

Just over three years ago, I moved to Bakersfield not sure of whether or not I would really like it here.  I must admit that this hot, dirty, oil town has grown on me tremendously...and become a wonderful family town in my eyes!  A big part of my comfort here has come from a wonderful fabric shop that I must say is "my favorite."  As a seamstress, quilter and embroiderer, I have found a wonderful home for my fabric purchases here in Bakersfield and almost NEVER shop anywhere else.  This wonderful store is Strawberry Patches.  I love Strawberry Patches so much, I sometimes find myself there EVERY day of the week!

Over the past three years, I've come to know the owner (Suzanne) and staff at Strawberry Patches pretty well.  They have been there as somewhat of a "therapy" for this mom who has had such ups and downs trying to get and keep her son well.  They've listened to our hardships throughout Taylor's illness...and inquired about his health along the way...and they've always provided me the release that I've so needed by having the best selection of fabrics for me to create with.

Suzanne too is a mom...and a mom with a sick child.  Her son has ALS (Lou Gerig's Disease.)  She blogs on her blog "Notes from the Patch" about fabric, embroidery, family, faith and endless topics.  Reading her blog is instant encouragement.  Encouragment to be better, have fun, and enjoy life!  She is wonderful at sharing...and I appreciate every effort she gives to her family, her buisness and her clients.

Today, Suzanne gave me a donation of $300 towards my Nike Women's Marathon run and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  A generous gift, indeed...a gift from a mom to a mom!  You see, I know Suzanne has walked more difficult days than me as a mom, fighting for her son, and helping her family.  She feels my mission to give back and teach my young Taylor that we are blessed, no matter how hard each day is, how sick he may get, or how much better he feels right now.

So thank you, Suzanne!  You are someone to admire!

Encourage one another,

Carolyn

Crazy Idea to Raise Funds by 'Dancing with Ellen!'

Okay, okay...so I spend a lot of my time (lately) trying to come up with creative fundraising ideas!  Well,...I came up with a really crazy idea...and while it is a total LONGSHOT, I took a SHOT!  LOL!

Here's what I did...

I wrote the Ellen show and asked them to help me raise $500 for LLS!

I took a chance,...I e-mailed her show.  Who knows if anyone will EVER even read my e-mail, but if you never take a SHOT, you never get a HIT!!! 

Here's what I wrote her,...and what my idea is:

I'm asking Ellen to help me raise funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by letting me, my son (whos' lungs failed as a complication of H1N1) a friend, their son (who has just finished chemo for Leukemia) and 20 of our friends come on the show to 'Dance with Ellen!'

Here's my plan to raise $500 dollars with the help of Ellen! If your staff could provide us 24 tickets (4 for the above stated individuals) and 20 for me to raise a $25 donation (ea.) to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in support of my Team In Training Nike Women's Marathon run, I would be eternally grateful! I would love to bring my donors to the Ellen show to 'dance with Ellen!'

Here is my Team In Training website for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Please read my story and learn why I am making this commitment to raise funds for LLS...and teach my son (who has been through a tramatic medical year) that we can give back to those who are experiencing even more medical tragedy than we have these past months.

My website is: http://pages.teamintraining.org/cca/nikesf10/cmishlers

This is a CRAZY idea, but we LOVE Ellen in this house...and love to dance with her. She brings smiles to our faces, even on tough, sick-days. Let us come dance with her & raise funds for a noble cause!

My personal goal this training season is $3000. You can help me raise $500 with this fundraising event! Every dollar makes a world of difference to those suffering from blood cancers...and every dollar makes a world of difference to me as a mom of a sick child who I am sharing a mission of giving back with!

Thank you for your consideration!

Carolyn Mishler Sherman

Mom & Team Member of the Central California Chapter of Team In Training; raising funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

***

Who knows,...maybe we'll get to go and 'Dance with Ellen!'

I'll keep you posted!

Brian Waterbury 2010 Rock to Pier 10k for Our Long Run Day!

This morning I woke up in Morro Bay, ready to run the Rock to Pier!  I must admit, I didn't even think about weather.  Leaving Bakersfield's 105 to start a race at 54 was a definate climate change.  The run was beautiful.  6.2 mile of packed sand (with a little section of rock.)  It was a great training day! 

Some of the Team (and Michele's boys) at the finish of the run!

Baja Fresh Fundraiser Night!!!

I'm excited to share that I will be doing a fundraiser night at

Baja Fresh on Ming Ave.

Saturday, July 17th from 5-9pm!

15% of all orders placed (with a fundraising flyer) will go to

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

in support of my Nike Women's Marathon 2010 run!!!

It's short notice, but I'm hoping to do the best I can to get a lot of customers to the event with a fundraising flyer!  So, if your looking to dine out on Saturday evening...please choose Baja Fresh on Ming Ave.

If you need a flyer, contact me @ 378-2880

My First Company Donation Check!!!

I can't tell you how excited I was to open the mail today and find my first company donation!!!

Thank you so much, Jameson Specialties!!!  I am so grateful for your support!!!

'Pretty Pedi Night' Fundraiser & Raffle!

  

What a fabulous success!!! 

Monday, July 12, 2010 I threw a 'Pretty Pedi Night' & Raffle!

I am happy to share with you...I raised $400 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!

  I couldn't be more thankful to Mera and Marlana for being my 'pedicure' helpers.  We baked up some yummy Italian food and set it out for the party guests.  Marlana's adorable daughters, Morgan & Mia, hosted by serving food and selling tickets to the raffle basket. 

It included the following fabulous donations:

A Europhoria 'Clear My Head' Hair & Scalp Treatment

A Europhoria 'Recipe for a Beautiful Tan'

A Karma Salon Certificate for a Hair Cut & Style by Tracy Hunt

A Karma Salon Certificate for a Brazilian Wax by Leah Chavez

A 'Rock Star Toes' Certificate by Wendy Montgomery

And...the lucky raffle basket winner was...Debbie Tinoco!!!

We had a fabulous evening and our guests left with wonderful, pedicured feet!

Mommy On A Mission ~ My Story

Welcome to my Team In Training blog!  I'm here to share my Team In Training experience with you!  I hope you'll enjoy all of my updates and pictures as I start this journey!  Here is my story...

Hi, my name is Carolyn Mishler Sherman and I’ve taken on an enormous task! I’m training for the Nike Women’s Marathon on October 17, 2010, in San Francisco with Team In Training.

I’m a Bakersfield stay-at-home mom of 3 young boys, a soccer coach, a basketball and baseball team mom, and a school volunteer. This will be my first marathon and I am excited to share with you why I’ve chosen to run a full marathon and why I’ve chosen Team In Training to prepare for it. I’ve made a commitment to raise $3000 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to help find a cure for blood cancers. 75% of every dollar goes towards research and local programs. You can help by making a donation in support of my training and marathon run.

Team In Training helps prepare individuals to participate in endurance events. That in itself is a great task. What is more impressive about Team In Training is that they have made an enormous commitment to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to raise funds to help stop leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma from taking more lives. What an honorable mission!

Why am I choosing to train with Team In Training and raise funds with them? Personally, I have only known one person who suffered from leukemia; a child of a good friend of mine. I’m glad to say that he is a survivor! I’m taking on this challenge in honor of him, his family, and all those who’ve walked in their shoes.

Why am I choosing to run a full marathon? My reason is my oldest son! In October of 2009, my 8 year old son, Taylor, fell very ill to H1N1. This simple flu wasn’t something he was able to overcome and heal from on his own. His flu progressed into severe pneumonia and led him into lung failure. He was put on a life-flight to, and treated at, Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera, CA. As you can imagine, this was a frightening experience as a parent, and I am lucky to say, Taylor came home with us.

Over the past months, Taylor, has suffered from periodic fevers every two to three weeks, often 105 degrees. It has been heartbreaking for him and our family! When he’s well, he’s well and when he’s sick, he’s extremely sick. We’ve struggled to find an answer as to why he has been sick so often. Obviously, we were advised when his lungs failed, that it would take a lot of time for his body to heal completely…even years. We just didn’t expect him to go through such highs and lows…and for them to be so often. We have finally found the right team of doctors with some answers and treatment. We are grateful that Taylor is not seriously ill, just that he needs time to grow out of this traumatic event.

Taylor is my reason for choosing to be as active and healthy as possible! I have 3 wonderful, little boys who deserve the best examples to be set for them. Why not show them that, not only can we do good things for ourselves, but also do good things for others at the same time. Not only am I training, but Taylor is too! He's running to rebuild his lungs. In May we ran the Bruin Run benefitting Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA, and in July we have another run planned! Cody, my 6 year old son, will be joining us too! What a great opportunity to lead by example. I'm working hard to be healthy and achieve something...and they are too!

The experience my family has had this past year (with a sick child) doesn’t even compare to the magnitude of those fighting blood cancers. As a mom, I take this to heart. Team In Training offered me an opportunity to give back to others fighting for their lives and I hope you’ll help me achieve my goal of raising $3000 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society while training for my first marathon.

Please make a donation to support my participation in The Nike Women’s Marathon with Team In Training and help advance LLS's mission of finding a cure to blood cancers. It’s simple. You can make an easy, online donation on my Team In Training donation page:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/cca/nikesf10/cmishlers

I encourage you to visit my blog and donation page often. Be sure to check back frequently to see my progress!

Thank you for your support!

Sincerely,

Carolyn J. Mishler Sherman