Leukemia struggles can, too, be a laughing matter

By Irene Bowers

Correspondent

Endurance athletes aren't necessarily born strong, but find the resolve needed to push beyond their limits.

The same may be said of cancer patients and their loved ones, which is why Virginia Beach resident Lisa Kline will run her first half-marathon this October to support her husband.

It also explains why comedian and cancer survivor Robert Schimmel will use his appearance at Funny Bone Comedy Club on Sunday to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Hampton Roads Chapter of Team in Training, also known as "TNT." (The society goes by the call letters "LLS.")

Athletes, cancer crusaders and this comedian understand the endurance needed to beat leukemia.

TNT members raise money by committing to race in accredited events around the country.

"We give them personalized fitness training, team support and travel expenses," said Danielle Smith, TNT campaign manager for Hampton Roads. "In turn, 75 cents of every dollar spent goes to LLS for research and patient services."

Two events have been organized at the comedy club by a local TNT. Schimmel, who was named one of the 100 greatest stand-ups by Comedy Central, survived Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and wrote "Cancer on $5 a Day, Chemo Not Included."

He agreed to help with a private dinner for 100 people from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Dinner costs $40 and includes door prizes from Town Center merchants and sponsors.

Additionally, Funny Bone has allowed TNT to sell advance tickets at $25 per person for Schimmel's scheduled 7 p.m. performance, which includes reserved seating in front and the chance to win a copy of his book. The club will donate $1 of each ticket sale to TNT.

"Our team has eight women, each of whom has committed to raising $4,200 for the Nike Women's Marathon to Benefit Leukemia and Lymphoma," said Jenn Sloggie-Pierce, a Hampton Roads Chapter TNT mentor and fundraising organizer. The race will be held in October in San Francisco.

"We hope to fill 100 seats," she said.

Kline is one of the team. Her husband was diagnosed with leukemia eight months ago.

"To say our world changed is an understatement, but he is holding his own," she said.

A self-described couch potato, Kline surprised herself and her family by accepting a challenge from personal trainer Suzi Pease to run the LLS half-marathon.

"Training and fundraising for LLS gives people control in a situation where they have no control," said Pease, who owns Temple Fitness and is a TNT coach. "It allows them to focus on helping others and saving lives."

"I am running for my husband, for research and cures, and to give back to a wonderful organization," Kline said.

But the race is also personal.

"When I cross the finish line," she said, "I will know I have the endurance for anything, to push beyond what I once expected for myself and make the best of it."

Irene Bowers, bowersi@aol.com