Hartman Family Runs to Cure Cancer
Nataleigh Hartman has become the spark that turned her leukemia into an inspirational family affair that has touched the lives of hundreds of people within and outside of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).
The Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) survivor was chosen as this years’ “Girl of the Year,” an honor where a selected local child battling blood cancer serves as motivation and inspiration to Man & Woman of the Year candidates. Man & Woman is a national campaign and competition that raises money for LLS. The Toledo event was held on Friday, June 21st.
“Nataleigh thinks she is famous now,” her parents said after the event. “Everyone with LLS has been great. We are so glad the event has made its way to the Toledo area and were honored that Nataleigh was chosen.”
Participation with LLS has since turned into a family affair, as both Doug and Janell have become increasingly involved with Team In Training® (TNT), another national LLS campaign in which participants are coached and trained to finish an endurance event – a century (100-mile) cycle ride, half marathon, full marathon, or triathlon – all the while raising funds to find cures for cancer.
Doug first joined TNT in 2007 – only eight months after Nataleigh (age 16 mos) was diagnosed with ALL – and completed the Cleveland half marathon that year as his first event.
“We love the fact that so much money is raised for research to cure blood cancers,” Doug said.
Since its inception in 1988, more than 570,000 participants like Doug have raised more than $1.32 billion to help fund blood cancer research and provide services and support to patients and families. Over 78% of the money received goes to patient aid, medical research and advocacy.
He goes on to say that they have also made lifelong friends that truly make every event worthwhile. Janell soon followed suit, and joined TNT in 2012. She recently completed her first full marathon – finishing the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati, OH – this May.
“It’s amazing how much purple we see at every event,” she said. “Just when you think you can’t run another step, there is someone with a sign or word of encouragement that keeps you running.”
And continuing to run is just what the Hartman’s plan on doing. They both say they expect to participate with TNT as long as possible. According to Executive Director of the Northern Ohio Chapter Amy Pausche, this participation is critical to finding cures.
“Every person who joins Team In Training helps bring us closer to beating cancer,” Pausche stated.
And for the participants, they absolutely see this to be true.
“We will always be grateful for TNT and LLS,” Janell said. “It is difficult to express or put into words how much we appreciate everyone that has any connection to TNT. Our daughter is a constant reminder of this and we can’t thank you enough.”
Join the Team and help Cancer Patients like Nataleigh:
Call us at 216-264-5694 to talk to one of our TNT staff about event opportunities. We will give you information about upcoming TNT events and get you connected with your mentor and coaches. It’s a great chance for anyone who has wanted to complete an endurance event or travel to a different part of the country for a good cause. Check us out online at www.teamintraining/org/noh.
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ® (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.
Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org or contact the Information Resource Center at
(800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. www.lls.org.
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Press Release Contact Name: Ellen Traylor
Press Release Contact Email: [email protected]
Press Release Contact Phone: 216.264.5694
Organization Name: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Website or Link: www.teamintraining.org/noh
Organization Address: 5700 Brecksville Rd., Independence, OH, 44131