For most people, jogging through Rome on a spring day would be a wonderful experience, but for two Temple University students who are going to do so, it will be particularly rewarding.
Temple junior Elisabeth Vogels and sophomore Matt Hansen will be participating in a marathon for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society on March 23.
This 26.2 mile run will take place in Rome, Italy.
Vogels and Hansen are set to leave on March 19.
They will race to benefit those suffering from debilitating cancers.
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society provides information about these diseases on their Web site www.leukemia.org.
The site states: “Leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma are considered to be related cancers because they involve the uncontrolled growth of cells with similar functions and origins.
“The diseases result from an acquired (not inherited) genetic injury to the DNA of a single cell, which becomes abnormal (malignant) and multiplies continuously.”
“The accumulation of malignant cells interferes with the body’s production of healthy blood cells and makes the body unable to protect itself against infections.”
According to a study done by the American Cancer Society, Leukemia is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in men and women, and accounts for one-third of all cancers in children under 15.
Approximately 31,000 cases of Leukemia are diagnosed each year in the United States, and it is the cause of about 22,000 deaths per year.
With startling statistics like these, it is no wonder that concerned citizens like Vogels and Hansen are working to ease the suffering of so many.
But these two students have even more reason to participate; both Elisabeth and Matt have been touched personally by this disease.
“I have had a close friend pass away from the disease,” Vogels said.
“This gave me an outlet to help people and make me feel like I was helping and making a difference.”
Hansen also has a close friend who is currently fighting Leukemia.
When dealing with an incurable disease like Leukemia, it can be frustrating watching a loved one fight the illness.
One way that many people can do their part is by participating in events that raise funds for research and treatment of the disease.
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, as well as the American Cancer Society, have annual programs and events that encourage loved ones of those suffering, people with an illness or people who just want to help, to participate.
This is a way to have a positive outlook while raising money for the cause.
Vogels and Hansen need to raise about $6,000.
The money that they raise will go toward research and will also be given to specific patients that they sponsor.
This money will help pay for mounting medical bills and alleviate the cost of treatment.
“The money I raise will go to a seven year old Leukemia patient named Sara,” said Vogels.
To sponsor either runner, make checks out to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and send them to Elisabeth Vogels, 2811 W. Sedgley Ave, Apt 307, Philadelphia, Pa. 19121.
To learn more about cancer, treatment and fundraising you can visit the American Cancer Society’s Web site at www.cancer.org.
Milli Protheroe can be reached at bobhope@temple.edu.
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