Media Information: Jim Graves, (949) 719-0588
Gail Stephens, (949) 636-0744
Planning Martini Fundraiser for July 25
MISSION VIEJO, CALIF., July 5, 2009 – Gail Stephens of Mission Viejo is training to participate in the Nautica Malibu Triathlon on September 12, in an effort to raise funds for cancer research through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Orange County/Inland Empire Chapter’s (LLS) Team In Training® (TNT) program. Gail is a 5-year leukemia survivor, and credits her survival to Sprycel, a life-saving drug funded by LLS. This is her 10th TNT athletic event; she has collectively raised over $30,000 for blood cancer research through her participation.
“I owe my life to the researchers who discovered Sprycel, and to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for having funded their work,” remarked Gail. “We’ve got to continue the work, however, because many of us are just a few steps ahead of the research.”
Gail is a nurse at Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo. She was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) in 2004. She underwent chemotherapy and began taking Sprycel which has not eliminated the disease, but kept it under control. She noted, “I was in shock when I was diagnosed. I didn’t think I’d survive more than a few years.”
Gail has two children, 17-year-old Alison and 22-year-old Matt. When she was diagnosed, her goal was to live long enough to see Allison graduate high school and Matt college. Matt graduated this year; Allison has a year to go.
Gail is training for her triathlon six days a week, and is actively supported in her training by TNT staff. She is participating in the event with her boyfriend, Doug Kemp, a long-time fellow fundraiser. Although she continues to work as a nurse, she engages only in administrative duties. Direct contact with patients would put her at too great a risk for infection.
She is grateful for the support with which TNT has provided her. She explained, “TNT is like a family. Getting diagnosed with leukemia can be a bit lonely; TNT has provided me with much support. It’s an incredible organization.”
To support Gail in her efforts to fund a cure for blood cancers, visit: http://pages.teamintraining.org/ocie/malibutr09/gstephens.
T-N-Tinies Fundraiser – Gail Stephens and Doug Kemp will present a “T-N-Tinies” fundraiser on Saturday, July 25, 7 – 10 p.m., at the home of Olympic Gold Medalist Brian Goodell (Gail’s brother), 27040 Southridge Drive, Mission Viejo. The evening features martinis, silent & live auctions, raffle prizes and entertainment. Cost is $50, proceeds benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. For additional information, please visit http://members.cox.net/gailanddoug/Vodka%20Party.jpg.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. The mission of LLS is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, LLS has invested more than $600 million for research specifically targeting blood cancers. The Society’s Orange County/Inland Empire chapter office is located at 2020 East 1st Street, Suite 120, Santa Ana, CA 92705. Phone: (714) 881-0610. Website: www.lls.org.
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