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Centenary Alumna Will Bike 100 Miles for Leukemia Research

This June, Centenary Alumna Amy Harrell, ’07, will push her limits and find out how far she can go for a good cause. Harrell, who graduated in December, will participate in a 100 mile bike ride to raise money and awareness for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She will ride as a member of regional Louisiana team as part of the organization Team in Training, also known as TNT. Riders raise money through donations and sponsorship in honor of loved ones and acquaintances who have suffered because of Leukemia. Harrell will ride in memory of her father, Charles B. Harrell and in honor of a a fellow rider and teammate, Jean Dresley.

“We wear bracelets with their names so that people can ask us about the ride. This is an opportunity to tell people about it. It is something that might keep some family from going through what ours did,” said Harrell.

Harrell’s father, Charles Harrell, passed away at age 63 from Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) in June of 2004. Leukemia is cancer of the blood, and AML particularly effects white blood cells and bone marrow, creating deformed cells that crowd out healthy blood cells in the body.

Harrell discovered the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and TNT after she joined the Shreveport Bike Club last year. “I was looking for a new sport to try. Biking is social and you meet a lot of cool people,” said Harrell. “When you come up against strong headwinds or hills as a group, it builds character.” She decided to join the TNT team in January, after she received information about it in the mail.

“I think that everyone has to truly believe in something if they want to make a difference,” said Harrell. “And I believe in this.”

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s TNT is an organization that allows people to become part of team in which they will receive professional training to participate marathons, triathlons or Century (100 mile) bike rides. Each state has regional teams, divided into smaller, local teams who practice together for up to five months before traveling together to their race. Harrell will ride with the Monroe team in the Louisiana region in “America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride,” spanning 100 miles of hills and curves around Lake Tahoe, Nevada. A 100 mile ride takes approximately six hours, though some competitive teams will set a particular time goal.
Riders are obligated to raise four thousand dollars each through donations and corporate sponsorship. Those who wish to donate can visit Harrell’s TNT website or email her, at the addressed listed below. Corporate sponsors will have the option of placing their logo on the team’s uniform. Harrell plans to send out at least 150 letters asking for donations, though she adds that donations are not all she needs to succeed.

"What I really want is moral support. Send me an email. Help me get through training,” she said. With four training sessions per week, as well as cross training and fund raising, Harrell is completely committed to the ride.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is a “not-for-profit health organization, dedicated to fighting leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma through research, education, patient services and advocacy.” 75% of the funds raised go directly to leukemia research, bone-marrow testing, and to patients in need of medication and care. $1000 will support the medical of a child with Leukemia for one month.

Those who wish to donate can visit her site at http://www.active.com/donate/tntla/amyharrell, she can also be reached at amelia.harrell@gmail.com for those who do not want to donate online, or who would like to send a word of encouragement.

(Help my roommate out, and you help a lot of other people in the process. That is all. Have a nice day.)