My CAS project has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. In the summer before my junior year, four friends and I signed up for an Olympic distance triathlon through the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Although a triathlon - an extreme physical test consisting of a 1 km swim, a 40km bike ride, and a 10km run - was going to be tough, I figured this was going to be an easy community service project for me. I thought it would be a quick 150 hours. I turned out to be very wrong.

I soon learned that the triathlon was serious. It required a minimum fundraising requirement of $2,400 and weekly Saturday morning practices of three or four hours. After my first month of training I became dedicated. I had never been able to run four miles without stopping or bike ride 15 miles.

Soon the time came when the society asked its participants to make a definite commitment half-way through the training, which meant you were in or out. I continued on while all of my friends left. I felt totally alone in the group. I was the only person under 25 in a group of 30. I was totally discouraged.

My meeting with a small, pale six-year-old boy changed my mind. His name is Eric Johnson and he has Acute Lymphotic Leukemia (ALL). I was startled to discover that he is very much like my own seven year-old brother. Both of them love sports, video games, and their bikes. I was scared stiff. This little boy with soft fluffs of hair could be my little brother!

I was truly inspired to continue on. I went on without my friends and ventured into something I was clueless about. I raised the money in time with much difficulty, but I raised it none the least. Before I knew it, I was back in school and it was the Friday before my family and I had to go off to Orlando for the competition. My friends, who had dropped out, encouraged me and were surprised that I had stuck with my commitment.

That Friday night I had nightmares about finishing in six hours and being the last person to cross the finish line. Our team leaders sent us an e-mail containing a quote that really made me feel optimistic. It read, “The miracle isn’t that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.” I thought, “I am that person, and I can finish.” And I did.

This year I am a returning alumni member and will be completing my second Olympic distance triathlon on September 28, 2003. This time my fundraising goal is $5,000, and I am happy to say that Eric is currently in remission and will be with us again at the finish line. My CAS project has really changed my perspective on a lot of things. I would like to encourage all of you to join this dynamic cause for your CAS projects!

If you would like to make a donation or get information on the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society contact Ashley Reed at: Blondie3257@aol.com.

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