The Anna Schindler Foundation Inc.

On September 14th, one day after what would be Leland's 9th birthday, I will be racing in the Priest Lake Marathon- my first ever marathon. In honor of our Little Warrior, I am racing and raising funds for the Anna Schindler Foundation- one of the incredible childhood cancer nonprofits in our area that supported our family during treatment, and offers financial support to all childhood cancer families in the Inland Northwest seeking treatment at Sacred Heart Children's Hospital. This foundation is very dear to our heart, as it is the nonprofit Kathryn has worked for since Leland passed, and I have had the honor of volunteering for during that time. Your donations to this fundraiser will assist with families' essential living costs, medical bills, lodging expenses, hospital meal cards, and more when a family is in the trenches of their child's cancer treatment. When Leland was sick, the Anna Schindler Foundation (ASF) provided weekly hospital meal cards to our family, provided a gift card to purchase new clothes that would accommodate Leland's Hickman line, and paid for new tires for our crossover when we needed to travel to Seattle for surgery. We know how impactful it is to receive such caring support during dark times.

Training for this race is challenging, but I know Leland's treatment was even more so. This is one small way I am able to honor our little fighter as well as the ones Kathryn and the foundation see every day who need a helping hand. I know their strength will inspire me throughout this training process. Thank you for your support! Happy Birthday to our sweet Leland!

April will mark six years since I last physically held Tommy, yet I still carry him wherever I go.

From his first breath on this earth to his very last, Thomas waged a war below the surface. And we thought we had won that war multiple times. Cancer is relentless, but never broke his spirit. And it took him from us after just 2 years, 4 months, and 2 days. I race with the Ironman for Anna team again because it gives me focus, it gives me purpose, and it gives back to a foundation that was there for us when we needed it the most.

The Training

Training for 70.3 has been a lifesaver for me. I’m a naturally anxious introvert and the long (often solitary) training sessions are therapy for me. I reconnect with myself, I process, and I am able to grieve. I enjoy pushing myself too-it’s all a part of the journey.

Every inch of the 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, and 13.1 mile run that I do summer 2024 in Coeur D'Alene will be done in honor him and how strong he was. The doubt, pain, and exhaustion of the race is nothing compared to what Tommy went through and that has often given me the strength I need - he never got to quit his battle and I will never quit on him.

The Cause

I will continue to keep fighting in honor of him and for those that are like him, as well as for their families. Because of the Anna Schindler Foundation, our family was able to stay together in times of crises, as well as during periods of hope. The foundation also provided our family with food and meal support, coffee cards, and with lodging-but above all else, we were provided with a constant stream of love and support. We will be forever thankful for this foundation.

I am honored to be a part of the Ironman for Anna Team. If you are able, please send your support. Keep moving forward, lift others up, and never quit the fight - there is always work to be done.

The Anna Schindler Foundation dedicates itself to providing support for pediatric oncology families in the Inland Northwest while spreading awareness of this disease throughout the community. This support is offered via two programs: the Family Support program and Anna's Homes. The Family Support program provides financial and emotional support to families, while Anna's Homes provide temporary housing for out-of-town families to stay during treatment at Sacred Heart Children's Hospital. For more information about the ASF, please visit: https://www.annaschindlerfoundation.org/.

Thank you.

#ForeverTommyStrong