Racing for a cure

by: Megan Kuhn
FOR THE POST

At 49, Freve Pace admits she is well past her athletic prime. Despite not being a long-distance runner, this Ohio University social work professor and director of field education will push her limits by running 26.2 miles in honor of her hero.

Pace is one of 30,000 runners, walkers and cyclists who will participate in marathons worldwide on behalf of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society this year via Team in Training, according to the organization's Web site (http://www.teamintraining.org/info/index.html). Each TNT member completes the marathon in honor of someone who has suffered from or been affected by a blood-related cancer.

"I know I can quit, but Sharla doesn't have the opportunity to quit," Pace said of her hero. "If Sharla can struggle with this disease, then I can keep going. I can certainly do my part."

Freve chose Sharla Groves, a longtime friend and instructional coordinator at the OU College of Osteopathic Medicine, as her hero. Groves has not had cancer, but within the past three years, she has lost her father, mother, sister and aunt to cancer.

"In that kind of situation you realize the power of friends, love of your family, own strength and survival instincts," Groves said. "I was overwhelmed, obviously moved and touched and humbled that somebody would do that. I'm just thrilled at the attempt."

Pace and Richard Haft, assistant manager at Jefferson Dining Hall, will run the Columbus Marathon on Sunday, Oct. 29. Haft, a longtime marathon runner who lost both his father and father-in-law to cancer, will run in honor of 12-year-old Randy Kottenbrook of Richmondale, Ohio.

"I've seen first hand what cancer does to people and families," Haft said. "I know what his family is going through. I've been running for a long time and I thought I could do some good, being that I run anyway. It's been a challenge. It's been rewarding."

Ohio University graduate student in public relations, Amy Deverson, will walk 26.6 miles to complete the Dublin, Ireland Marathon on Monday, Oct. 30. Both Deverson and Dan Allewine, the president of Austral Engineering and Software Inc., will walk in honor of 8-year-old Caitlin McCoy of McConnelsville, Ohio.

"I think children are (the) most innocent victims," Deverson said. "They are our future, and I want to give Caitlin a future. (Every donation), even 25 cents, adds up. That could be the 25 cents that finds the cure."

Seventy percent of the money raised through TNT is allocated to research; local patient aide; professional and public education; and community service, according to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Web site (http://www.leukemia.org/CMS/q?action=static&v=PP&pageID=50).

Tarua McCoy, Caitlin's mom, said the leukemia and lymphoma society paid 5 cents per mile for gas money when the McCoy's made daily trips to Children's Hospital in Columbus.

For physical preparation, Dan Allewine's wife, Chris, is coaching the Athens TNT. Chris Allewine goes on both walks and runs with her TNT and provides encouraging words and water in the middle of runs or walks that can be as long as 18 miles. A 1999 OU Hall of Fame inductee for cross-country and track, she did not expect to have the patience to work with less-serious competitors.

"(Coaching) is probably the most rewarding experience," Chris Allewine said. "I've realized you don't have to be big-time competitive to enjoy the sport. I expect everybody to finish – all 18 of my people. I haven't heard anybody not finish that started."

To make a donation or find out more about TNT, call 1-800-686-CURE, or visit the TNT Web site at http://www.teamintraining.org/info/index.html.