Ahwatukee Foothills resident Kurt Jacobsen discovered he had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma after a visit to his doctor three years ago. With support from his family and friends, he is taking it day to day with hopes that one day he will be cancer-free.
Jacobsen has teamed up with non-profit organizations to benefit those who are in a similar situation. He is currently training and fundraising for a half-marathon to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training.
"Team in Training is all about curing cancer," he said. "They are a great organization and the half-marathon with be the culmination of the fundraising we are doing."
His friend, Brad Lefebvre, owner of Crosswoods Indoor Golf Center and Tavern, is hosting a fundraiser at his business in honor of Jacobsen. The two met 10 years ago when Jacobsen moved from Chicago.
"We used to chase each other around - mountain biking, golfing - and I thought it would be a perfect thing to do for him," Lefebvre said. "And both of our wives have been really instrumental in organizing everything."
The fundraiser will take place Saturday, April 30 at Crosswoods, 3222 E. Baseline Road in Gilbert. Proceeds will benefit Be the Match, a bone marrow registry, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training. Be the Match is an organization dedicated to bringing together people who need a bone marrow transplant and potential donors. They will be at the event to take cheek swabs and sign people up for the registry.
Jacobsen, who has since developed chronic lymphocytic leukemia, will need a bone marrow transplant at some point in the future. While chances are good that he will find a match, his blood is AB-positive, which is one of the more rare types.
"They say your best bet at finding a match is your family," he said. "But unfortunately neither my brother or two sisters are a match. But the registry is always growing and that is why I want to spread the word about getting people to sign up."
You can register at www.BetheMatch.org and the organization will send a cheek swab kit that is to be mailed back. To find out more about Team in Training, visit www.TeaminTraining.org. To event will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 30. The cost is $40 per person or $70 per couple. To find out more, call Crosswoods at (480) 654-4653.
Contact writer: (480) 898-4903 or troemhild@ahwatukee.com
deputydawg6690 posted at 10:59 am on Thu, Apr 28, 2011.
Great story on Kurt and TNT. It has been my honor and privilege to get to know Kurt and train with him and TNT as well. I admire Kurt in his strength and courage. He is, and always will be a true hero to me.