Our Team's February Miracle Girls - Photos

Go here for the story behind these photos about our team's fabulous February Miracle Girls, Emma and Nicki. Both of them are constant inspirations to everyone on our team. Neither Emma nor Nicki would be here without cancer research.

Emma was diagnosed with leukemia at only 10 weeks old, and she and her family suffered horribly for the first 18 months of her life.

I first met Emma in 2005 when I joined TNT for the Anchorage Marathon. She was five years old then, and in good health.

Emma at six, dressed as a cat. She loves animals.

Emma having fun with a dolphin.

Isn't this a joyful picture, of Emma completing her first triathlon a couple of years ago? I always smile when I see it, but my eyes always get a little moist too, remembering what this girl had to endure as a baby.

Here I am with Emma on Valentine's Day 2009, her 8th anniversary of being in remission from childhood leukemia.

Here are both of our February Miracle Girls together last August at our team's Silent Mile.

Nicki ran the San Diego marathon in 2006. Here she is with her marathon medal with teammates Lissa, Sheryl, and Susan Ann.

Nicki and I have been on two teams together, and here we are last year on the Spring Team after running 10 or so miles.

Three years ago, to celebrate Nicki reaching 10 years in remission, family members had this "Decade of Strength" bracelet made for her in Team in Training colors. In less than 2 weeks, it will be 13 years of strength for this inspirational young woman.