Jim Newton fights cancer his way - running marathons
Jim Newton, Kent County's environmental program manager, has run for over 37 years, covered over 45,000 miles, completed 17 marathons, many half marathons, 10Ks and 5Ks. The Milford resident could be seen running from Harrington to Milford.
Then a few months ago he noticed a lump on his neck. After numerous tests, it was determined that he had mantle cell lymphoma, a rare and aggressive blood cancer. The treatment approach is either chemotherapy followed by stem cell transplant or a lifetime of pill swallowing and monthly IV injections.
“This is just another obstacle to overcome in life,“ Newton said. “I’m still running. I have supported numerous cancer causes through my running. I have raised over $10,000 for cancer research by running the New York City Marathon and the Disney Goofy Challenge of half marathon on Saturday, full marathon on Sunday.”
In fact, he is using his running efforts to help raise funds to fight leukemia and lymphoma. He will be running the Chicago Marathon Oct. 12, his 65th birthday, to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through its Team in Training program, but he needs help to reach his goal of $2,900.
To help, go to www.teamintraining.org and click the donate link. Then search for Jim Newton and click on his Chicago Marathon page.
Team in Training is a national effort by athletes of all types and sizes who run marathons, bike and/or hike long distances and compete in triathlons to help raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Since its inception in 1988, more than 600,000 Team in Training members have raised over $1.4 billion.
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, www.lls.org, is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, and providing education and patient services; it was founded in 1949.
The mission of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds research, provides patient services and offers help financing the expensive treatment costs associated with blood cancers.
