Caldwell SGA Supports Graduate Student in Triathlon
By Samantha Boos
Caldwell College Resident Director Assistant and Graduate student Kristin Iannelli is committed to completing the Wyckoff Triathlon to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and improving the quality of life for patients and their families. The triathlon will include a one-half mile swim, a 17-mile bike ride and a five-mile run.
Since 1988, the LLS has trained voluntary participants such as Kristin to complete the Triathlon with its Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training program. Kristin, who has always been dedicated to helping those in need, volunteered herself to participate in this triathlon after hearing about it from a friend. She felt it was an "awesome cause", and that it was something she would like to help out with. "It's so amazing to share in the experience with people who have a personal connection to the cause, people who have lived it or have had family members experience it," Kristin said.
Sine January, Kristin has been training vigorously nearly every day, excluding a two-week time period in which she was injured. Her training includes daily running, swimming three times a week, biking, and weight and strength training. While the triathlon itself is an individual sport, Kristin trains for the event with the LLS Team in Training. In addition to coaching, the team provides mentors and fundraising ideas for its members as well.
Caldwell College has gotten involved too. The Student Government Association helped out by sponsoring a breakfast in the Mother Joseph lounge. All proceeds from the breakfast, which was held by the Junior class, went directly to Kristin's cause in supporting the LLS. Several members of the SGA have said that they will come out to support Kristin on the day of the event.
Kristin will complete the triathlon in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey on June 14. Her goal in fulfilling this commitment is to have reached, or even exceeded $1,900 in donations. She, herself, has even made a personal contribution of $100 to get things rolling in the right direction. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation, please visit Kristin's Team in Training web page at: