What an Inspiration!

Today I received a somewhat "random" e-mail with "Leukemia Survivor Documentary" in the subject line. I guessed that it must have come from Team In Training or the Leukemia and Lymphoma folks, because they seem to follow this blog, and they send me very interesting things from time-to-time. Not so from them I find as I open the e-mail. However, the information contained in the e-mail was nonetheless very, very inspirational and much appreciated by me. If you get a chance, I do encourage you to skip over to either of the links below and read for yourself just what this Ironman has accomplished - both on and off the athletic field.

From Jeff Keating:

Check out the thread 'Leukemia Survivor Documentary' on The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Community. Or check out http://www.livingiswinning.com/ Just follow this link to see the thread: http://community.lls.org/thread/1365 (If the link doesn't work, try copying and pasting it from this email into your browser's address bar.)

Excerpt from the Synopsis page of http://www.livingiswinning.com/

In the calm, cold water of Mirror Lake, the starting gun for Ironman Lake Placid is ready to fire. Andrew 'Drew' Johnston floats, waiting to battle competitors from all over the world as they swim over, under, and around each other on a quest to qualify for the Ford Ironman World Championship. But for Drew, a different struggle weighs heavily on his mind and in his heart. In 2004, a recurring leg injury forced his withdrawal with 10 miles left in this race, something he never imagined possible. This injury led to a frightening diagnosis of Leukemia (CML). One year later, after the oral chemo Gleevac put his disease in remission, Drew began competing at an elite level again, and winning. But he had unfinished business, and his emotional return to Lake Placid serves as the backbone of this film.

Throughout the grueling 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run, Drew retells his inspirational life story. From his introduction to cycling and early struggles with triathlon to his diagnosis and successful comeback at the famous Ford Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Drew’s story is one of strength, determination, love, family and friendship. Surprisingly funny interviews with family and friends provide more than the usual glimpse into the world of an elite athlete. And with every stroke, pedal, and step Drew takes, you not only root for him, you cheer for what he believes in – a nothing is impossible attitude and a day-to-day appreciation of life. Andrew Johnston overcomes the odds to challenge himself and to inspire others to live life to its fullest. He proves that our only limitations are the ones we set for ourselves.