Michelle Kersten runs, swims and bikes for a cure as May’s Community Champion

Michelle Kersten stood peering over a cliff to the cold Pacific Oceanbelow. Her stomach was in knots. Her legs felt like jello. In minutes, she would begin the swimming stage of the Pacific Grove Triathlon. “Why am I doing this again?” she wondered aloud. The response came in the form of an unexpected hug and a voice from behind, “You are doing this for me because I have Lymphoma.” Michelle jumped in.

Michelle Kersten, Director of Clinical Services for California MENTOR, is May’s Community Champion. Over the past three years, she has raised over $6,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by competing in marathons and triathlons. She also serves as a volunteer with Team in Training, a program that has raised more than $600 million for blood cancer research, community education and patient services. She contributes anywhere from five to 10 hours per week, manning drink stations, recruiting new members, organizing functions and working on the team newsletter.

“The experience has made me more aware of how fragile life is and how blessed I am tohave health and to be thankful everyday,” said Michelle. “Being on the team, hearingall the stories of survivors, and our team honorees – it all puts lifeinto perspective. Each year, someone on the team has had a loved onedie or one of our honorees die. These people motivate us even more.”

“Without Michelle and other members of the Team in Training, children and adults living with Leukemia or Lymphoma would not have the hope of a cure,” explained Tiffani Andrade, Michelle’s nominator, supervisor and triathlon teammate.

This summer, Michelle is preparing to compete in her third Pacific Grove Triathlon. She thought about taking a break, but then she remembered those who have no choice but to fight their diseases.

“I realized that giving of my most valuable commodity – my time – is a way to help people that touches me more personally than writing a check ever can,” she said.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society will receive a $500 grant from the foundation in honor of Michelle’s volunteer spirit and hard work.

“It takes a special person to commit to the physical and mental pressure of one of the greatest challenges in sports,” said Foundation Chairman Greg Torres. “That she did it for the sake of finding a cure for devastating diseases shows incredible humanity and courage.”

About The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation: The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation is committed to transforming the delivery of human servicesthrough the generation of new ideas and best practices. We seek to advance an agenda based on quality, accountability and respect for the individual. The focus of our giving is on organizations that take a fresh look - through research, innovative thinking, direct care and programming - at how people with disabilities and youth and families facing emotional, behavioral and otherchallenges are cared for in our society. The Foundation also works to expand opportunity for the young people we serve through employment and educational support.

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