Yuma native going extra mile - 26.2 of them, to be exact
Anna Broughton, a Yuma native, is training to compete in the 26.2-mile Suzuki Rock 'N' Roll Marathon, which will take place June 6 in San Diego.
In conjunction with her training, she is raising money for the Desert Mountain States Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through its Team in Training program.
Her goal is to raise $3,300 by March 26 for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma research; patient services; and community service.
She explained that volunteering is important to her and saw the marathon as a chance to help others. "I could work out and help people along the way," she said.
Each member of the team is paired with a teammate who acts as the runner's inspiration during the race. Broughton is participating in honor of 7-year-old Gabbi Martin of Tucson, who was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia.
Broughton is the daughter of Phillip and Cynthia Broughton of Yuma. She graduated from Kofa High School in 2002, where she was a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Kofa's state champion Varsity Cheerleading Squad and numerous volunteer organizations.
Currently, she is a junior in the Honors College at the University of Arizona, majoring in physiology. In addition to maintaining a 4.0 GPA, she is a member of the National Collegiate Honors Society and Gamma Phi Beta Sorority.
To help sponsor Broughton's efforts, send a check to her at 1535 E. 1st St., Tucson, AZ 85719. Or people can donate by a check or credit card to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, indicating "Anna Broughton and Suzuki Rock 'N' Roll," to 2990 E. Northern Ave., E-100, Phoenix, AZ 85028.
The idea for the Team in Training program began with Lucy Duffy, whose husband was diagnosed with leukemia. She raised $22,000 for the society while training for the 1986 New York City Marathon.
Two years later, Bruce Cleland formed the first Team in Training team, which raised $320,000 for the society.
Professional staffing coaches provide a comprehensive training program to help participants with preparation, nutrition and injury prevention.
For more information about becoming involved in the Team in Training program, call 1-602-788-8622 or visit www.teamintraining.org/dm.
