A Purpose For Everything: Jeanette Spears

I found out during our Saturday morning training that quite a few people have very personal motivation to be part of Team in Training. Jeanette, our coach, is one prime example. She has been a cancer survivor the last year and half and just came out of surgery in January.

I moved to Austin in 2000. I didn’t know a soul. Be it conscious or not, I was looking for a place I would fit in. I was always active, but had never participated in any type of formalized athletics since high school. I was blessed to have been introduced to a wonderful group of women who peaked my interest in triathlons and running. It truly became my life.

As I was training for the Danskin triathlon in 2003 I had a serious bicycle accident and shattered my collar bone. I was sidelined for many months. I didn’t want to give up my involvement in this new world I had discovered, so I would just show up for practice even though I couldn’t physically participate. That’s when I began studying the sport and getting certified. I was eventually asked to stay on as a coach. That is how my coaching career began.

In May of 2004 I was diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer. Once again, I was sidelined from participating but still felt compelled to stay involved. I would show up and coach with my chemo pump and iliostomy. The only way they could keep me away was to put me in the hospital.

During this time I met a wonderful person who worked for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She suggested I look into coaching for Team In Training. What a great opportunity this would be. Not only would I do something I loved but I would be involved with people trying to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients. People say there is a purpose for everything. Maybe this is mine.

2/2 Sandie, Brenda, Jeanette, and Bailey