Minnesota Vikings Score a Touchdown for the Minneapolis Lymphomathon
 Record breaking cold temperatures and rain did not dampen spirits at Minnesota's 5th annual Lymphomathon on June 6. While temperatures plunged, pre-registration soared, increasing 32% compared to 2008.
The brother and sister team of Megan Primeau and Matt Tietje co-chaired the walk, assembling an all-star committee that worked together to recruit over 33 first time walk teams, boosted sponsorships 55%, and attracted unprecedented media coverage.
 For Megan and Matt, the decision the chair the walk was a very personal one. After their father, Ken, was diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma in 2002, LRF education programs became a valuable resource as the family evaluated treatment options. "We found these sessions critical to understanding the latest treatment and research that was occurring. It gave our family hope during a time where we didn't have much to hope for. Despite the fact that our dad finally lost his courageous battle, the hope which LRF instilled in us as a family continues today," Megan explained. "Raising money for research and awareness is something our family is committed to continuing. The opportunity to be co-chairs was a great privilege and honor to accept," Matt continued.
 "We are forever grateful." Thanks to LRF-funded research, "Dad was allowed to spend the valuable time he had left to walk his daughter down the aisle, stand up as best man in his son's wedding, nearly celebrate his 35th wedding anniversary, enjoy his granddaughter, witness the birth of three more grandchildren, and attend first birthday parties," Megan described.
 Megan and Matt worked to create a new partnership with the Minnesota Vikings – a great boost for the walk that helped attract media attention. Jeff Anderson, Assistant Director of Public Affairs for the Minnesota Vikings and Lymphomathon Committee Member, explained that "unfortunately, most of us have been, or will be, affected by some form of cancer. For the Vikings organization, any effort to eradicate the disease is a worthy cause, and we were happy to participate in the 2009 Lymphomathon… our (walk) team provided an opportunity for staff, players, and cheerleaders to interact with fans while raising awareness for this deadly disease."
 Vikings linebacker Heath Farwell, tight end Garrett Mills, and center John Sullivan braved the chilly rain to greet walk participants, sign autographs, and participate as part of Team Vikings' 40-person walk team. Viktor the Viking mascot and Viking cheerleaders also cheered walk teams and runners (a USA Track & Field (USATF)-certified 5K run was new to the walk in 2009). Anderson described the experience as rewarding and reported that he hopes 'this will be just the first year for the Vikings' involvement and we will have an even bigger presence next summer.'
 With the help of the Vikings, the committee's hard work paid off, attracting new walk teams through local NBC, ABC, Fox, and FSN television appearances. Billboards in downtown Minneapolis and the Minneapolis International Airport, as well as mentions on Vikings.com and the Minneapolis Star Tribune also recruited new walkers.
 Megan Primeau, Matt Tietje, Jeff Anderson, Traci Roebbeke, Rachel Gronewald, Jenni Wigg, Jen Meester, Katie Petschke, Jim O'Neill, & Cathy Bergin all worked together as the 2009 Minnesota Walk Committee.
The Minnesota Chapter looks forward to a successful Vikings season and continuing the momentum – raising funds for life saving research and serving local families touched by lymphoma.
To join or learn more about the Minnesota Chapter, contact Dana at (612) 968-3757 or at Minnesota@lymphoma.org.
Photos courtesy Aubineau Studios, Minneapolis
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