Brookhaven Couple Join Fight Against Leukemia

With Valentine's Day coming up next week, consider what this Brookhaven couple has done with their relationship.

Jason Bussey started his path with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training (TNT) by completing the St. Anthony’s Triathlon in St. Petersburg, FL, in 2009. He had been an active triathlete prior to moving to Atlanta.

When his brother mentioned doing his first triathlon with TNT, Jason decided to join him and they did the event together.

Jason's wife, Heather, started her journey with Team In Training by completing a triathlon in Washington, D.C. in 2009. Heather was dating Jason while he was training for his triathlon. She met one of Jason’s coaches who told her that she could do a triathlon if she set her mind to it.

Together, Jason and Heather have completed nine events with Team in Training. In addition, Jason and Heather have competed in three different TNT events making them Triple Crown Award winners. Jason was a member of the 2009 TNT Atlanta Half Marathon Team while Heather was a member of the 2011 TNT Publix Georgia Half Marathon Team.

Jason and Heather were both members of the 2010 TNT Wilson 100 Cycling Team and they successfully crossed the finish line at the Ironman Arizona in 2011.

Jason and Heather estimate that they have raised $35,000 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in all of their events. With over $1.32 billion raised since 1988, TNT athletes are contributing to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s goal of one day finding cures for blood cancers.

The Busseys are owners of a Brookhaven-based dental practice, Town Dentistry, in Town Brookhaven. Heather is a dentist at the office.

“I love the camaraderie and sense of purpose that TNT shares with its athletes and the world," Jason said. "I love the ability to raise awareness of these terrible diseases while keeping myself in shape.”

“My teammates have become my family," Heather said. "Every time I join a new team, I gain more family members. Participating in TNT events allows me to help in the effort to find a cure for blood cancers as well as stay focused on exercise.”

For 2013, Jason is gearing up for the Ironman in Couer d’Alene, Idaho with the TNT Georgia IronTeam. He also hopes to one day be a TNT mentor or coach.

Heather is looking forward to the next triathlon or marathon.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training (TNT) is the country’s largest charity based sports endurance training program offering participants the opportunity to take part in marathons, half marathons, triathlons, cycling events and hiking adventures while fundraising to help the fight against blood cancer.