Siegel of Exit Kingdom Realty generates awareness and funds on behalf of the LLS

What began as a way to meet a life's goal of running a marathon has lead to a local realtor's leadership role generating awareness and funds on behalf of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), Long Island Chapter. In November 2010, Erica Siegel of Exit Kingdom Realty made a list of goals she wanted to accomplish in the year ahead. On that list were her goals to run a marathon and help raise money for cancer research. She was inspired by an uncle with blood cancer. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training program was a natural fit. The program enables individuals to participate in various runs, walks, hikes, triathlons and bicycling events while raising money for LLS. Since its inception 25 years ago, this groundbreaking charity sports training program has generated $1.3 billion to support blood cancer research and patient services. In 2011, Siegel ran in her first Team In Training marathon in Paris and, using social media to spread the word of her race to raise funds for LLS, generated over $8,000. She crossed the finish line wearing 43 ribbons in honor of cancer patients. That was just the beginning. With a goal to remain in marathon condition, Siegel continued to run and cross-train. In 2012, based on her successful fundraising, LLS approached Siegel to be a team in training captain. She accepted the role and began building a team of 13 members within the real estate industry, including representatives from Keller Williams, Coldwell Banker and her firm, Exit Kingdom Realty. The real estate team raised $35,000 from their team in training event - four times Siegel's original amount. During 2012, Siegel was also set to run the New York Marathon. As we all know, Super Storm Sandy caused the event to be canceled, but that didn't stop Erica from trying to help others. She collected canned goods and non-perishable items for the victims of Sandy. A week later, she ran another team in training marathon. This one was in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and, together with other teammates, helped raise $19,000. Now in 2013, Siegel plans to continue her tradition of training and competing in team in training events and raise more funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Her current real estate team is growing and already consists of real estate agents, a general contractor, an electrician and a stager. The team, which has its own website, www.realestateindustrytrainingforacause.com, welcomes new members. The real estate team's goal for 2013: to double their 2012 funds and raise over $60,000.