alumni profile: Karlene (Apelt) Griggs and Nicole Apelt, Class of ’01
Going the distance for cancer research By Sarah Harstad Director of Alumni Relations
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oming to Bethany in the fall of 1999, twin sisters Karlene and Nicole Apelt, were similar in many ways. The Apelt’s both attended Bethany for two years earning their associate in arts degrees. They enjoyed their years at Bethany and credit their time on campus as the foundation that led them on their separate paths as adults. Recently, when a close relative was diagnosed with Lymphoma, otherwise known as blood cancer, the twins were drawn back together as they faced one of the most challenging times of their lives. Not being ones to get discouraged, the sisters decided to take action. They joined Team In Training (TNT) to raise funds and awareness for a cure for the disease. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training® raises funds for blood cancer research. When joining a team, participants may choose to train for outstanding physical competitions such as half-marathons, marathons, triathlons, or hundred–mile bike rides. According to the Team in Training website, “Since 1988, more than 360,000 volunteer participants have helped raise more than $850 million dollars.” Recently I had the opportunity to visit with the Apelt twins about their training and fundraising efforts. Tell me about life after Bethany. Karlene: After earning my A.A. at Bethany, I went to Minnesota State University, Mankato, and earned a degree in Law Enforcement/Spanish. I worked at the Hennepin County Juvenile Detention Center and at Macy’s Loss Prevention before getting my current job as an investigator for the Anoka County Attorney’s Office. I was married in September 2006 to Derek Griggs and currently live in Plymouth.
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Photo courtesy of Karlene Griggs
Twin sisters Nicole Apelt (left) and Karlene (Apelt) Griggs and recently joined the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training® which helps raise funds for blood cancer research.
Nicole: After Bethany, I also continued at Minnesota State University, Mankato, in the aviation program. Currently, I manage Woody’s Grille in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and teach flight lessons in Mankato. On March 24, 2008, I will be starting a new job as an air crew training instructor for Northwest Airlines. Tell me how you got involved in competing in triathlons. Karlene: My sister-in-law, Jaime, had participated with the Leukemia & Lymphoma TNT program in the past and knew that one of my goals someday was to complete a triathlon. She called me and asked if I wanted to join TNT and train for a triathlon in Maui. I signed up immediately and then called my sister and asked if she also wanted to join. Nicole: When Karlene called, I knew I wanted to do this as well. We wanted to take action in honor of our relative. It’s such a good physical challenge and fun
meeting new friends and traveling. What is a typical training schedule like? Nicole: We start in February and train three times a week with the team until race day, which is in June or July, depending on the event. One night we have cycling and core classes, the next swimming, and another day we run. Outside of team trainings, we usually try and train two or three days on our own. It is pretty intense, but the reward is worth the pain! Karlene: I think the hardest part about the training is maintaing healthy eating habits—which I am still working on! How do you stay motivated during the event? The mission of TNT is to raise money to fund blood cancer research and provide education and patient services, specifically targeting leukemia, lymphoma, and Profile continued on page 17
report | Winter 2007-08