I always meet the most interesting people when I take my clients to the News Channel 8/ABC 7 studio. Last time I went, I met Kaitlin Sighinolfi, a staffer for Senator Olympia Snowe of Maine. Kaitlin told me that her non-Hodgkins lymphoma is in remission, and that she was going on “Let’s Talk Live” to discuss the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training, and her own personal battle with cancer. I told her that I was very active with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Society Ties and participated in the L&L Society’s Woman of the Year competition in 2004 raising $20,000 in six weeks for them. She was so sweet and appreciative of what I had done for those fighting cancer like herself. She said that the money we raised in 2004 went toward research and the discovery of a new treatment, which helped her. She told me that her goal was to finish The Nation’s Triathlon in under three hours. I was in awe of her strength and determination.
Kaitlin almost made her goal of three hours, coming in just over the mark at 3:04, but she did beat Mayor Fenty’s swim time, which was another one of her goals for the triathlon. Sighinolfi swam competitively in high school and college, and finished the 1.5 kilometers in 26.07 minutes, compared to the Mayor’s 28.01. She and others involved in Team in Training raised $2.4 million for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Last year she walked part of the run portion, but this year she ran the entire time, which was another goal for her. I am very impressed with her, and wish her the best in her upcoming triathlons, and Ironman Arizona, which she plans to do in 2012.
I interviewed Kaitlin to get her take on everything from fighting cancer to dating in the District:
Where in the DC area do you live in Washington?
Capitol Hill/Eastern Market
What brought you here?
I grew up Maine and came down to DC to work for the Senator from Maine. I am a Capitol Hill staffer focusing on energy, environment and agriculture.
How did you find your passion?
I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in early 2007 and was deemed to be “in remission” in July 2007. I was provided a unique opportunity to learn that life is far too short to stress about the small stuff, and worry about what might happen. I am passionate to advocate on behalf of cancer advocacy groups in the fight to find a cure.
What nonprofit work do you do?
I am a speaker, honored teammate, mentor and participant with
Team in Training to benefit the Leukemia Lymphoma Society.
I am just beginning to get involved with
Girls on the Run
What activities do you enjoy outside of working on the Hill?
Triathlons, endurance events, giving back to the community, cooking, traveling, laying in the sun with a good book.
Best date spot?
I think the Tabard Inn is beautiful. The Georgetown Waterfront is also a personal favorite, as is any sport bar where the New England game are on the television.
How do you know if he’s the one?
He compliments me as I do him… and my family approves.
Should women call men?
Yes, sometimes its necessary to be proactive.
Do you have any dating advice for my readers?
Nope… I need as much help as everyone else!
If you are interested in getting involved with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, I think you’d really enjoy it. They are a wonderful organization with so many different options for those who want to volunteer or fundraise. I have always been very impressed with how the organization is managed, and everyone I’ve worked with has been just lovely.
- Miss A
03. Nov, 2009 
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