Racing to Save Lifes

Dear friends, family and colleagues,

I'm doing my first Triathlon with Team In Training to help get us closer to a cure for cancer. You know I've never done anything even remotely like this. I've always enjoyed biking and swimming and I always talk about how I 'used' to run, but it has been awhile since I've stepped it up to this capacity! I'm 1/2 way through training and am sore everyday! I have my own struggles to stay healthy, but overriding motivation is the scourge of cancer. Last week at our training we had a few honorees who have battled a blood cancer. One of the honorees is going through his 3rd round of chemotherapy and was running faster than me during our training. It put a lot of things into perspective. Did you know?

* Leukemia is the #1 killer of children under the age of 15

* Every 5 minutes, another child or adult is diagnosed with a blood-related cancer

* Every 9 minutes, another child or adult is expected to die from a blood-related cancer

* Research is working---25 years ago, only 5% of children diagnosed with leukemia survived; today the survival rate is 81%

As added inspiration to my goal of successfully competing in this event, I am racing in honor of some people who have lived with cancers. My grandmother survived breast cancer thanks to the medical research performed to fight cancer. My grandmother is very special to me and I respect her greatly for the fight, drive and determination she has had her whole life, and especially the past ten years. Regrettably, not everyone is as fortunate. I am also training in memory of my best friends father who lost his battle with brain cancer last summer. As I train, a mile at a time, it is with passionate hope that I can make a difference so other patients and their families will not have to share my experiences with loved ones.

I have set my goal to fundraise $3,300 for this event. Thanks to all my friends and family who have donated already. I know the economic crisis is before us, I am again asking for your help. Charities and nonprofits are struggling; keeping donations coming in during this economic crisis is something we can all do to help others and make a difference. If you can, please donate to help find a cure for cancer... because you know that if there is progress made in research for any cancer it will truly help all cancer research.

Every dollar you donate is tax deductible and the money goes directly toward research and patient services. Think of it as a gift you’re sending to those involved in blood cancer research, or those hoping for a cure or in honor of those you know or have known with a blood cancer.

Tax ID#13-5644916. The

Leukemia Society will send you a receipt.

You can donate online, if you're feeling moved, at:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/sf/pactri09/scohengftf

Or if you'd prefer to write a check, mail it to me at:

Stacy Cohen

1041 Stanyan Street

San Francisco, CA 94117

Make it payable to: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

If your company has online matching, let me know and I’ll send you

easy instructions.

Thanks if you contribute -- you're making an investment

in fighting heartbreaking disease. I truly have hope that there will be a cure.

Have a great week,

Stacy

p.s. If you would like me to train and compete in honor of someone you care about who has or has had leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkins or myeloma, let me know, send me their name, tell me their story.

Stacy Cohen

415-531-3800

stacyacohen@gmail.com

http://pages.teamintraining.org/sf/pactri09/scohengftf