Dear friend,

Did you know that leukemia is the number one disease-killer of children under 15 and lymphoma is the leading killer of men and women under 35? Did you know that every five minutes someone in the United States learns that they have leukemia or lymphoma? Did you know that approximately 1500 people die each day in the United States due to cancer, and about 3,400 people are diagnosed with cancer each day in the U.S?

Until I joined Team in Training, I did not know these data either.

But it is not these astonishing data that made me decide to run a half marathon (13.1miles) in the Georgia Marathon on March 18th, 2012, as part of Georgia Tech Team in Training and commit myself to raise $1,000 to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's efforts to treat and cure blood cancers.

My own mother was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 12, and relapsed three years later. But I am not going to tell you a sad story here, because my mom has recovered well after the second surgery, and is again enjoying her life.

As a kid, I had always believed that nothing bad would happen to my family, and life did not let me down.

But this is not always the case. When I was in Cincinnati as an exchange student., my host mom's brother, Uncle Rob was diagnosed with cancer. After fighting with cancer with incredible courage for 8 months, regrettably, Uncle Rob left us.

I am running because I am grateful for my mother's recovery.

I am also running in memory of Uncle Rob, who made me realize that although bad things can happen in our life, we still need to embrace our life, and simply live it.

I have no running experience before, but if my mom can go through the surgeries and chemotherapy for twice and beat the cancer, if Uncle Rob can fight cancer with incredible faith in God and make every day in his life count, why can't I run a half marathon?

Yes, comparing to what those who are diagnosed with cancer have to battle with, it's JUST 13.1 miles!

I believe I can do it, and I also believe that we will eventually find a way to cure cancer, and nobody would have to face with this terrible disease any more.

So if you believe in the same thing as I do, please make a donation and let your family and friends know about this cause to show your support!

You can make a donation on my fund raising page here with your credit/debit card.

You can also donate with check, made out to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and send it directly to me at 337461, Georgia Tech Station, Atlanta, GA, 30332. (All contributions are 100% tax-deductible. A minimum of 75% of the Society’s expenses support research and patient services.)

Thank you in advance for your support not only of me but the entire Team In Training organization. If you have any questions please email me at shangrila318@gmail.com

Sincerely,

Yingyan Samantha Wang