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, lymphoma or myeloma? Until I joined The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training, neither did I.

I'm going to run the Rock n Roll Saint Louis MARATHON. Think I’m crazy? Truth be told, you may not be so far off the mark! 26.2 miles seems like a really long way to go. I mean, really really long (try watching your car's odomoter on a trip until you hit 26.2 miles - it's quite far!). So, am I crazy? Probably, but I have a very sane reason for wanting to do this!

Through The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training program, I will not just be running for myself, but in support of an organization that is dedicated to curing lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, along with many other forms of blood cancers. Also to help improve the lives of patients and their families. In exchange for fundraising, the Society will help me train for the race, provide coaching and medical guidance, and will put me together with other runners of similar skills.

The more I have learned about these many different types of blood cancers is that you can never take anything for granted. Your life can change on the drop of a dime; it's important to seize the opportunity to make a difference when you can.

So here I am, seizing my opportunity. My goals are two-fold: one, to cross the finish line of the Rock n Roll Saint Louis Marathon on October 21st; and two, to raise $1,500 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society! I'm hoping you will be able to help me with both of these goals. Your encouragement and positive reinforcement (i.e., “You ran HOW MANY miles today?! FABULOUS!!!) will go an incredibly long way in helping me complete this marathon. Your financial support will not only help save the lives of those afflicted with blood-related cancers, but make their lives more comfortable and manageable while they are fighting – and winning against - the disease. Consider also that many of the strides that are made toward curing blood-related cancers translate into making a difference in fighting all types of cancers.

If you are so inspired to take up this tremendous cause, please feel free to share this letter and request with anyone who might be inclined to help. Every contribution will have an impact, will be acknowledged personally by me, and will be appreciated by so very many. Please complete the attached form and return it along with your contribution to me to the address listed above.

Finally, if you know someone who has been afflicted with a blood-related cancer, I would love to run in their honor as well. Please let me know their name(s) and I will be sure to wear a bracelet for them on race day!!

Thank you so very much!

Melissa LaRose