Two weekends ago, my team and I participated in a mock triathlon event to prepare for the real thing. We traveled to a far away land called, Pacioma.

In 80 degrees, we embraced our wetsuits, set-up our transition spots, swam in a 3 feet deep pool (yes, I'm being sacastic. I have to say it's not easy to swim when you can touch the bottom of a pool with one false stroke or kick), biked 11 miles, and ran 3 miles. Most importantly, we had the pleasure of meeting Nathaniel and Vivianna.

Nathaniel was only 2 years old when he was diagnosed with leukemia. Vivianna is not only his older sister, but his savior. She was his donor when Nathaniel underwent stem cell treatment. What makes this story even more touching is that siblings only have about a 25% chance of being a donor match. Crazy, right?

Nathaniel is now 7 years old and is on is way to live one helluva life! And it's because of him and knowing I can help make a difference in other people's lives does it make swimming, biking, and running - in outrageous heat - all worth it.

I can never thank the kind people in my life who have donated to the LLS and supported me through my crazy journey:

-Justin and Maria Abelye

-Eddie Gonzalez

-Tiffany Yee

-Ping Huang

-Simran Baidwan

-Anthony Costantino

Again, I'm sorry your names aren't listed in all its glory on the right-hand side of this page, but screw web page design!

I just thought I'd share with you how your donation dollars help LLS:

$250 - Offers five patients to make a First Connection** with a trained peer volunteer patient/survivor.

$150 - Will provide funding for cancer medications, transportation, or other expenses, to one patient.

$100 - Supplies two patients with resources and materials critical to making informed decisions about their treatments.

$50 - Pays for resources and materials (Trish Greene Back to School Program***) for two children with leukemia to help ease their transition back to school after treatment.

$25 - Provides activities and support to one child receiving treatment for a blood cancer.

I can't thank those who have visited this page and made a donation, enough. You are all angels!!

Now imagine what $500 or $1000 can do ... better yet, be that BALLER and make that donation to find out firsthand!

Do I still use No. 10 envelopes, stamps, and walk to my local post office? Hell yeah I do, and it has totally paid off. Thanks to my shameless, snail mail donation soliciting efforts, I have raised an additional $70.

I am thankful for every penny that comes in for LLS, and with that said, a BIG THANKS to:

Marion and Linda Del Castillo

Rene and Marissa Cruz

I got the best surprise today ... a donation of $100!! I just want to say THANK YOU SO MUCH to the very kind and generous ANONYMOUS person who donated to the LLS cause today. You are truly amazing and have a big heart. I hope I learn your name or who you are one day as I would like to tell you personally how appreciative I am for your donation. You rock!!