Hi,

My dad, Alan Graham, suffered and died from myelodysplastic syndrome. When sick, we'd ask him if he needed anything and he would say "no, just a new body." If only it were that easy!

I have taken dad’s wry desire to heart by making a new commitment to my old body. Four years ago I developed type 2 diabetes. I controlled it, but with medicine, and not a healthy lifestyle. By joining the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training, I have been motivated to transform my diet and exercise regime. I've been running since last October and not only have I lost twenty pounds, but I have been able to stop using insulin.

My goal is to run in the Country Music 1/2 Marathon 2011 on April 30 as a member of LLS’s Team In Training. All of us on Team In Training are raising funds to help stop leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma from taking more lives. LLS does more than work for a cure—it provides services for the families and victims of blood cancers. Particularly important is that people who are alone and despairing about their condition simply have someone at LLS who they can talk to. That alone is unbelievable therapy.

My goal is to raise $2,500 so I can participate in the Nashville half marathon. I have to reach a $625 commitment by March 4 and have it all in by April 18. I am humbled and grateful by those of you who have given already, but still have a ways to go.

Please make a donation to support my participation in Team In Training and help advance LLS's mission.

You may donate online through this website. You may also send a check directly to me (made out to Lukemia & Lymphoma Society) with the enclosed envelope.

All donations are 100% tax deductible and 75% of every dollar goes directly to the LLS mission.

Thank you,

Christopher Graham

2205 New Garden Road #2607

Greensboro, NC 27410