Racing to Save Lives

Dear Friends,

I have recently made a commitment to participate in the 2010 Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Team in Training Program. I am officially training for the Century Ride to Montauk this spring but will actually be riding the 145-mile direct route from Manhattan to Montauk. I’m hoping to enlist you as part of my training team, and acquaint you with a vitally important cause that would benefit significantly from your contributions. My fundraising goal for the ride is $2,600 and with your help, I know I can reach and exceed it.

Donations you make will go to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Their mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Specifically, the NYC Chapter focuses on education, direct patient assistance and research. Unlike many other organizations, the LLS is proud to be able to say that 75 cents on every dollar raised goes directly to Leukemia Society funds, so your donation is really making a difference, not just paying to put on a race. These funds cover patient care and counseling, often helping to pay costs not covered by insurance. Funding also goes toward the research and development of treatments, some of which have helped increase the survival rate of children suffering from leukemia from 4% in 1960 to over 85% where it stands today.

On a more personal note, my grandma, Lila, was diagnosed last year with breast cancer. Happily I can say she is a survivor. My grandma, Harriet, is fighting the battle of her life having just weeks ago been diagnosed with widespread metastatic cancer. She is a remarkable woman who is managing this fight with grace and a steely resolve that is inspiring all of us. Too many families know the evils of this disease and if raising money for this cause can help, I’m happy to do whatever I can. What I am training for is no doubt small in comparison to what all the people we love have done who have battled this disease. I would be touched and honored if you would join me in honoring and supporting them in their fight.

Please take a moment and give as generously as you can, and feel free to pass this information on to family and friends. Any help is greatly appreciated. Your donation is 100% tax deductible and will go towards finding a cure to this insidious disease, which is a cause we can all get behind!

Thank you so much for your support!