Dear Family & Friends,

On Sunday, June 2, 2013, I will be completing my second half marathon with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Because of all of YOU, my amazing friends and family, I was one of the top ten fundraisers in the nation! I cannot begin to thank you all enough for your extremely generous donations and support, and I would love to be a part of that group again!!

As many of you already know, I lost my father to Leukemia at age 6 when he was only 41, so this half marathon and foundation is extremely close to my heart. He was an extremely courageous man who never complained throughout the duration of his illness, and I know his strength carried me through every long and torturous run last season. In addition to my dad, I will also be running in honor of a dear friend of mine, Joselyn Miller. Over the past several months, Joselyn has been battling aplastic anemia, an extremely rare blood condition that prohibits the body from producing healthy bone marrow. Throughout her long and grueling journey, she has shown immense spirit, bravery and unwavering strength. It is an incredible honor to run for her and in memory of my dad.

I will also be running for my good friend and coworker, Kacy Chumbley, who unfortunately cannot partake in the grueling 13.1 miles because she is expecting another addition to her beautiful family. I will be running in honor of her mom, Patti Jones.

Last but certainly not least, I will be running for a dear friend of mine and best first grade buddy ever, Tammie Le. We have known each other for many, many years and she is among one of the bravest people I know! Your optimism and positivity are absolutely inspiring!

Every year, an estimated 44,600 new cases of leukemia are expected to be diagnosed in the United States. When LLS was founded in 1949, a blood cancer diagnosis was almost always fatal. Now, thanks in part to innovative research funded by LLS, survival rates have doubled, tripled and even quadrupled for blood cancer patients.

Every dollar donated by you helps save lives and raise awareness within our community. Especially during this rough economy, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society needs donations now so more than ever. I am running alongside fellow supporters with the hopes that maybe someday we will find a cure for this horrible disease.

Please help sponsor me in any way you can, no donation is too small.