As we start the New Year, often we find ourselves making New Year resolutions... Some we will forget by January 15th and others we will do all we can to carry out. What have I set up for myself this year?

Let's see... In 2010 I participated in my first marathon, finished 5 half marathons, and even took my chances in the murky waters of the Potomac during my first Olympic Triathlon; all to help raise awareness and funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. So what could I possibly want to do now??

In 2011 I have decided to go all out... 103 miles out that is... No, I won't be running this time. I have decided it is time to give the knees a break and take a bike ride; a 103 mile bike ride around beautiful Lake Tahoe!!! That is right; I am committed to the 2011 America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride Tour of Lake Tahoe. This event is a full 100-mile (actually, 103 miles) Century Ride; out and back on Highway 89-Bike Trail to visit historic Truckee, California, before continuing around Lake Tahoe. 103 Miles of Beautiful!! I am already excited.

My first resolution for 2011 is not only to train for and complete the 2011 America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride; I also have set a goal to raise $5,000 for this event to help LLS with their mission... And I need your help to get there.

Some of you are already aware of my personal hero, Courtney. But what you may not know is I have added to my list of honored heroes... Along with Courtney, I will be riding each of 103 miles for Zack S, Van M, Joey P, Rick W, Jackie, and so many more. I wish I could say I ride in honor of all survivors, but there are plenty that I will ride for in memory of...

Here is what your donations enable LLS to do: In fiscal year 2010 approximately $72 million was invested in research, including funding for 103 new grants to researchers in academic institutions and $8 million in contracts through the LLS Therapy Acceleration Program. As of June 2010, LLS was supporting 347 research projects and 9 research contracts in the U.S., Canada, and 9 other countries. LLS also provides financial assistance to patients; sponsors scientific conferences around the country; produces educational materials and videos; and runs dozens of Family Support Groups nationwide. Because we receive no federal funding, we depend on you for continued support of these needed programs.

Each donation helps accelerate finding a cure for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. An estimated 137,260 people in the United States will be diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma in 2010. New cases of leukemia, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma will account for 9.0 percent of the 1,529,560 new cancer cases diagnosed in the United States this year

LLS's mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

THANK YOU for your generous support!! You are not just making a donation: you are making a difference in the lives of people touched by blood cancers.

Follow my training throughout the season by following my blog at:

http://triing2findacure.blogspot.com/