Thank You!!!

Thanks to your generous donations, I have met (and exceeded) my goal of raising $3500 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Now let's see how much higher we can go!

Every additional dollar raised on my website will go towards funding critical research, patient education and support, and lifesaving treatments for those afflicted with blood cancers. Every advance made means we are one step closer to curing ALL cancers.

Please check my blog often to keep up to date on my training and my life in general: http://leanne-watchmetri.blogspot.com/

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I first met Kim Russo and her family in 2006. Our daughters (Isabella and Sofia) were in pre-school together at Advent Lutheran School. In 2007 the Russo’s received the devastating news that Kimberly had Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). She was determined to fight this disease and after chemotherapy, her AML went into remission. Two years later, during a routine blood test, doctors found that her Leukemia had returned, and that a stem cell transplant would be necessary. Doctors at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa performed a lifesaving stem cell transplant using donated cord blood in November 2009. Through it all, she has maintained a positive outlook and looks forward to a long and purposeful life with Steven and their three children.

This year, I have decided to join Team in Training (TNT) in Kim’s honor. I will be training for and participating in the Nation's Triathlon in Washington D.C. on September 12, 2010. The Olympic distance triathlon consists of a one-mile swim in the Potomac River, a 25-mile bike ride, followed by a six-mile run (yes, all on the same day). By joining the “Team,” I have agreed to raise funds for LLS. In return, I get experienced coaches, training clinics, tons of support, transportation and accommodations during the event, and the knowledge that I am making a difference in someone’s life! All proceeds from the Nation's Triathlon will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I am competing in this event in honor of all those individuals who are battling blood cancers, especially my friend Kim. These people are the real heroes on our team, and we need your support to cross the ultimate finish line - a cure!

But… I can’t do it without your help. Please consider making a donation to help me reach my goal. You can donate in two ways.

• You can quickly and securely donate by using your credit card on this web page.
• You can also donate by check: donations made by check should be made payable to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and mailed to me:

Leanne Welch, c/o RW3 Inc.

1730 S. Federal Hwy #290, Delray Beach, FL 33483

From my family and Kim's, Thank You!