Hello friends and family,

I am writing to you to humbly ask for a donation to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society through the Team in Training program. I have joined the team to raise money for LLS while completing the Madrid Marathon in April of 2012. I have a lofty, and scary, goal of raising $5750.00 for this important cause.

Many if not all of you know that I am no stranger to endurance events. Over the past 10 years I've completed two marathons, countless half marathons, and 4 triathlons, including a half ironman. So why now, am I joining Team In Training and completing this event for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society? The reason is because after having this disease touch three people I love dearly, I feel the need to be part of the solution, to DO something.

This past April, one of my dearest friend's daughters was diagnosed with Acute Myleoid Leukemia, or AML, a rare, aggressive form of the disease. Seven year old Maya has fought with what seemed an endless hospital stay (she went home for the first time after 7 months in the hospital!), massive chemotherapy, and a bone marrow transplant. Many of you also know that I lost a dear friend, Peggy, to this same type of leukemia over ten years ago after fighting it for over 3 years. In addition to Maya and Peggy, I am inspired by Hannah, my dear friend's daughter and one of my daughters best friends who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, or ALL, when she was four years old and after 27 months of chemotherapy, remains cancer free at the age of 12!

So when you ask, why join Team In Training now? I say, I am completing this event in honor of Maya and Hannah, and in memory of Peggy.

How is the money raised used to fight Leukemia?

1. To families who are battling the disease. Families are given a stipend to help pay for medical expenses, drugs, room & board away from home during treatment, etc.

2. For research to improve the treatment, drugs, and survival rates of all blood cancers.

75% of total expenses in the Society’s audited annual report are spent on the Society’s mission and all donations tax deductible.

Please use this link to donate online quickly and securely plus learn more about my progress. You will receive a confirmation of your donation by email and I will be notified as soon as you make your donation.

http://pages.teamintraining.org/soh/madrid12/loriaronson

Please email me at aronson23@gmail.com if you have any questions at all!

Thank you for your consideration!

Lori