Racing to Save Lives

Welcome

to my Team In Training home page.

To My Friends and Family,

As most of you already know, my 5 year old niece Samantha is fighting both Acute Myelogenous Leukemia and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. She was diagnosed on August 7th, 2009 and on January 5th of this year, Sam had a bone marrow transplant to combat the cancer. These past few months have been almost unbearable, especially for her parents. Their lives turned from excitedly getting Sam prepared for kindergarten, to sitting vigil by her beside, worrying while she under went test after test, received chemotherapy, and then cared for her when the side effects of the chemo started to hit. They have had to endure and cope with that of which is every parent's worst nightmare. However, right now, after the bone marrow transplant, I am very happy to say that Sam is doing very well. With the support of her parents, family, friends, doctors, and by her own inner strength, we can finally say that Sam is on her way to recovery.

There is currently no answer as to "why" an individual is stricken with this disease however, hopefully someday soon there will at least be a cure for it. In the past few months, I have found that both science and humanity can work together and make the difference. I have witnessed first hand the generosity of strangers and the support of loved ones alike. Without science and medicine, this disease could be even more devastating. Without our loved ones who support us and see us through the heartache and grief of cancer, families will be left in absolute despair. I have faith that in conjunction with one another; modern medicine and the human spirit, we can fight and defeat this disease.

With that in mind, I have decided to run the Vermont City Marathon on May 30th, 2010, for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). I will be a participant in their Team In Training program and will run in honor of Samantha. In order for me to do this, I need your help. I am hoping that you can join me in this fight against cancer by making a donation towards my goal of $3000. Each donation helps accelerate finding a cure for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. More than 823,000 Americans are battling these blood cancers. I am hoping that my participation in Team In Training will help bring hope and support to these families and to my own.

Please use the link in this email 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/uny/vermont10/croseq

Attached to the bottom of this email is a picture of Samantha. I am truly humbled to run in honor of her. Sam is a beautifully bright and energetic little girl with an infectious laugh. I am truly lucky to be her Aunt. It is my mission to do this for her and her parents.

On behalf of my family and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, I thank you very much for your support and I greatly appreciate your generosity.

Warmly,

Casey Rose

P.S. I would appreciate it if you would forward this email to as many people as you can to encourage them to donate as well. They can use the same link as included above. Thank you again.