"Hope is the companion of power, and mother of success; for who so hopes strongly has within him the gift of miracles."

Dear Friends:

More than 40,000 runners, walkers, cyclists, hikers and triathletes will participate in the world's major marathons, triathlons, hiking adventures and century rides this year on behalf of the Leukemia & Lymphoma. We all have at least one thing in common: our faithful sponsors, without whom we could not be successful in the fight against cancer.

I am dedicating this year’s October 29th-Dublin Marathon to my brother Michael and the gracious sponsors who have generously supported my efforts over the passed 16 years. Their generosity helped LLS in fiscal 2010 to:

• invest $72 million, which includes funding for 103 new grants to researchers in academic institutions and $8 million in contracts through the LLS Therapy Acceleration Program
• support 347 research projects in the United States, Canada and 9 other countries
• provide financial assistance to patients
• sponsor scientific conferences around the country
• produce educational materials and videos
• run dozens of Family Support Groups nationwide

This money fuels the LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding, LLS has invested nearly $1.3 billion dollars in research specifically targeting leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. LLS receives no federal funding; every dollar comes from men and women just like you.

Running marathons to raise money to fund leukemia research started out as personal. Losing a brother and a niece surviving a harrowing ordeal, I and my children have had too many friends and loved ones succumb to leukemia. Indeed cancer continues to touch all of our lives in some way or another. I am committed to raising $6,000.00 which I hope to exceed with your generosity. Together we have the power to conquer leukemia.

Life needs you to sustain hope. Life needs your generosity. I will collect the fully tax-deductible donations from now until my fundraising deadline of October 8th.

For the favor of your generosity, I am sincerely grateful. Be assured your personal support means a great deal to me. Without your kindness and grace, I truly could not do this.

VERY TRULY YOURS,

ED MCINTYRE