As many of you know, our family was struck by tragedy when our Mom – Linda Gabriele – was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a blood-born cancer that can be extremely aggressive and devastating on the body. Our Mother fought for three and a half painstaking years before she passed on May 6, 2011, at the age of fifty-five.

Linda was an outstanding person; she was considerate, gentle and always giving. We were very fortunate to have her as our Mom and continue to struggle with her loss. Therefore, we have decided to participate in the Nike DC ½ Marathon on April 28, 2013.

All donations go directly to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, which has managed to raise millions of dollars over the years to fund blood cancer research. Our Mom partook in many advanced new treatments that surely aided in prolonging her life. Currently, researchers are coming closer to finding cures for this devastating disease and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has directly impacted this advancement.

Here are just a few of the ways research has made a difference:

• There are currently 121 medicines in development for Leukemia.
• The survival rate for blood born cancers has quadrupled over the last 20 years.
• Advances in genetic technology have aided with transplants and t-cell science.

This year we are challenging ourselves to raise $5,800 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The money will go to research and patient-assisted programs. Please help us reach this goal. You can make a tax-deductible donation on this page, or you can also send a donation by way of check, made out to "LLS", and return it directly to me. No donation is too small! Every dollar raised makes a difference!

Just as a quick note, we are so thankful to have such an amazing group of family and friends who have been so supportive during such an emotional time for us. Thank you in advance for your ongoing commitment to this cause; it means so much to me and my family.

Sincerely,

Stephanie