02/13/06

Hi Everyone!

 I’m attempting something new and I need your help! J  A friend I cycled with in college told me about a program called Team in Training.  It’s a cycling and running program to help raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (see:  www.teamintraining.org).  They provide professional coaches to help train for a century bike ride or to run a marathon. 

 I get to learn how to ride better, get back into a sport that I really enjoy, lose some weight and help a great cause!  The century we are training for is El Tour de Tucson.  It is 111 miles around the perimeter of Tucson.  My goal is to raise a minimum of $3000 for the society.  Sooo.... now you know the jist of this letter!  I'm looking for money!  Lots of money!  The more money, the better! 

 Over 75% of the money raised for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society goes directly to blood related cancer research, patient support and community education.  Every week there are 2,100 new cases of leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma.  Each week about 1,100 Americans will die of these diseases.  25 years ago only 5% of children diagnosed with leukemia survived.  Thanks to research funded by programs like Team in Training, today 81% of children with leukemia and 93% of those with Hodgkin’s disease will live.

 We ride in honor of cancer patients.  Gary Weeman (an adult) was diagnosed in 1994 and is currently in “chemical” remission.  The other two patients I’m riding for are 4 year old Daniel Cronen and 6 year old Gabriel Romero who both are undergoing treatment for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia.  My son is 4 years old and my daughter is 7.  It is difficult for me to think about what these kids are going through and I am very thankful that my kids do not have to go through anything like this.

 I'm taking this seriously and ride 20-30 miles 5 days a week.  In addition to my daily rides, I ride on Sundays with the team on extended rides.  We'll hit 75-100 miles each Sunday a few weeks prior to the Tour!  I know that charity giving is a very personal thing, so I understand if you don’t want to donate, but anything you can give will help me to exceed my goal and you will help a great cause.  Please complete the donor information below and return it to me with your donation by August 23^rd.

 Thanks!

Mike, this is ________________________________(print your name).  I’d like to help you by donating to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society! 

Please circle the appropriate contribution below:

 $25      “We haven’t heard from you in years and now all you want is money!”
$50      “You’re kind of sexy when you sweat, even if you’re starting to smell bad!”
$75      “Thank Goodness, I’m healthy!”
$111     “A dollar a mile, that’s pretty good!”
$222    “Two dollars a mile, he better work twice as hard!”
$____  Be creative and make up your own amount: __________________________________________

My company will match this contribution, and I have attached the completed form ( Yes  /  No )

Your contribution is 100% tax deductible. 
*** Please make checks payable to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society  ***

 I would like to pay by Credit Card:  Card Number ___________________________( Visa / MC / AMEX )
                                                            Expiration _____month  _____ year
                                                            Signature ____________________________