I am getting ready for the biggest challenge of my life. On June 1, 2008, I plan to complete a century (100 mile) bike ride around Lake Tahoe "America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride"! Luckily, I am not doing this on my own; especially since the last bike I rode was a pink Schwinn with a little white basket on the front.
I have joined the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training program. Through this program, I have great coaches whose support will help me cross the finish line. I’m learning all about pacelining, clipping in and out (a very tricky thing, although a bit easier than balancing on some of the stilettos I wear), and the importance of drinking water instead of wine.
More importantly even than my physical commitment to the program is my commitment to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in its effort to battle Leukemia and related cancers. These diseases strike some 118,000 Americans each year and acute leukemia is the number one cause of death of children under the age of 15. Every 10 minutes, another child or adult dies from blood cancer.
One of the greatest contributions of the Society is toward research. Significant progress has been made in the treatment of this disease. The five-year survival rate for leukemia has more than tripled in the past 46 years.
Honor Someone You Know
I am not only cycling this race for the Society, but also in honor of three Leukemia patients in particular Shira Weisbach, Patt Rubano and Henry Coufos. If you have someone that you would like to honor, we would be happy to add them to our TNT team list of honorees. Our team will include all of their names on our team banner that we carry to the race. Send me a comment below and I'll add their names.
You Can Help!
Research is the key to finding a cure, and funding for this research is essential. I am committed to raising more than $5,000 for this ride by the end of April. I encourage you to help me do this by giving whatever you can to support my ride. You can give online by pledging at the TNT website.
With over 75% of your donation going directly to research and patient services, you truly can make a difference. Many companies will match your donation making your contribution go even further. 100% of your contribution is tax deductible.
In Gratitude
While I am excited (and more than a bit intimidated) to do the ride, I am thrilled to be involved in fundraising to finding a cure for blood-related cancers. I appreciate ANY support you can give to this effort.
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