Dearest Friends:

I am writing to share with you a very special event in which I will take part. I’m bicycling for a cure! On October 8^th, I will be cycling in a 100 mile bike-athon with hundreds of others to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training program. As a member of Team in Training, I will be participating in this event as a symbol of endurance and hope in order to raise funds for all blood-related cancers.

The Society has been organizing these and other endurance events, which are a symbol of fortitude and hope, since 1988. As a result of this team approach, they have raised over 430 million dollars for cancer research and patient assistance, information and support. By generating the funds needed to find a cure The Society works tirelessly to help those with blood related cancers and though we are not there yet, great strides have been made.
Depending on the cancer in question, survival rates have risen from 32% to 84%  Sadly, there are more than 617,000 people in the United States who are fighting blood cancers and although research is responsible for increasing survival rated for these diseases, the battle is far from over. Every five minutes, someone in this country is diagnosed with blood cancer. Every nine minutes, someone dies. The price of a cure is high and that is why my goal is to raise at least $3000. It is a rather daunting task but with your help I know I can achieve this objective. The event will be held in October, which gives me a few months to train as I generate the funds.

I am making this commitment in honor and memory of those in my family who have been taken by cancer. It is truly a privilege and I think they would be pleased to be an inspiration as I train for this noble cause.

I hope that I can count on you to help me help others. If you can commit to the monetary contribution, I can commit to the physical demands of the race. Together, we could save lives. Your contributions are tax deductible and any amount you can spare will bring The Society “one step closer” to a cure. Please make checks payable to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and if your company provides matching gifts please send in the appropriate form for processing. My target date for collecting donations is September 9, 2005 but I will collect through October.

Thank you in advance for your generosity, your giving means a greater hope for the future.

Sincerely,

Ann Taylor

P.O. Box 735

Maywood, NJ 07607