I am writing this letter to tell you about a unique opportunity. I have made a personal commitment to a special team of people called the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America. I did this by joining with the Team in Training group. It all started when I ran in the Mayor’s Midnight Sun Marathon in June of 2000. How did this happen? Opportunity knocked, and I answered. I saw a Team in Training shirt on a co-worker’s desk. I walked over and asked him about it. He told me about the program. Team in Training is an organization dedicated to raising awareness about fighting blood-related cancers. They are an endurance sport’s training program that trains runners, walkers, and cyclists who participate in the world’s major marathons and rides on behalf of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America. In the past years, Team In Training has raised millions of dollars to support research for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma, and to improve the quality of patient’s and their family’s lives. I signed up calling my efforts "RaceForTheCure2000".
YOU CAN HELP TOO
Leukemia is a malignancy of the blood forming tissues – bone marrow, lymph nodes and spleen. It appears as uncontrolled multiplication of abnormal blood cells. When it strikes, millions of abnormal cells accumulate in the tissues, preventing the production of normal cells. Lymphoma is a type of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system. When it strikes, the cells of the lymphatic system multiple without control becoming cancerous and effecting the immune system. It is estimated that leukemia and its related cancers strike some 102,200 Americans each year and kill 56,210. Every week, there are 1,900 new cases of leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma diagnosed in this country!! Leukemia and Lymphoma Society sponsored research has been the catalyst for effective treatments of Hodgkin’s disease, lymphoma and other common kinds of cancers, including breast and lung cancer. Their hope is that with accelerated funding for research, these cancers will become curable in the future. The research is already working. Twenty-five years ago, only 5% of children diagnosed with Leukemia survived. Today, 79% of children with Leukemia and 76% of those with Hodgkin’s disease will live, thanks to the research funded by projects such as Team in Training. Their mission statement is to increase funding to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society while promoting fitness and healthy lifestyles.
IT IS SIMPLE
Team in Training was founded by Bruce Cleland in 1988 after his young daughter was stricken with leukemia. He recruited a team of runners who raised money while training for the New York City Marathon. They called their effort “Team in Training,” and went on to raise $320,000 for that event alone. Since its inception, they have raised more than $75 million. I have taken up this cause along with many others. In 2000, I committed myself to the rigors of training for a marathon in Anchorage Alaska - my first. In 2002, I set my sites on the Dublin Marathon. For both marathons, I also pledged to the fund raising cause. For the Anchorage event, I raised over $4100.00!! For the Dublin event, I raised over 6000.00!! This is where your help is needed. I raised that money with the help from people just like you. I couldn't have done it alone. I am asking you to join me in spirit as I cross the finish line by contributing to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America with a donation.
DONATE
You will not only be helping runners like me work towards my goals, more importantly, you will be supporting all of those patients effected by leukemia and lymphoma. This is the true value of all our contributions. For the races I run, my physical and mental goal is to cross the finish line. My ultimate goal is to help find a cure for these diseases. Join with me, and together we can achieve these goals. Be as generous as you can by making your fully tax deductible donation. Every bit helps. No amount is too small.
Thank you for being a part of this experience. I truly appreciate your support and encouragement.
David Pietrucha
See you at the finish line!!
