On April 26, 2008, I will be running in my first endurance marathon. As part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training, I am joining hundreds of people around the country to train and run in the Country Music Marathon in Nashville, Tennessee.

Through the Team in Training program, I will have a certified coach, a training schedual, nutritional advice, a great team of athletes with a common goal and lots of support. I am working to achieve a minimum of $5,000, but I know we can make it to $10,000! You can help the fight against blood cancers by making a 100% tax-deductible donation towards my fundraising efforts by March 21st. You can donate by mail with the enclosed Donation Form and envelope or online at my TNT web page: [link]

While great advances have been made in treating blood cancers, leukemia is still the leading caner killer of children between the ages of 1 and 15, and leukemia and lymphoma are the leading fatal cancers in young women and men under 35. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

I am also taking this challenge in honor of a very special person, Nick Tolan. Nick was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (lymphablastic lymphoma) in December, 2006. He is currently on Larson’s protocol – a combination of chemo therapy and radiation, but mostly chemo.

As I run 26.2 miles, you will be with me in spirit, and your partnership will inspire me to run faster and stronger to the finish line! Please join my in this great challenge. Your donation should be payable to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and will promote continuous research, patient assistance, support systems, and ultimately help to fund a cure for these devastating diseases.

Please contribute as generously as you can. Consider donating $1 for every mile that I run. Or, be a t-shirt sponsor! Donate $100 or more and your name will be written on the shirt I wear at the starting line. I have included extra Donation forms for you to forward to your friends, family, and co-workers. Also, please forward my webpage link to everyone.

On behalf of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the lives they touch, THANK YOU!