Fund raising letter

Home Up

Palo Alto, February 9, 2002

Dear Friends, Family and Business Associates,

I am writing to you now because you have been a part of my life, and I would like you to take part in my latest and greatest endeavor that is taking me back to Anchorage, Alaska where on June 22 of this year, I will run the Anchorage Marathon! I made this decision not only to challenge myself to train and compete in my first marathon, but more importantly to raise money for a very important cause that helps people much less fortunate than you and I.

 

 

 

I have joined Team in Training (TNT), a non-profit organization that by providing coaching and support prepares people to meet their goals of completing endurance events. In return, I commit to raise funds. Of the funds I will raise, over 75% will go directly towards research, patient services, professional education and community service. My goal is to raise $5,000.

 

 

 

That's were you come in. It is really easy for you to help. You do not have to run six times a week and complete 400 miles before June 22. All you have to do is complete the Sponsorship Form found here.

 

 

About the cause

 Leukemia is a cancer that affects blood-forming and infection-fighting organs like bone marrow, lymph nodes and the spleen. It causes millions of abnormal white blood cells to accumulate, preventing the formation of normal cells. Lymphoma, myelanoma and Hodgkin's disease are related cancers. Blood related cancers will strike about 110.000 Americans each year and will kill approximately 60,500. Leukemia is the #1 killing disease of children under 15.

Research is changing the outlook for patients. From 1964 to today, the five-year survival rate for acute lymphocityc leukemia (the most common form of childhood leukemia) have improved from an appalling 4% to 80%. Just recently, the FDA approved a new drug called Gleevec, it comes in pills, which for people affected by chronic mylogennous leukemia means that they have an alternative to chemoteraphy. Gleevec was developed by Dr. Brian Drucker, a scientist who is funded in part by the Leukemia & Lymphoma society.

About two of my honorees

Kathy is 31, in 1996 she was a TNT participant, in 1997 while pregnant, she was diagnosed with ALL. Chemotherapy helped. She was even able to run two marathons. In 2000 she had a relapse and received a bone marrow transplant. She is doing well and looking forward to one day training again.

Sara is 26, in March 2000 she was diagnosed with stage II Hodgkins Lymphoma. After chemotherapy and radiation, the disease went into remission for four months. In January 2001 the cancer was back. She had some of her own stem cells transplanted. Sara is doing well for now.

If you allow me, I will be keeping you informed with the progress of my training. You can also check my website, http://www.geocities.com/dbigio for up to date information on my progress. To read about TNT go to http://www.teamintraining.com to read more about the LLS go to http://www.leukemiaca.org

If you would like me to run in honor of someone you care about who has, or has had leukemia, please list their names on the sponsorship form. I'll be proud to wear their name as I cross the finish line! Thank you!

 

Get a Word version here.