Join the Fight Against Leukemia and Lymphoma
August 2001
Dear Family and Friends:
As many of you may remember, in May of 1989 I was diagnosed with leukemia.
My fight was successful, and today I enjoy a full, cancer-free life. In
December it will be the twelve-year anniversary of my bone marrow
transplant, and I've decided to celebrate by running a marathon. I'm
training for the Honolulu Marathon, which will take place on December 9,
2001. Some of you may think that running 26.2 miles doesn't sound like much
of a celebration, but this isn't just any marathon - I'm running to raise
money for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
I've always thought that it would be great to run a marathon but was
intimidated by the idea. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is helping to
make that goal possible with their Team in Training program. They've
provided me with a volunteer coach, a training regimen, nutritional advice,
and a supporting group of runners with whom to train. In turn, I have
committed to raise $4500 that will go toward research aimed at finding a
cure for leukemia and related diseases.
I may be considered cured, but there are many others who are still battling
leukemia and lymphoma. As I train and finally run the 26.2 miles, I'll be
thinking of all of these people. I'll be thinking of one person in
particular: Cameron "Heath" Bobo, a twelve-year-old currently undergoing
treatment for acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). I will be training and
raising money in his honor. He will inspire me as I struggle through those
miles and in turn, I hope to inspire Heath and others who are fighting the
disease - not only can they get better, but they too will be strong enough
to run a marathon.
Even though it's been twelve years, not a day goes by that I don't think
about what I went through and how lucky I am to be here, and I challenge
myself to use my experience to make a difference. This is one opportunity
to do so. I want to help other leukemia patients to enjoy the success that
I've had.
Can I count on you to join me in this effort? I can't make it without your
love, enthusiasm, care, and financial support. To demonstrate your support just download and print out this easy donor form and send it directly to me at the address printed on the form. You can make your contribution by check or by credit card. (If you have any questions, please send me e-mail at [email protected].) Feel free to include inspirational messages, words of advice, lucky charms, and Band-Aids. I'll have you with me every step of the way. Seventy-five percent of all the funds I raise go directly to research, and your contribution is
tax-deductible.
Thanks in advance for your support. You'll be getting updates over the
course of the next few months and upon my return from Hawaii. Thank you for being a part of my life, especially during this significant personal milestone. And on behalf of the true marathoners - those enduring serious illness - thank you, too.
Love,
Cyndi Elias
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