Dear Friends and Family:

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to share some very exciting news! On June 6, 2004, I will a join a team from all over New England to run a marathon in San Diego, California. It seems that in a moment of questionable judgment I have signed up with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training to compete in the Suzuki Rock ‘N Roll Marathon and raise over $3,800. How it all happened is still a little foggy, but never the less, the contract is signed with, what happens to be my signature. So, I’m in, and I am hoping that you can help me out.

I’ll make it easy on you. I’ll do the hard part, i.e. run 26.2 miles (all in the same day, mind you), and all you have to do is make a contribution to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. That is not so much to ask, right? And you get the satisfaction of knowing that you have done your part to further the cause of a truly wonderful organization.

An estimated 106,700 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma this year. Every five minutes, someone in the United States learns that they have leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma -- nearly 300 people a day. Leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma will kill an estimated 60,400 persons in the United States this year. Leukemia and lymphomas are the leading fatal cancers in young men under 35. Every nine minutes, a child or adult dies from leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma. Until the cause of leukemia is discovered, the Society remains dedicated to supporting research to find a cure and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. The research that is funded by the Society is working. 35 years ago, only 5% of children diagnosed with Leukemia survived. Today 80% of children with Leukemia and 76% of those with Hodgkin's disease will live, thanks in large part to the research that your donations will support.

“You must do the thing you think you cannot do“.
---Roosevelt, Eleanor

A year ago I would never have imagined being a non-smoker. Yet, in spite of this, on January 1, 2002, I decided to quit smoking and have been smoke free ever since. And now, rapidly approaching my one-year smoke-free anniversary, I have decided to do something else I never thought I could do. On Monday December 8, I began the lengthy and grueling process of training for the Rock ‘N Roll Marathon.

However, the challenges that I will have to face in training for the marathon pale in comparison to the challenge patients like Jade Monahan Chea, my "honored hero", overcome on a daily basis battling this disease. Jade was diagnosed with Stage II Hodgkin’s disease in September, 2000. She became involved with The Society after her brother Jason was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (his diagnosis was on the same day as her final chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s). Jade’s brother, Jason lost his courageous battle with leukemia on July 22, 2001 at the age of 31. Since that time, Jade has raised in excess of $25,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in his memory. The plight of Jade, Jason and the thousands of people diagnosed with Leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma inspires me and my run honors them.

My “Team in Training” coaches, teammates and, most importantly, my determination to help Jade, ensure that I will reach my physical goals. Your generosity will support not only my financial goals but also the goal of thousands of others trying to beat leukemia. I have committed to raising $3,800 in donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. 75% of all funds go directly to research and patient groups.

I hope you will join me-either financially or in spirit- to make a difference. To make a tax-deductible contribution, please fill out the enclosed sponsorship form and return it to the address listed. All contributions, regardless of size are appreciated greatly. The deadline is January 25th, but I will gladly accept contributions after that date.

With my sincerest thanks,

Greer Ross