August 15, 2000


Dear Family, Friends and Colleagues,

There is a very special and urgent reason for my reaching you ---right now--- in the middle of the summer.

I have decided to do something outrageous!...
I joined the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training program (TNT) and you might be amazed to know that I am in a serious endurance training program for the Honolulu Marathon--26.2 miles--taking place on December 10, 2000. I have personally made the commitment to raise $5,000 dollars in funds by November 1, 2000 for this great cause, but I need your help to do it. I am reaching out to everyone I know who believes in my abilities and whom I value in my life to help me achieve this personal quest. As part of the serious training, the Society and its volunteers are providing me with a coach, a formal training program, nutritional advice and over 500 team members with a common goal and plenty of support.

'Great Katie...But Why This Project?'...
Up to now, I have been fortunate NOT to know the face of leukemia in my direct circle of contacts. But many other forms of cancer, heart disease, and stroke have touched my loved ones and me. The common thread among all these serious illnesses is an inexplicable fear and sadness not only for those afflicted, but also for their caregivers, and loved ones: the rest of us. The other side of these emotions though, are hope and a deep desire and drive to overcome! I haven't always been able to help, but this is a chance for me to make up for some of those lost moments.

I say that I have not known Leukemia in my circle of contacts, but even that statement has changed for me. The GREATEST personal value in this program is meeting Leukemia's real heroes...last week I met Susan Andrews, one of the honorees for whom I will be walking. Diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Susan is handling her cancer with grace and courage knowing that though slow-growing, her cancer is still incurable.

Some of you might know about Leukemia and other blood-related cancers...it attacks blood-forming and infection-fighting organs like bone marrow, lymph nodes and spleen. Last year alone over 105,000 Americans were diagnosed with one of these cancers,and over 60,000 died from them.

The GOOD NEWS is that cure rates are increasing every year! One type of childhood leukemia now has an 80% survival rate due largely to research sponosored by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. It has supported every major research breakthrough in the field. Thanks to its donor program, researchers are being funded...these fine scientists are our source of hope in finding the cure!

Funding the Cure....
We all have a chance to help the Susan's in our lives to bring those cures closer. Please support me in my walking effort with any donation you can (click on "donate" for more details). Over 75% of your donation goes directly to research and 100% of it is tax-deductible!

Over the next 4 months I will be walking hundreds of miles and putting in many hours of training...that is easy compared to Susan's daily challenge...let MY feet walk for YOU too...I look forward to reaching my goal of $5,000 quickly so that I can focus on preparing fully with my teammates on this first marathon of my life!!

Thank you and God bless!
Katie