Dear Family and Friends,
As many of you know, I moved to Colorado this past July to pursue my MBA in Health Administration! Since moving here, I have met some wonderful people and have really been enjoying life in a big city! Unfortunately in late December one of my closest friends and mentors from Colorado passed away very unexpectedly. She holds a special place in my heart not only because she was a wonderful, selfless, and caring person, but also because she ran the rescue where I got my second dog, Reg, so in essence she found and rescued my best friend! I was with Dawn only two days before she passed and she said something to me in conversation that has since impacted my life significantly. She explained to me that since starting the rescue, she came to realize life is not about material things; it’s about helping people (and animals) and making a difference in their lives no matter how big or small.
Dawn’s passing caused me to realize that life is so precious and we often take it, and the people in our lives, for granted. I am determined to change that for myself and, as a result, am taking on challenges that have previously intimidated me.
So now what? Well, I am going to run the Denver Rock n Roll half-marathon! Why? Because running a half marathon is on my “bucket list”, but more importantly, to benefit others and make a difference in someone’s life.
I have joined The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training (TNT) program! TNT is a fundraising program that benefits The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Each year, they train 35,000+ runners, walkers, cyclists and triathletes for the event of their choice (marathon, ½ marathon, century bike ride or triathlon). The group has excellent coaches who provide a daily training schedule, advise on gear and nutrition, organize group runs, offer track workouts and keep the motivation level up with regular communication.
In return for their training and support, I have pledged to raise money to help fund research and support for blood cancer patients and their families. I have personally committed to raise $2,000 prior to the Denver Rock n Roll half Marathon on October 9!
Here are some facts about the diseases and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), who will benefit from my fundraising:
- LLS’s mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
- Leukemia is the number one disease killer of children, yet it affects 10 times as many adults!
- Every week 2,200 new people are diagnosed. In that same time frame, 1,050 patients lose their hard fought battle.
- Research sponsored by LLS has been the catalyst for the effective treatment of Hodgkin’s disease, lymphomas, and breast and lung cancer.
- Money Magazine has rated the society as one of the top ten charities in the US because more than 75% of the funds spend by the Society go directly to benefit research and patient services!
Please help support me in this challenge by generously contributing to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society! No donation is too big or too small, and they are all 100% tax deductible!
If day one of my training is any indication, getting across the finish line is, for me, quite a personal challenge (let’s be honest, I have never been a runner); however, my personal challenge is certainly nothing compared to what Kim and many others face everyday. I cannot make it without your enthusiasm, caring and financial support!
So I can track my fundraising, please mail (or make online) your contribution by July 8. Of course, if you need more time, I will be accepting donations until we CURE blood cancers! I really appreciate your support and will keep you posted on my progress!
Please also keep in mind that many corporations have matching programs and will match any donation you provide. It’s an easy way to double your contribution!
Thank you in advance for your consideration in supporting me in this effort. If you have questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact me, or check out the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society web page at www.lls.org.
Sincerely,
Christie Cotter
