Dear Friends and Family,

As many of you know, I turned the BIG 30 this year! To celebrate and maybe prove to myself that I’ve still got IT (ha ha) I have decided to do something bold!! I’m excited to announce that I am a member of the Dallas Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s TEAM IN TRAINING. I will be running the Nike Marathon in San Francisco, California on October 24, 2004. This wonderful organization helps train people for endurance events while also helping to raise money to find a cure for blood related cancers. I am really excited about the opportunity to help such a worthy cause. This will be a huge challenge for me (considering that right now 2 miles leaves me breathless), but I feel like the pain I may experience will be nothing compared to what blood related cancer patients experience on a daily basis.

My inspiration comes from my honored heroes, four members of my community that are battling various forms of leukemia. Landry (pictured on my right) is a four year old bundle of energy who was diagnosed with leukemia and is currently undergoing treatment. Duncan (pictured on my left) is a six year old boy who loves trains and cars and is undergoing treatment for leukemia. Ron Smith is a father of two who loves fishing and is currently in partial remission. Finally, Katherine Huber is a mom of four who is thankfully in remission. When I look at them, I think about how much they have already gone through and what it would mean to them if we were able to find a cure for this horrible disease.

I am writing to ask for your support. Over 75% of my personal goal of $3,200 will go back to The Society for research, patient services, advocacy & education. NO DONATION IS TOO GREAT OR SMALL...every bit helps! If you are unable to contribute financially at this time, I ask that you keep me & all involved in your prayers. That, too, will make a huge difference.

Thanks for your support and prayers.

April