December 9, 2001

Dear Friends, Family, Neighbors, and Colleagues,


You may think this is an end-of-the-year update. It's even better - it's my first ever fundraising letter! I am writing to tell you about my latest adventure. I have made a commitment to walk the 37th Annual New Orleans Mardi Gras Half-Marathon on February 17th, 2002, with The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team in Training program. You may be asking yourself why I have decided to take this opportunity to train for a half-marathon AND undergo the challenge of raising money? Simple - because I want to help children and adults with blood-related cancers while at the same time get into shape!

I have joined 23,000 other runners, walkers, cyclists, cross-country skiers, duathletes, and triathletes across the country, training in honor of those suffering from leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma and Hodgkin's disease. Team in Training is a 3½ month endurance building and fundraising program that provides me with professional walking coaches and an extensive training regimen.

Leukemia is a malignancy of the blood forming tissues (bone marrow, lymph nodes, and spleen). It is the #1 disease killer of children under the age of 14. Lymphoma is the leading killer of women and men under the age of 35. Every week, approximately 1,900 new cases of leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma are diagnosed in this country, and another 1,100 Americans die from these diseases. There is no known way to prevent leukemia, but it can be treated effectively. Thanks in part to research funded by The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the survival rate for childhood leukemia has increased from 5% 25 years ago to 81% today.

I am walking for six honorees, one of which is my friend's 19 year-old son, John Sanchez, who was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) this past September. He is an aspiring chef with a keen sense of humor. He just graduated from Albany High School in June 2001, having been on both the football and wrestling teams. John is currently in the hospital for his second round of chemotherapy and hopes to be out in time for the holiday festivities. For more information on John and to read his daily journal entries, please check out his website at http://www.creativedifferences.com/john/index.html.

Now, I know you have been asking yourself, how does all of this affect me? Easy - I would like to offer you the opportunity to sponsor me in this truly worthwhile cause and my 4400+ hours of training -- walking, stretching, "mobility exercising", strength training, and everyone's favorite - abdominal work (don't we all love doing those crunches)!

My goals are to complete my very first half-marathon and raise at least $4000 to help fund research towards eradicating leukemia, lymphoma and other blood-related cancers in our lifetimes. Every donation counts! The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is committed to giving 75% of the money raised directly to fund research, patient services, professional education, advocacy, and community services for these blood-related diseases! 100% of any amount I receive over my minimum will go directly to the cause!

I want to thank you in advance for anything you can do to support The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Please complete the included sponsor form and return it to me with your 100% tax-deductible contribution by January 4th, 2002. As I complete the race, you will be with me in spirit, as you will with all those who need your help and who will benefit from your generosity!


Wishing you and your family a wonderful and peaceful holiday season and a very Happy New Year!


With sincere and heartfelt thanks,

Stephanie Cohen