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Dear Friends, Neighbors and Family:

I have committed to train for my second sports endurance event! I have joined the Leukemia and Lymphoma SocietyÕs (LLS) Team in Training and have begun training for another century ride, a one-day, 100+-mile bike ride around Lake Tahoe in early June.

The LLS is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to cure blood cancers (leukemia, lymphoma, HodgkinÕs lymphoma, and myeloma) and improve the lives of patients and their families. The society provides funding for research, advocacy, and patient/community service programs. I learned about how well-run this organization is in 2004 when I participated in the ÒTour de TucsonÓ bike fundraiser. Over 75% of the funds raised by my Team will go directly towards research and patient services. This time IÕm also paying my own air & hotel charges, so even more of what I raise will go to fight cancer. The sooner the funds are raised, the sooner they can be applied to life-saving research.

Every five minutes someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with a form of blood cancer; every nine minutes, someone dies from such a disease. My very good friend, Maritza Braga-Brown, is a survivor of HodgkinÕs disease. She has reminded me of the importance of research to the lives of many people with these kinds of cancers. Since she finished chemo, Maritza has participated in two LLS endurance events, and she has inspired me to do my part.

Every mile I ride, dollar I raise, and flat tire I fix will be in honor of all the cancer patients I have known. I am sure you have been affected by cancer and that you wish to help me race for the cure.

I am counting on you to help me reach my goal, but more importantly, to help save lives! Your donation is 100% tax deductible. You will receive a receipt for your tax records from LLS. I appreciate any support you can provide—including moral support! If you would like to write a check, make it out to ÒLLSÓ and get it back to me in the return envelope. I collect these and send them in batches to LLSÕ office in Ohio. If you would prefer to donate online, go to my fundraising page on the secure Team in Training site www.active.com/donate/tntwaak/ Check out my page either way, as you can track my fundraising progress!

Best wishes for a great summer!

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

[email]