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Dear Family and Friends,

You wonÕt believe what IÕm going to do! This is such an exciting opportunity - I want to share it with you!

On November 19, 2005 I will participate in El Tour de Tucson in Tucson, Arizona as a member of the Leukemia & Lymphoma SocietyÕs Team in Training program. I will cycle 111 miles for my honoree Matthew Feliciano (no relation to Jose) who has been battling Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma for the past 6 years.

Matthew was diagnosed with the disease in April of 1999, went through 6 months of intense chemotherapy and was declared in remission in December of 1999.  He had almost 3 years of remission before having a recurrence.  So the story goes, more chemotherapy, remission and then another recurrence in 2003.  Matthew has been a huge proponent for raising funds to find a cure.  While all this was going on with his health, he has also been a member of Team in Training and has completed 3 century rides.  He is truly an inspiration to us all.

Training for a century ride is a very big challenge for me, but nothing compared to the challenges faced by Matt. Whenever I feel discouraged and think I can't go another mile, I look at my wristband and know that I can go another mile. I have chosen this challenge and can stop and rest, but Matt will have no rest from this challenge. God has blessed me with a healthy and strong body so that I can use it, which I believe is to help others.

Through intensive research, enormous strides are being made in Leukemia and Lymphoma treatments. Research is the path to the cure, and your donation will make that happen. More than 75% of the money raised by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society goes directly to fund research and provide family support services. In addition to cycling 111 miles, I have committed to raising $3,800 towards finding the cure for Leukemia, Lymphoma and other cancers.

Please ride with me! Your support, encouragement, and prayers will keep me going; your donation will help Matt and all the others that have to suffer with these diseases. I have enclosed a self addressed stamped return envelope for your convenience. Please mail your tax-deductible contribution by September 30th.  You can also visit my website at http://www.active.com/donate/tntwaak/tntwaak/ if you would prefer to make a secure online donation.  You can also come back often and watch my progress!  I really appreciate your support for this worthy cause.  Please remember me in your prayers during my training and on November 19th as I ride 111 miles, as well as Matt while he continues his battle against cancer.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]