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Dear Friends and Family,

You can call it a mid-life crisis, a brain-fade or a certifiable act if you want. But the fact is that I, [Your Name], poster child of the sedentary, will complete the 100-mile bicycle ride at Lake Tahoe's, Americas Most Beautiful Bike Ride on [Date Here], to raise funds and awareness for research leading to a cure for leukemia and related cancers.

Leukemia is a malignancy of the blood-forming tissues – bone marrow, lymph nodes and spleen. It appears as uncontrolled multiplication of abnormal blood cells. When leukemia strikes, millions of abnormal and useless white blood cells accumulate in the tissues, preventing the production of normal cells. It is estimated that leukemia and its related cancers will strike over 100,000 Americans this year. Every week 1,155 Americans will lose their lives to this disease. Leukemia is the number one killing disease of children, yet affects 10 times as many adults. The cause of leukemia remains unknown. However, the effectiveness of recently developed treatment methods and steady advances in research bring us closer every day to finding the cause of leukemia and related cancers and probable cures.

Last year my family was devastated by the diagnosis, treatment and eventual death of my brother's wife, Sarah Roberts, from complications common to leukemia. Despite the physical pain, emotional strain and ultimate loss of this vibrant 47 year-old wife and mother of two teenagers, the family received much-needed information and support made possible by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Representing my family, I want to give something back. I will be walking to honor Sarah and also for Tony Gaidano, a 12-year-old boy diagnosed with leukemia at age 2. After 5 years of chemotherapy, Tony is now healthy, and like my 12-year-old son, he is a sports nut. Through the programs of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Tony has a chance to live. My goal and commitment is to help others get that chance.

As a member of Team In Training, I have a coach, a training program and over 50 teammates to support me. I have committed to train every day with team trainings on the weekends, and I've promised to raise $4,000 in donations to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I AM MOTIVATED! I AM COMMITTED!! I WILL DO IT!!! (Watch your mail for my post-marathon news update.)

By now I hope you agree with me about the importance of this cause. Please help support me by giving generously. Seventy-five percent of all funds go directly to research, and your contribution is tax deductible. Contributing money is a powerful way to be involved when you cannot give your time. If your company matches charitable contributions, please include matching forms with your donation. Of course, your good wishes and positive vibes to sustain me in my training and your heaps of praise as I cross the finish line will also be graciously accepted.

With my sincere thanks,

[Your Name Here]