I am writing to let you know about my latest endeavor, training to run a Team in Training half-marathon being held on September 17, 2006 in Maui.  My personal goal is to run all thirteen miles and to raise $4,000.00 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).  Lofty goals to be sure but I am confident that I will succeed.   I realize that at age 50 (how time flies) if I’m ever to become a runner, I better get going. I am fortunate to be participating in this event with my daughter, Stephanie.

This is my second Team in Training event – In 2001 I walked 26.2 miles in Nashville and again raised funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  I was inspired to walk the Country Music Marathon in memory of my mom, who died of lymphoma in 1993, my father-in-law who died in 1998 of myeloma, and my daughter’s father-in-law, who died in 1997 from lymphoma. This time feels even more important because of my sister, Laurie, she has been successfully battling lymphoma for the past several years and my  hope is that a cure will be found, for Laurie and thousands of others.

In addition, the research for a cure for blood related cancers often leads to treatments which help other cancers. This makes fund raising for the LLS doubly significant to me this season as my husband, Ray, recently completed his successful treatment for prostate cancer, including a clinical trial at Stanford.  As you can imagine, the LLS work funded by Team in Training means so much to me and to my family.

Team in Training is the world’s largest endurance sports training program and the leading fundraising campaign of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. 75% of all funds raised by Team in Training are used by LLS for research for cures for blood related cancers, (leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma) and to fund patient services. 

Our first training was on Saturday, June 17, our goal was one mile and we were timed. My time was 11 minutes and 20 seconds. I visualize myself as the “tortoise”, slow but persistent.  Several times each week until the event the running team will meet for training to increase our endurance and hopefully for me, to improve my time. I am up for the physical challenge and am asking for your support.

Please help me reach my goal of raising $4,000.00 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Attached is a form for you to complete and mail to me with your donation should you choose to contribute, my goal date is August 15, 2006.                                                                                   

Every contribution makes a difference.  I sincerely appreciate your support.

Aloha,

Diane Gullings