Dear Friend of LLS,

I write today with the good news that The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) has received a research challenge grant.

An anonymous friend of LLS will match $100,000 in donations made by December 31st to support an important research focus - to reduce the long-term and late effects of some of today's intensive treatments. 

Cure rates for many blood cancer patients have improved dramatically in past decades. But harsh treatments that save lives can come with a cost. Too many cancer survivors experience long-term negative effects from their treatments. Some are chronic conditions that affect quality of life. Others, which might occur years later, can be life threatening.

What patients need now is for current therapies to be made less harmful without sacrificing their effectiveness. This matching challenge will help accomplish that.

Best of health,
John E. Walter
President & CEO

Yesterday I went and cheered for two of my friends at the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco.  The two of these girls raised money in honor of Paul Ruel as well.  Between the three of us over the last two years we've raised over $13,000. That is hard to wrap my brain around sometimes.  

Sure, you've probably given blood before, but its difficult for some.  I've always had a hard time with needles, incisions, blood etc. and so has my brother.  I only joined the bone marrow registry set on on the fact that I would over come this fear.  I had to get blood work done twice this year and when i went, I just tried to focus on my music, never once looking down.  It seemed to work for the most part so I finally decided to make my donation appointment.  Last Thursday, I went in and didn't even break a sweat.  Next step platelets.  I have to get comfortable with this kind of thing for the chance that I ever get that phone call from the bone marrow registry saying "you are a match, will you donate?"  If you ever have to get a bone marrow transplant, there is less than a 30% chance of someone being a match in your family.  If you have an opportunity to be someone's miracle, wouldn't you conquer your fears to make it possible?  I know on a personal level how valuable blood, platelets and marrow can be to someone, so I have to do this.  I have to do it for Paul.

Here is the course map for Saturday:

A week from now I will be in Monterey carb loading and mentally prepping myself for the race.  Its officially only a week a way....crazy.  I got my race jersey yesterday, and the nerves have begun to set in a liiiiitle bit for my first triathlon. 

Your donations truly are powerful and have proven to add on years to the lives of patients with blood cancers just like my friend Paul.  The question I repeatedly find myself asking since the day Paul died, is "If I had the chance to extend the lives of other peoples loved ones, to what extent would I go to make it happen?"  Team In Training/The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) provides an outlet for me to help keep your loved ones around longer.  This read really shows how powerful the LLS has been over the last 20 years in advancing the treatments of blood cancer patients.  Our fundraising DOES have an impact on peoples lives.  We are not just finding cures, but also advancing treatments.  Your donations matter.

Less than three weeks away till the tri and time is rapidly winding down.  This week is supposed to be my last week to get all my donations in, so help a sista out! http://pages.teamintraining.org/sj/pactri09/almanjoy16

One of the things I often shared last year was music that reminded me of Paul because music was a huge part of Paul's life.  Sorry for my slackin' this year.  You can expect some Red Hot Chili Peppers soon.