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Dear Friends, Many of you are already familiar with the work of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), and its fundraising program, Team in Training (TNT). The society’s mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma and Hodgkin’s disease, to fund research and to improve the lives of patients and their families. TNT coaches individuals for endurance events and in return those individuals commit to raising money for the Society. I am writing to ask for your help and your support for my current undertaking: I joined the TNT program in May and I have committed to a two-fold challenge: to raise at least $3000 and to take part in the Nike Women’s marathon in San Francisco in October. My relationship to this cause is very personal… On September 18th 2001 my daughter, Marissa was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), the most common of all blood cancers. 2 years 7 months of chemotherapy treatment followed, which ended on May 4th 2004 with Marissa in remission. We have recently celebrated three years “off treatment”. Our family is so fortunate that 85% of children treated for ALL today are able to live normal, healthy lives. Just 60 years ago, only 4% of children diagnosed with ALL were expected to survive. The advances in research have been huge, but the fact remains: every five minutes, someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer. This is why I have committed to taking on this challenge. To be truthful, the thought of attempting a marathon fills me with fear (I am not an athletic type!). I remember the fear and dread that Marissa experienced before each session of chemotherapy and each blood test. More important, I remember her courage and cheerfulness through those many months of her young life; and that is all the motivation I need… she is truly an inspiration! I look forward to the day when a cure is found for all blood cancers, the day when families no longer have to suffer the ordeals of chemotherapy treatment or the loss of a loved one. So I run for that moment…and I run to represent and honor Marissa, who is now thriving, and for all the many others who are still fighting the battle and who need our help… and for YOU, too!!…so many of you have been a resource and a miraculous revelation in my experience… Your donation will benefit the lives of many… I ask for your financial support, no amount is too small. It is like the Run For Life…. everyone does participate at some point, each person is moved ahead by the effort, and I want you to know that I deeply appreciate and will acknowledge you during this Marathon to help find a cure for all blood cancers. Please visit my website at http://www.active.com/donate/tntsvmb/tntsvmbCShaffe to contribute on-line. Alternatively, contact me at 469-0838 or at zebraparis@sbcglobal.net. If you would like me to pay tribute to someone in your life who has been affected by leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma or any other form of cancer, please let me know. I will add their name(s) to my honoree bracelet that I will wear during the marathon. Thank you so much for your support. It means everything to me! |
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Marissa in 2001, aged 2 yrs 11 months, receiving intravenous chemotherapy at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, Stanford |
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Marissa today, a healthy 8 year-old, |
