THE LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY MISSION STATEMENT:

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is a national voluntary health agency dedicated to curing leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improving the quality of life for patients and families.


I hope the grips of winter are loosening their hold as the prospect of spring approaches. Here in Colorado, I am facing icy weather on a daily basis because I have chosen to participate for a second time in an amazing adventure! On June 23, 2001, I will run 26.2 miles for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in Anchorage, Alaska.
For all of you who have just gasped in disbelief - - yes, this is a crazy ambition. But I am training and running this marathon for a very worthwhile cause. Every five minutes, someone in the United States learns they have leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma. This year, 4 in every 100,000 children between the ages of 2 and 10 were diagnosed with leukemia in the U.S. – leukemia takes more children’s lives than any other disease. So now you know the inspiration behind my goal! I am hoping to find enough sponsors for this race to raise at least $4400 in search for a cure.
I am also running in honor of Linda Stein, who is a graduate student at UNC in Fort Collins. She has been in remission for two years and is currently on course to finish her research in Gifted Education this June. She is an avid rock climber and horseback rider. From now until June, I am wearing a bracelet with her name on it to remind me of my purpose.
The best part about this entire program is that the Society has dedicated itself to being one of the top-rated voluntary health agencies in terms of dollars that directly fund its mission. This is based on their incredible return rate – over 75% of funds raised go directly toward research and to providing financial support to those who are dealing with this diseas. 20% of what is raised is used towards sending the participants to the marathon destinations, but I have chosen to donate that much myself, so all that I raise will go towards benefiting LLS.

Thank you to all who have helped with your encouragement and contributions. Your tax-duductible contribution will help bring us closer to finding a cure. If you would like to continue supporting this cause, please send your contributions to me at: Kari French, 1108 Alford #A, Fort Collins, CO 80524(Please make checks payable to the Leukemia Society of America, and add my name in the memo portion.) No matter how small the donation, every bit helps!