You may or may not know me. My name is Julie Lanford, I'm doing the 25 mile Polar Bear Ride for Courage and raising $5,000 for Cancer Services in honor of Linda Miller. For those of you familiar with Linda, you know the impact she has had on many people affected by cancer! Linda was first diagnosed with Breast Cancer 20 years ago this past April. After her diagnosis, she started volunteering at Cancer Services. Linda used her gift of care and compassion to offer peer support and advocacy for others experiencing a diagnosis.

Her work as a volunteer soon turned into a paid position and Cancer Services' Patient Advocacy program was formed. Today this team consists of 6 staff members and provides an invaluable service including support, information, financial and physical assistance all at no charge!

I first heard about Linda and the care she provides while I was working as a dietitian at Forsyth Regional Cancer Center in Winston-Salem, NC. Many of my co-workers told me about Cancer Services as well as Linda's care for patients. In fact, they talked about Linda so much that I thought she ran the place!

In March 2008 I had the privilege of coming to work alongside Linda at Cancer Services as wellness director. It is clear after talking to clients and volunteers at our agency and in the community that Linda has made a HUGE impact for many! In Nov. 2008 Linda retired from Cancer Services after 15 years of service. It is estimated that Linda has helped at least 50,000 survivors in our area!

Linda is currently going through treatment for recurrence of her cancer. This is the 4th time that she has fought it, and like many others, I wish there was something I could do. While I cannot make the cancer go away, I wanted a unique way to honor her. Therefore, I will be riding the Polar Bear Ride for Courage while raising valuable funds to continue her legacy.

Please join me in honoring Linda and consider giving a tax-deductible donation to Cancer Services. The support that was started with Linda cannot continue without funds to support it! Cancer Services is a local non-profit agency and United Way partner agency. Of every dollar, 90 cents goes directly to client services! Only 10% of our budget is used for administration and fundraising. You won't have to worry; your donation will be used wisely to help those in need!

I would appreciate your support by December 19th as I will be riding on Jan 1st. You can donate online or send a check made out to Cancer Services to 3175 Maplewood Ave, W-S, NC 27103. Simply put ‘Julie and Linda’ in the memo line.

All donors will receive a thank you note autographed by Linda and myself! For anyone donating $100 or more, you will receive a bracelet or earrings handmade by me!

Thank you so much for your support!

Sincerely, Julie