IronMel 2006: The Road to Lake Placid
Racing to Save Lives
Here I go again… Another Ironman. Why? Because blood cancers (leukemia, lymphoma, etc.) still exist. For most of you, this should come as no surprise, and I hope that I can count on you for your continued support.
What is this all about?
- I train for an endurance race with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team-in-Training (TNT).
- The race: IronMan USA in Lake Placid, NY on July 23, 2006
- 2.4 mile swim
- 112 mile bike
- 26.2 mile run
- All done in one day in 17 hours or less.
In return I raise money to fund research and patient services. This year I have agreed to raise $8600.00. 75% of all money raised goes directly to these services. This is amongst the highest percentage of all non-profit charities.
Why race?- An estimated 747,465 Americans are living with blood cancers.
- Approximately every five minutes, someone is diagnosed; approximately 114,530 new cases are expected this year.
- Every 10 minutes, someone dies from blood cancers– an estimated 54,480 deaths in 2005.
- The likelihood of dying from leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma decreased from 1992 to 2002 (the last year data were available).
- Life-saving research of blood cancers often lead to improved treatment of other cancers.
I am not asking for much, but your contribution can make a huge difference in the lives of patients and their families. Whether it is $10 or $10,000, any amount that you can donate would bring us one step closer to a cure. Once again, your donation is 100% tax-deductible. You employer may also be able to provide company matching, such that a donation of $50 could easily turn into $100. I thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Rommel Suratos
