Tucson or Bust
Why I'm Riding My Bike 109 Miles in One Day
We learned in 2001 that my mother has chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Fortunately, this is often one of the slowest-developing forms of this life-threatening disease. Mom remains, for now, symptom free, though her lymphocyte count continues to increase. The whole family has become active supporters of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and Mom is now a member of their Westchester chapter's board.
Nearly three-quarters of a million Americans have blood cancers: leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma. Every five minutes, someone new is diagnosed with blood cancer. Every ten minutes, someone dies. Leukemia is the leading cause of cancer death among children and young adults under the age of 20.
But thanks to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, founded in 1949, hundreds of millions of dollars have been raised and devoted to research, education and advocacy, and patient services. Society-funded research has contributed to many breakthrough cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, bone-marrow and stem-cell transplantation, and new, targeted oral therapies. But there is still no cure.
So I am training to participate in "El Tour de Tucson," a 109-mile bike ride in Arizona on November 17, as a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training. All of us on Team In Training are raising funds to help stop these diseases from taking more lives. I'm completing this event in honor not just of Mom, but of all individuals who are battling blood cancers. These people are the real heroes on our team, and we need your support. My goal is to raise $100 for every mile I'm going to ride - $10,900 total.
Please sponsor my ride by giving as generously as you can. All gifts are 100% tax deductible. You can make a secure gift on this Web page with a credit card, or send a check to me at 339 E. 88th St., Apt. 2R, New York, NY 10128, made out to "The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society."
Please also follow the progress of my training and fundraising by visiting my Team in Training blog frequently, at Tucson or Bust. Thanks for your support!
