"See LeLe Run...For A Cure"

"I Run for You...I Run for Life"

You are here because you already know I am training to run in the Maratona della citt`a di Roma Full Marathon (in Rome, Italy) as a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training.

You also know that I was very recently inspired by a song written by Melissa Etheridge about her battle with breast cancer. The song is powerful. It is inspiring. And they are the words I haven’t been able to get out of my head or my heart-center ever since I heard them.

“I run for hope. I run to feel. I run for the truth, for all that is real. I run for your mother, your sister, your daughter, your wife. I run for you and me my friend. I Run for Life.”

“I Run for Life” means I’m running 26.2 miles on March 18, 2007 to raise money for those who are battling blood cancers like Leukemia, Lymphoma, Hodgkin Lymphoma and Myeloma.

“I Run for Life” in memory of my friend’s sister, Barbara Bush. You will remember I spoke about Barbara last year. At age 53, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Multiple Myeloma and received a bone marrow/stem cell transplant in July, 2005. Although this treatment sent her cancer into remission, very sadly, Barbara passed away earlier this year, on her 54th birthday. It is in celebration of Barbara’s life that I dedicate this year’s training.

“I Run for Life” in honor of my brother Marty Perches. At age 44, he was diagnosed with Lymphoma and received successful treatment. Unfortunately, at age 46 the cancer returned and he received a stem cell transplant in August, 2004 and has been in remission ever since.

And this year, “I Run for Life” also means I’m in training to run in the PF Chang’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Arizona Half Marathon and I’m running 13.1 miles on January 14, 2007 as a member of TNT as well.

I need you to help me “Run for Life” too! Your gift is 100% tax deductible. 75% of my goal goes toward patient services and research for finding a cure. Please ask your family and friends to visit “SEE LELE RUN . . . FOR A CURE” too.

Thank you so very much for your time and for your donation. And please remember, ”I Run for You…I Run for Life”

With deepest gratitude and appreciation,

Leanne "LeLe" Patterson Porter