Drawing to a Close

Wow, what an amazingly successful summer of fundraising! My event, the Seattle Rock N Roll Marathon is just a little over a week away and now I'm tapering and preparing mentally as well as physically, trying to stay low key and get my massages in.

On the fundraising front, a shout out to all that made such generous donations in this time of economic hardship. I know from my own financial situation it couldn't have been easy and thus it is appreciated with much ardor. If you haven't had a chance to donate, my website is still open and donations can be accepted until mid-July (http://pages.teamintraining.org/wa/rnrseatl09/awestwood).

Here's a little tidbit to tell what your donations can accomplish:

-$50 will register 1 person to be a bone marrow donor.

-$100 will pay for the cost of 4 patient's chemotherapy drug prescription co-payments.

-$300 will train 25 peer volunteers who can provide emotional support to newly diagnosed patients.

-$500 will provide patient aid to a person with Leukemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma or Hodgkin's disease for a year.

-$1000 allows patients to meet with health care specialists to design and discuss their disease, treatment plan and prepare them with the info they will need during the treatment process

And even $5 can make a difference! Next time you feel you need Starbuck's, remember what that one day's latte can provide! So many children and adults have been saved by even the smallest donation!

As far as the Washington/Alaska Chapter of TNT, for the summer season (which runs January to June) as of two weeks ago we had raised $770,000. The Seattle group alone running the Seattle RNR has raised a half a million dollars...yes $500,000!

And now I have a request for each of you! Cuz I haven't asked enough already, but this is super easy. Each season on my jersey I tack on ribbons for those that have been afflicted by blood cancers! My goal this year is at least 50 ribbons. So if you have a loved one that has been touched by blood cancer, whether it be directly or indirectly, please let me know so that I can wear a ribbon for them.

You are all amazing and I am so honored to be running for your friends, family and loved ones! Thanks for supporting this cause and know that many lives are being saved due to your generosity!

GO TEAM!