For Maria

Maria and Mario on their wedding day in 1992, with their son Mario Jr.

Last summer I decided to join the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team In Training to participate in the Nike Women's Marathon.  Unfortunately, I sustained injuries to both ankles during training that prohibited me from being able to run the Half-Marathon.  I was so disappointed, however Team in Training has allowed me to shift my fundraising and training efforts to a different event.  This season I've joined the Hike Team and am training for a one day hike adventure in the Grand Canyon.

I am enthusiastic about the spring season and challenging myself in a new way.  Our training consists of weekly Saturday hikes in Regional Parks, Coastal Trails, and Mts. around the bay area to prepare us for a 10 hour trek down and back up the Grand Canyon.  While the exact hiking trail I will take the day of my event is not chosen until closer to the event weekend, its sure to be breathtakingly beautiful and one unforgettable experience.

As I did in the previous season, I am hiking in honor of my late sister-in-law, Maria.  Maria lost her battle with cancer in 1993 at the age of 22.  Honoring Maria’s life is something very meaningful for both Martha and myself.  She is missed every day and no one should have to leave behind so many unlived moments.  It is Maria and my team honorees (people who are currently battling blood cancer or who are in remission) Bettina, Christina, Claus, Linda and Nelda who will get me out of bed every Saturday morning to train and give me the encouragement I need to push through the challenges ahead of me.  They are my beacon of strength leading me down the trail.
So, I find myself asking for your financial support.  Asking for money is never easy, at least for me, but I hope you will find it in your heart to contribute to the fight against blood cancers.  NO amount is too small!  Your support and encouragement means so very much to me and the men, woman and children fighting for their lives.

The money you donate not only goes to fund research, but it also financially helps families deal with the cost of hospital stays and medication, which (as many of you know) can be substantial. Furthermore, 100% of whatever amount you donate to LLS is tax-deductible. And you can rest assured knowing that 75% of every dollar you donate goes directly to fund research and patient services. That’s one of the highest percentages out there among charitable organizations. And if that doesn't inspire you, how about this: Leukemia is the No. 1 disease killer of children under 14 years of age and strikes 10 times as many adults.  I am hoping that my participation in Team In Training will help bring these people hope and support.  Once again, I am asking for your financial support in my pursuit to raise funds to find a cure for leukemia and other blood-related cancers.  

The easiest way to donate is to visit my fundraising page, where you can donate online, quickly and securely.  You will receive a confirmation of your donation by email and I will be notified as soon as you make your donation.  Or, if you prefer to send a check, you can email me and I will send you my home address.  Also, ask your employers (HR Dept) if they have a matching gift program.  Most companies do and that will double the value of your contribution!  Its a win-win situation.

You can also follow my training progress here on my blog.  Here I will be posting pictures of our weekly Saturday hikes and writing about how my training is progressing.

On behalf of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, thank you very much for your support.  I greatly appreciate your generosity.

A Million Times Thank You!!
Stephanie Dullanty