On April 25th, 2004 I will be running the New Jersey Marathon, and for a reason much more important than the personal challenge of completing my first marathon.

As a participant of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's TEAM IN TRAINING (www.teamintraining.org/nyc), I have pledged to train on behalf of Dina Feivelson and Jeremy Hamblin, two amazing individuals who have been affected by blood cancers. They are our motivation and our constant reminder that the ultimate finish line we are striving to cross, is a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma and other blood related cancers.

Research is imperative in helping The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society find cures for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma. The research has proven to be enormously beneficial for the potential cures for other forms of cancer. For instance, bone marrow transplants as well as chemotherapy (the backbone for treatment of most forms of cancer) originates from leukemia research.

My goal, besides making it through the marathon, is to raise $2,600 dollars by April 25th. 75% of your donations will go to research, patient services, advocacy and education! The remaining covers my training, transportation and lodge during the event.

So, please join me in adding a grain of sand by contributing to this cause. THINK BIG and give as generously as you can. A contribution of $50 dollars or more would mean so much in fighting these diseases.

For more information on how to donate, please click the link "donate" on the top left of this page.

Thank you in advance for your generosity.